[evatious]

Hello,

I’m considering moving to HK later this year from NZ and have just started looking into things. Any general advice on job hunting and living in HK would be greatly appreciated. I’d love to make some friends too.

all about me:

I’m 30, have an honours degree in ID and a BA in English literature (both fairly recently acquired) and previous to that I worked as a jewellery and accessories designer in London and Paris. I have dual citizenship (NZ & UK)

I’m looking for a product design job with a focus on architectural products, furniture and light design. I’m not against taking a position as a jewellery designer but this would be a second choice. I've just started to job hunt but I wonder what the chances are of finding a job once I get there? or should I try and line something up before arrival?

Things I'm into include:
• Architecture • Photography • Painting • Ceramics • Design • Sewing
• Embroidery • Corsetry • Weaving • Jewellery • Yoga • Writing • Travelling
• Gardening • Vintage clothing • Art deco green things

I'd love to meet up with people if they're into any of my interests too!

Thanks in advance for any advice.

Eve

[evatious]

Did I mention I will happily bake for people who give me good advice? I have recipes for anzac biscuits and afghans somewhere around here... Great advice might even warrant chocolate cake... or a pav...

Food bribery anyone?

[captaincleanoff]

im into sowing, cros-stiching and weaving. drop me a line

[evatious]

Hi, thanks for replying. It would be great to meet up with someone who is a bit crafty too. If I make it to Hong Kong it will be great to have a few friendly people around.

The more I look into working over there the more daunting it seems. If I'm able to find a company who will sponsor me I'll be thrilled but that may be difficult. I'm thinking of approaching a few international firms who have offices in China too (like IDEO) so where I end up is a bit vague at the moment...

I'll keep you posted

[tonkfodder]

Hi

Moved over here 8 weeks from Sydney where I used run an Industrial Design company working mainly on sporting products, elctronics packaging etc... Dont be daunted about finding work over here. My experience is there is a shortage of skilled product designers here.

My thoughts would be to at least try and line up some potential companies before coming here but even better to find a job beforehand. Not sure of your position but have you though about coming over here for a week or two and doing some interviews?. Some of the jobs websites may be able to give some help. (www.jobsdb.com,www.51jobs.com,www.monster.com)

Also same as everywhere the key is trying to work out what skills you have that are sellable and what you need to get upto speed on. Chinese could be an advantage as most companies will manufacture there. The other thing which is worth looking at is your computer skills even if you need to do some extra work or exagerate a little.

Other thoughts are talk to some recruitment agents, stay away from design companies until last resort as they tend to approached by everyone. Better to try to find companies in the industry you want to work.

[evatious]

I will bake for you! (if I make it there)

What kind of work are you doing in Hong Kong now?

My main concern is that even though I have lots of experience in Jewellery and high-end fashion I haven’t had a “product design” job. I’ve been tutoring design and architecture students since graduating last year. My portfolio is extremely varied and my CV is the same.

I’ve just signed up with Jobsdb and I would certainly consider flying over for a week or two to meet with interested parties (although I’m fairly poor after the whole studying-forever-will-I-ever-finish thing)

strengths?
- My computer skills are pretty good in general and I pick up programs fairly quickly when necessary - Solidworks, Vectorworks, Photoshop and Freehand being my main ones.
- I like to make things, I’ll draw/scribble them too, and if necessary I’ll render them. But mostly I like to make things. I am very experimental.
- I’m great with materials and using new technologies.
- I’m very conceptual but I also have the ability to turn those ideas into very practical commercial outcomes.

I speak English (surprise!!!) and bad Danish (after a year long exchange to Denmark when I was 18) and I’d take lessons in any language that I need too, which one do I learn? there are a few which would be beneficial... languages are not my strong point it has to be said...

I’ll certainly stay away from the design companies for the moment as you’re right they will be overloaded with applicants. I'll keep you posted about my success/failure with those websites though.

Cheers,
Eve

[tonkfodder]

Hi Eve,

Sorry for the late reply have been away. You could try Consumer goods or maybe toys is a good option. It seems a lot of the big overseas companies are doing there own design and manufacturing in China. Because of this some have design offices in Hong Kong. Would highly recomend tailoring CV to suit company or Job.

If you want any help with CV etc feel free to PM me

Cheers
Tom

Ps am over here setting up an R&D centre for a large Chinese toy manufacturer. Sort of a massive change of pace as it is basically management of engineering teams mainly from PRC

[evatious]

I've sent you a wee message

[Curly]

Hi E,

did you ever find a suitable job?