Describe the Ideal Candidate in three words PASSIONATE / POTENTIAL / SUPERHIGHINTEGRITY
What’s the most common mistake people make when they apply for jobs? Lack of preparation in every sense. Not researching the company, not considering why they would be an asset to the company, not having pertinent questions at the ready. If one can’t prepare for a simple interview, how can one be expected to prepare work for a client?
What’s the best question anyone’s asked you in an interview? Why would you choose me?
What’s more important, experience or enthusiasm? To take your words at face value, we would say “enthusiasm”. Only because one can have years of experience and be a lousy designer. If you had asked, “Which is more important, talent or enthusiasm?” that would have been a much more difficult question.
What’s the one thing a potential employee can do that will impress you? Think of an out of the box way to present one’s work. For example, ten years ago we met renowned fashion photographer Ben Watts. He was essentially just starting out. Instead of bringing his formal portfolio, he brought a sort of scrap book of hip hop photos that he had taken at clubs throughout NYC. Alongside the images, there were doodles, notations and other artistic additions to the pages. Ironically, unlike a large format, full-bleed portfolio, the book did not show his photography in its best light. What it did show however was a concept, in-depth knowledge of a specific culture, and passion. Of all the photographers’ work we’ve seen over the years, many of whom are recognised as the best in the industry, Ben’s scrapbook still stands out. The same is true of many of the designers we hire. In many cases, one common element they possess were out of the box presentations of their work.
How important is it for a candidate to fit in with your company culture? It is absolutely critical. Our business is all about the people. Kind, intelligent, motivated, down-to-earth, honest, talented people. By hiring candidates that reflect these values and characteristics, we ensure that we will build an attractive company for the future.
Base was founded 1993 by Dimitri Jeurissen, Juliette Cavenaile and Thierry Brunfaut in Brussels, Belgium. It employs 50 people across 5 offices (Brussels, NY, Santiago, Madrid and Barcelona). Base is multidisciplinary in the truest sense: strategy, art direction, graphic design, motion graphics & film, typeface design, creative writing. Past and present clients include: Culture & Contemporary Art: Museum of Modern Art, Children's Museum of the Arts, Gagosian Gallery, Palais des Beaux-Arts Brussels, Grand Palais, Reina Sofia, La Casa Encendida, Haus der Kunst, Rives de Saone, Gwangju Biennial. Fashion and Beauty: Kiki de Montparnasse, Chanel, PUMA, Adidas, Camper, Delvaux, 3x1, Superfine, YSL Beauté. Education: Wellesley College, Barnard College, Polimoda, La Cambre. Governmental: Belgian Socialist Party, European Socialist Party, French Embassy in the United States, Danish Consulate in the United States.