We are the Sultans... | Dwayne Grech

Forget Swing! Crank that heavy shit... this is the Sultan of Beard! Throw away your razors and slip into something a little more aviator Dwayne Grech is here.

MINIBIO

Dwayne's done his time in the trenches. Starting at Seneca College's Graphic Design program (with yours truly) post grad saw him off to Australia (without yours truly) for a year of working, backpacking, designing, surfing, living. Back in Canada and back in school. This time Sheridan's now famous Web Design program. Fresh out of school again Dwayne bounced around from Organic to Young & Rubicam to The Marketing Store to Sirius Satellite and now to Momentum. All the while freelancing as and evolving the alias The Sultan of Beard. (Not to mention cultivating a rather solid face sweater). Today though, his big personality and his big beard are back at Sheridan; this time... to impart wisdom.

THE WISDOM

This isn't going to be easy. You're going to lose sleep; you're going to compete. You're going to have to ditch the ego and fight your way through tough times, and you're going to love it. Love what you do and where you do it because it makes all the difference in the world. Don't work for the money; work for the work. Work for the pride, for you. Most of all, no matter what you do or where you do it: Do More! Improve your self, improve your worth.

DWAYNE SAYS
BURNING BRIDGES IS EMPLOYMENT SUICIDE
Never a wise move, even more so in such a small industry
Your boss has friends at that agency you want to work at, don't rage quit

NETWORKING EVENTS ARE YOUR EASIEST WAY INTO AN INTERVIEW
Events are essentially informal interviews
Free booze, free schmooze

YOU ARE NEVER TOO OLD TO STOP LEARNING

If you feel you've learned enough, chances are you're an idiot
Read a book, scour the web, take a night course—keep yourself inspired

THEFWA.COM IS THE BIBLE

Just go

YOU'LL HAVE TO SACRIFICE A WEEKEND OR SIX
Sometimes the proverbial fan needs a lot of cleaning
Take a weekend to get more work done, show initiative
Work on your own terms and don't sweat the stress

RED. BULL. THE SAVIOR OF LAST-MINUTE ALL NIGHTERS

Working all night? Yep.
Be a hero, get that promotion

PAY IT FORWARD

Lady luck can be a bitch, play your karma right
Mentor a student or two
Volunteer at the Tall Studio Tour
Teach

NOT ENJOYING THE WHAT AND WHERE? CHANGE.

You have to love where you work
Stay loyal and motivated
There are shitty places out there and you will pay your dues
Know when to get out and move up

BOOZE IS YOUR FRIEND

Alcohol is a part of the industry
Whether your seeking advice from old man Jack Daniels or spinning ideas with your good buddy Heineken no one is judging you

SOCIAL MEDIA
Info Out—Info In
Stay connected, it's your life blood

WORKS

Dwayne's a man of many sunglasses, and his ability to switch from classic aviators to... uh... another equally cool pair of aviators comes through on his badass online alter ego's site The Sultan of Beard. Check out some music vids, learn about the new Porsche, follow a gnome through the streets of Japan. It's all good.

SO?

Pulling punches isn't the Sultan's style and he certainly came out swinging. Dwayne's a big personality and a big talent. He talks straight and loves his craft. I've know Dwayne for several years now and I'm always impressed by his approach to life and design and his attitude towards work. Industry friends are always nice to have. So... drinks?