Polygraph

Give us your elevator pitch on what you do?

We’re usually pretty quiet in elevators! We’re creative people doing creative things. We’re a visual communication firm that focuses mainly on brand, print and editorial design. Our goal is to do memorable and meaningful work and we love what we do.

What do you look for in a graduate?

Thoughtfulness, agility and attention to detail. Strong layout work is a must and the ability to work effectively and meticulously with type is a huge differentiator. We see some amazing art direction and experimentation coming out of school, but it has to be grounded in solid, conceptual thought and executed to perfection. Passion, rigor, great communication skills and the desire to grow, go a long way too.

What is the design landscape like in your city and where do you fit in?

It’s a great time to be a creative in DC. When we set up shop in 2011 we were the scrappy newcomer with a lot to prove, and there were just a handful of studios producing consistently great work, so we saw extraordinary potential. Those firms are now pretty well-established, and there’s a lot of young motivated designers breaking out right now. The design community in DC continues to grow, and we’re constantly trying to do our part to raise expectations for the city.

What are some of the biggest lessons you’ve learnt along the way?

1. Style can’t be the only goal. Stylish becomes passé. Thoughtful is evergreen.
2. Good design sells itself.
3. Learning how and when to say “no” to a project is an incredibly hard, but essential lesson for the survival of a small shop.
4. Having a client that values creativity is better than having a “creative” project.