We catch-up with Helen Rice one of the master minds behind Portland/Charleston based studio Fuzzco. Helen shares with us what they look for in an ideal grad, all her super cool side projects and what a typical day at the office is like.
Where did you study and what were some of your first jobs?
I studied Studio Art at Macalester College in St. Paul, MN. After college I pursued painting and supplemented my income tutoring and waitressing. I started Fuzzco with my partner (now husband) Josh Nissenboim a year after we graduated college, it was my first and has really been my only real job.
What does a typical working day include for you right now?
A lot of creative direction - checking in on multiple projects a day, corresponding with clients, working with the team to develop internal projects, conducting interviews with potential hires and generally planning for the future of the business.
What qualities and skills to you look for in a graduate?
I look for attention to detail, responsiveness and style. I love people who are excited about every opportunity, who don’t think any project or task is below them and someone who isn’t satisfied with standard work or standard ways of thinking. I love people who take it upon themselves to get something right, someone who can spot errors or inconsistencies and figures out what to do about it. I really value the simple act of getting something done, well.
Any passion projects you would like to share?
We are working on developing a perfume with MCMC fragrances. I’m obsessed with perfume and it’s been a real dream working with Anne. We can’t wait to announce it!
Get as much experience doing as many different things as you can. The more you know about how things work in the world, the more equipped you’ll be to succeed.
What advice would you give students starting out?
Get as much experience doing as many different things as you can. The more you know about how things work in the world, the more equipped you’ll be to succeed.
Whats on the cards professionally and personally in the next 12 months?
Professionally - Continuing to develop brands, websites and content for technology companies, lifestyle brands and emerging businesses. We’ve also got lots of internal projects launching in 2016 including our perfume.
Personally - Petting my three black cats and hanging out with my husband and friends.
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