I want, not have, advice on "breaking" into the GD biz

[reuber1]

Note the use of the word "breaking". I'll be damned if I'm not going to do what it takes to get in. This is not to be translated as "I'm going to hold a gun to someone's head if they don't hire me", but rather a "I'm going to do whatever it takes and everything within my power to get into this field." NOTE: I did follow up on that designer position I had applied for around my birthday, and it seems that over a hundred people--alot in this area--applied for this position. They are going to call people for interviews in about two weeks. Fingers are crossed.

Anyways, now that I'm working two jobs, one that's so-so and one that I hate (I have the feeling that the so-so one is going to grow tiring shortly) and they both pay poorly, I've been really motivated to get some exposure and get noticed. I would like to freelance and ultimately quit the parasite that is the "other" job and do this during my afternoons & weekends. I've basically been on creative latitude (http://www.creativelatitude.com) all day yesterday and so far for two hours this morning during downtime at work to absorb as much information I can about going it on my own. Like I said, I don't plan on doing this fulltime due to the obvious lack of experience, but this falls back to the old "you need experience to get work, and to get experience you need to get work!" Anyways, I've had a couple of obstacles/inquiries/dilemmas/etc. that have been in the back of my mind for the past few days, and they are:


1) Since I'm new and am planning on a web presence, do I start out with just a "[my name] Design.com" (basic, no frills but decently laid out) or a theme/metaphor site (something like weinerdog has) and even a name for my www-alterego? Am I too new to go with a theme and thus just stick with my name, or will showing off the creative idea I have get me noticed? I don't want to look pretentious, especially for a newbie, so maybe a theme/metaphor might be too much? I need to figure this out before I get too far and realize I've dug myself a good sized hole after designing logos & business cards & stationery & etc. If I can figure this out, I think it will help A LOT.

2) Ideas on getting a few initial jobs? I know this has been discussed, but my portfolio is just chock full of made-up work that I would prefer to get something real in there. And for a newbie (I can't believe I'm still saying that, I graduated in May of 2004), how much work is considered ideal? I've heard 6, I've heard 12, I've heard 20. I am aware of quality vs. quantity; I know of my current work that I've done early this year, some of it is "OK" but nothing terribly outstanding, and I suffer from lack of good equipment and source material like stock photos and commercial fonts and a good digital camera because frankly, I don't have the money right now. That, and I have never really had the time to come up with stellar concepts because I did all of that work while working full time at the job I hated, and now I'm working at least 65 hours a week at both jobs, leaving less time to enjoy life and get creative juices flowing! If I can get some workflow, I can quit the one job easily (and without regret).

3) Should I get a Mac or a PC?

4) OK, I hear networking a lot, and I know it has to be done, but any tips on actually doing it? I hear people say network all the time, but I never hear any techniques or ways to do it. I say that because when it comes to promoting myself I can be very introverted...unless I'm drunk. I just feel awkward handing someone my business card and I keep thinking that they're thinking "Who the hell are you?" Whom do I network or when do I find the time?

5) Money saving tips? Not totally related to design, but alleviating money woes can really help. I've been extremely stingy on buying stuff, especially stuff that I want but I've been telling myself not too. But there are some design books that I want. I looked at Jeff Fisher's book list on creative latitude and practically shat myself as to what all is out there and just how much I want to add to my library.

I dunno, almost 500 posts on a forum called Graphic Design Forum and not having a job in the field yet is really a huge let-down.

[Eraser Nubbin]

I think I have gave this ramble a couple times before, so I apologize if its repetitious. But I think when it comes to networking, you never know where your contacts will lead. I am a little embarrassed to say that my last two job leads have both come from contacts on soccer teams, totally unrelated to the field.

I think if you start putting your name out there, and try and hit more than the typical AIGA networking things you will be better off. Try going to career fairs or job fairs for completely unrelated fields, as they need graphic designers too.

[reuber1]

Thanks eraser. The closet AIGA chapter is in Des Moines, about a three hour drive for me anyway, so I never considered it.

[colonel5]

3) Should I get a Mac or a PC?


well.....

just kidding, that was funny

[Crimson]

Wow Reuber, from all your post, I considered you an old pro. I'll chalk that up to the old "ass-u-me" saying. I had a professor say something to the effect of design everything. It's not just a cover letter or a simple envelope. Put your creativity into as much as you can. It does cause more work and a little more headache but it wil show them you care. Heck yeah, pass your business card to everybody. Everybody uses marketing in some way or another. If it's word of mouth help them take it to the next level. If it's an established business help them get more exposure. Don't underestimate the power of the "Pro-bono" It will give you real work experience. But donate it to a church or cause so you don't cheapin' the market. Keep working at it. You never know when you are planting seeds.

I hope that helped some

[GreenThumb]

2) Ideas on getting a few initial jobs?

If you want any semblance of credibility, you need to:-

1) Have real clients (Extrenal credibility)

Do this by looking at designs that SUCK in your immediate vicinity and redesign them. Walk into the store and ask to speak to the head guy with your mockup in hand. You WILL get shown the door 9/10 but the 1 you do get might get you some money and actual work.

Its a very tiresome process. Alternatively, you could align yourself with non-profits and offer free services. They probably will give you real projects with good media placement but no money. Its a start though.

2) Enter your work, from point # 1 into award shows (Industry credibility)


The problem with design is that it literally is a "pay your dues first" field. Plus, there comes the oh-so-horrible client education. I hate that, but its a necessary evil.

[reuber1]

Wow Reuber, from all your post, I considered you an old pro. I'll chalk that up to the old "ass-u-me" saying.

Ha, glad I could be so deceptive! Maybe I should just act like king sh*t of graphic design around here anyway and maybe all these people will actually give me an interview.

I've had a couple posts like this one in the past, usually they come about when I'm feeling kinda down about where I'm at (although I've cleaned my language up--disregarding the second sentence of this post--you all have to admit that). Many of the veterans here have heard this before. Most times I've just complained about it and said I would do something but haven't...not so much procrastination but all sorts of other things interfered with my progress and I find myself putting my website/self-promotion on hold. Not this time. This time I am 110% committed to getting somewhere because I want to be happy in my job ("I am a special person!"), if not at least hopeful. I'm different than I was last year.

The degree I received is longwindedly titled Computer Graphics & Interactive Multimedia, not directly graphic design but rather learning the software and how to do production. We received little to no training on actual theory, typography, history (did some history of art...not design except for a few slides on Andy Warhol), etc. Everything was pretty much software training; and get this, due to transfer problems and other mishaps, I was never able to take a course on Adobe Illustrator! I was aware of this lack of knowledge before I graduated, and have since been studying up on this material myself (hell, the determination to self educate after college should be more than enough reason for someone to hire me); I probably have bought at least 30 or 40 books from Amazon in the last year alone on all sorts of different items. I'm more than willing to offer my non-condescending $.02 to those who post there stuff on the Showcase, so if it seems like I know what I'm talking about or I happen to give good advice, that's why.

The problem is, though, due to limited resources--as in, I have to mooch off my buddy's copy of the Adobe Creative Suite 2 to do any projects--I have gotten a lot of education but very little experience. So I know a decent amount, but not as much as experience will give someone; I don't have the printing knowledge of PD, that's for sure. I have yet to post in the showcase because I'm mortified to show any of it. I've worked on a lot early this year, but I don't know if I'm happy with more than two/three pieces.

If I can at least be given an interview for this designer position, I am pretty confident in my chances because I am the interview master. I can do this, man.

Thanks for the advice guys, and if anybody has any more feel free to post it. I am a sponge for knowledge.

[reuber1]

If I can at least be given an interview for this designer position, I am pretty confident in my chances because I am the interview master. I can do this, man.

GOD...DAMN...IT...
So much for getting my hopes up. What's it been now, 17 months? I apparently am the worst *****ing designer in the world.

[morea]

it's not you, reuber. It's the job market right now. Don't be too hard on yourself.

[The_Black_Knight]

it's not you, reuber. It's the job market right now. Don't be too hard on yourself.
Not to rub salt in your wounds, reuber, but I also think that part of the problem may be your location. It says under your avatar that your location is Iowa, which, as far as I know, is not a hotbed of design activity. If you choose to stay in Iowa, then your choices will always be more limited than if you live in a more metropolitan area. If you really want to break into the design field, you may need to consider trying to break into it in another location where there are more design jobs. As much as I sometimes dislike living in New Jersey, I have to admit that the job market here for designers is pretty good; the only time I have been out of work for more than a week was immediately following September 11, 2001.

[D-Frag]

yeah dude, dont be hard on yourself, it took my 9 months to land a job and im a seasoned pro.

now on to your quesitons.

"4) OK, I hear networking a lot, and I know it has to be done, but any tips on actually doing it? I hear people say network all the time, but I never hear any techniques or ways to do it. I say that because when it comes to promoting myself I can be very introverted...unless I'm drunk. I just feel awkward handing someone my business card and I keep thinking that they're thinking "Who the hell are you?" Whom do I network or when do I find the time?"

One of the many things I suggest is getting in contact with your local chamber of commerce, or some small networking clubs. the chamber will have all the info you need, im hooked up with a couple email things in town that I constantly get invited to what they call "Mixers" which is basically meeting at a bar/resort and mingling with other business owners and the like. Some will have an introdcution, usually 30 seconds or so, and you stand in front of everyone and explain how you can help them, kinda a mini commercial for yourself. I bring business cards and flyers, place them on a table where everyone else has there stuff and tell people that they can get my info from the back when im speaking. Mixers are alright, but you have to go alot to get business, showing up once or twice generally won't land you any clientel, you have to keep pushing and eventually it will work out.

[Jeff Fisher LogoMotives]

...part of the problem may be your location. It says under your avatar that your location is Iowa, which, as far as I know, is not a hotbed of design activity..

reuber - I might have made the same assumption as The Black Knight about limited opportunities in Iowa - until I was asked to speak at a creative conference in Waterloo last year. You might check out the organization (or similar organizations in your state) that sponsored the event: Marketing, Advertising & Communication Professionals of Northeast Iowa (http://www.maciowa.com/). Their members list (http://www.maciowa.com/members.asp) might give you ideas of the kinds of businesses/people to contact about possible opportunities.

Remember; never call anyone up and ask them if they have a job or are interviewing. The shortest (and easiest) answer is "NO" - end of conversation. Instead ask if they would be willing to meet with you to discuss their business, offer some suggestions about how you might break into the industry or give you a half hour of their time for an informational interview. Most people love to take about themselves and their work.

- J.