INDUSTRIAL DESIGN: students need more than portfolio advice

A lot of students trying to break into industrial design get told to sketch better, render cleaner, and explain their process clearly. That matters, but it isn't enough.

They also need people who can help them build judgment, handle ambiguity, talk about the work, and understand the profession before they have to figure it out alone.

That's why I'm proud to see Industrial Designers International become an official affiliate of the Sparks Mentorship Program through SetFire Foundation. Students pursuing ID can now connect with experienced mentors through a free, one-on-one program.

If you're a student, apply through Sparks and select Industrial Designers International. If you're an experienced industrial designer, consider becoming a mentor.

Let’s make the profession less opaque for the people coming up behind us.