| • |
I read and made notes on the recommended
materials; searched the Internet for further resources; studied
with colleagues and made full use of the RGD handbook. |
| • |
Studying for the test was not too difficult,
I suppose it depends on how long you have been out of school.
The most challenging aspect was finding out about Canadian design
work. |
| • |
Unfortunately, I did not prepare as well as I
should have, as a recent heavy workload cut into my prep time.
|
| • |
I bought The Business of Graphic Design.
A Professional’s Handbook and found this book informative
in all areas of the graphic design business. |
| • |
I visited the Reference Library where I found
some of the recommended books. I organized my schedule to have
more time for studying and reading. |
| • |
I not only brushed up on my existing knowledge,
but also learned new facts in history and business relations.
I now have a “wider angle view” on the design process
as a business, not only as a visual and communication art. |
| • |
I studied from most of the books on the reading
list provided and some other design books I had. I found some
information was a refresher but I did learn some new things.
A main challenge was finding enough time to study, given that
I have a very hectic work schedule. |
| • |
I started to prepare for the exam in February,
creating notes while reviewing the material. The material was
extensive. There were so many sources to choose from - not only
did I use books graduated from but also used books listed with
RGD Ontario. |
| • |
The most rewarding part of preparing for the
exam was that I found myself implementing the information I
was studying into design situations at work. Refreshing my knowledge
of design principles and even design history enhanced the way
I approached a project. Another reward was going through the
RGD Professional Handbook. It gave me more insight into the
business aspect of graphic design which I did not realize was
so extensive and I became more appreciative of my employer’s
responsibilities. |
| • |
Studying was interesting – to say the least.
It had been a while since the last time I cracked open the books
and I worked hard for a test. I would say the biggest challenge
was finding the time. I was commuting 3 or so hours a day to
work, putting in a solid day, and then coming home to study.
The rewards however were great. It has been few years since
I opened up the Meggs book (The History of Graphic Design).
It was great review. Learning the business practices in a more
detailed way was great – especially for someone interested
in starting a business in the next few years. |
| • |
I was very happy to hear that the questions were
multiple choice. This way of testing made us all equal. Either
you knew the information (or could look it up) or you did not.
Short answers or essay questions would be affected by how nervous
and intimidated the applicants were and an applicant could misunderstand
the question and not find out until he/she sees the results. |
| • |
The written test was well-ordered and thoroughly
(yet succinctly) explained by supervisors. |
| • |
I was nervous before the test. I did not know
how difficult the questions would be, but, once I started and
was going through the questions, my spirits lifted and I was
able to focus on completing the test. I found I was happier
with my performance on the closed book part of the test than
the open book part. |
| • |
The booklets, answer sheet and instructions were
all straightforward and easily understood. |
| • |
The individuals presiding over the test were
very helpful and thoughtful of the applicants’ needs. |
| • |
A test is a test, is a test; absorb everything
possible prior to writing. |
| • |
Locate relevant texts early. Buying on-line is
workable, but shipping does not guarantee timely arrival. |
| • |
Make sure you have enough time to fully prepare. |
| • |
Plan your test and your time. Find extra time
for preparation, use every minute. Use different sources such
as magazines, web, libraries. |
| • |
I encourage everyone to take the test. |
| • |
Study everything you can get your hands on especially
the books listed on the web site. Even though only part of the
information will be on the test, you and your design work will
benefit from learning all of it. I believe that history was
the most important learning experience from my studying. |
| • |
I would suggest that you start a month or so
early, just reading the books. Marking all of the important
topics/events/concepts/ideas as you go. Once you’ve marked,
it’s really easy to go back and study each section. After
all the books are marked, or notes are taken, I would recommend
concentrating on the topics in the closed book section. If you
can’t get through all of the open book section material
too thoroughly, you’ll at least have them well noted. |
| • |
It is not as intimidating as it all sounds. |
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