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Topic: Finding an Entry Level Graphic Design Job
| Author | Message |
| UnemployedNNJ | Posted – 1/9/2008 2:00:51 PM | show profile Anyone have any trouble finding any positions to apply for after graduating with a degree in Graphic Design and Animation? Anyone know of any agencies or companies that are will to take a chance on a graphic designer with talent but no job experience? The school has been no help at all with leads, they say all companies want 3-5 years experience. |
| cabaraba | Posted – 1/9/2008 2:16:51 PM | show profile i feel your pain I once went through that. It's definitely rough. Have you tried any freelance? It's a great way to get experience. Sometimes, you just need to get through the "rough times" and just work anywhere to make ends meet (i.e. wait tables, or whatever...) and freelance on the side until that first job comes. Honestly, I think it's easier to find entry-level jobs over junior-designer jobs. Entry-level tends to be less competitive. Since you're fresh from graduation, I'd try interning to get in somewhere. Sucks not getting paid, but atleast you can still get your foot in the door with the intern excuse. Research companies you want to work with a informational interview. Have someone give you feedback on your portfolio. Never hurts to meet new people, and you never know where that connection will lead. Check out www.commarts.com Hope this helps. Good luck. |
| UnemployedNNJ | Posted – 1/9/2008 2:22:13 PM | show profile Thanks. This is actually for my boyfriend and trust me it's even more painful for me. Thanks for the advice!!! |
| jr_designer | Posted – 1/9/2008 2:29:21 PM | show profile Neekah, what area do you live in? I'm not sure where you're at but I constantly see jobs for designers that need to be able to do Flash work as well as design. I only handle print so I unfortunately always have to skip those but I know they're out there. Don't give up on searching! Did you intern while you were in school? Maybe you can pull some contacts from there that can get the word out that you're looking for a job? If not, and if you're currently unemployed, why not do one now? You can always keep applying to actual paying jobs while you're interning. Getting experience and being not paid for it is far better than sitting home with no experience and not getting paid for it, at least in my opinion. Also, again depending on the area, why not try joinging some professional organizations where you can network with others? When I graduated in '06, networking got me into far more doors than anything my school ever tried to do. It was a huge help for me and landed me my first job. If you want to give it a shot, try looking into the AIGA or ADC chapter in your area. I hope some of this helps! |
| skirklan | Posted – 1/11/2008 11:51:54 AM | show profile | email poster Where to look for work Hey there--most professional organizations hold meetings that are free. The previous poster is right about networking. Don't forget about your local art director's club, the production manager's association, the local business writers group and even some printer's clubs. They are all people deep in the industry with connections at every level. If there is an opening about to happen, they usually know. I started out with no experience--but I visited a local ad agency the year before I graduated and made a few friends. A year later, I was a familiar face when I stopped by to show my book and I got the trainee position. Try it, it works. Good luck, ------ Susan Kirkland author of Start and Run a Creative Services Business--2 FREE POD cartoons for a giggle at www.sdkirkland.com |
