Mid-Ocean News - May 8, 2009
By Alex Scrymgeour
WHEN Philip Trott graduated college a few years ago he knew that his - and Bermuda's - future would be linked to the ongoing technological revolution. The graphic and web designer saw vast opportunity in the growing technological and graphic design field and once out of college he went to work for international advertising company Saatchi & Saatchi.
"I went to work for Saatchi and Saatchi immediately upon graduating college for four years," said Mr. Trott. "I moved to emedia in September 2006 to get to more hands on projects. The smaller company attracted me because there were more responsibilities and there was room for growth.
"At emedia I do print work and graphic design. I help to oversee the look and feel of the various website projects we're working on, how the design and colours will blend.
"I then hand the design over to the website development manager Bridget. Bridget is very good at what she does. She has a lot of talent. Emedia has gone to a whole other level since we hired her."
Mr. Trott said getting the proper training is vital to finding work in today's job market.
"For college, I went to University of Miami," he said. "After studying communications I switched to graphic design. I received a BA in graphic design with a minor in computer information systems.
"I didn't start design until three years into college. I was always good at art and when I realised that in college I got into graphic design because I thought I would like it and I really enjoy what I do."
Mr. Trott, who does community service through the international fraternity Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Incorporated of which he is a member, said he has worked on any number of memorable projects since starting at emedia.
"One project I liked and which came out closest to my vision involved the Argus Health Fair vertical displays I designed for last year," he said. "I also designed the Argus Booth display and designed the label for the Argus water bottle that they were giving out at the health fair."
Mr. Trott had some inspirational words for Bermudians thinking of getting into the new media industry.
"You can do a lot and teach yourself a lot on your own," he said. "However, if you want a job here in Bermuda you need to get training and a degree because agencies only hire those who have a degree.
"I was lucky because when I got out of college with my degree I got a job right away because there is a real need for Bermudian web designers. Learn print and web design. Print design could be your bread and butter at some point."