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Renton
11-17-2007, 02:22 AM
I apologize if I posted this in the wrong section. I'm not asking for work or anything, I'm just assessing my current situation. I currently reside near San Francisco. I have about 2+ years experience and I just started freelancing through Creative Group and other random temp agencies that contact me since August. The market's been a bit dry, I've had times where I'd be out of work for almost a month. The shortest time I've been in between gigs is two weeks. I've applied for numerious positions (Jr. Graphic Designer, Graphic Designer, and Production Artist) on HotJobs, Monster, and Craigslist and there's only so much I could apply for. So, I'm considering looking into areas around Los Angeles.

So my question is this. Is Southern California/LA's market any better than the one in the Bay Area/San Francisco? I'll consider testing the waters for positions in Southern California and move there if I were to land a job there. I've lived in Northern California my entire life and I've never moved outside of the city I was raised in (a small town outside of Oakland). So moving for the first time would be a big change (living up here is expensive and given the inconsistency of work, I can't afford to move out of my parents' house at the moment). I know some friends who live down there and I sometimes visit So Cal from time to time, so I won't get too home sick if I were to be away from the Bay Area. Any opinions or suggestions? Or even to tell me I posted this in the wrong place. :P Any help is appreciated.

urstwile
11-17-2007, 02:30 AM
This area's fine for your thread.

I can attest that you don't want to try San Diego, the industry is very small here and the salary/cost of living ratio is very poor. I don't know what it's like in L.A.

Renton
11-19-2007, 12:32 PM
Anyone else who's had any experience with these two markets?

ADDSUM
02-13-2008, 01:34 AM
Los Angeles ... competition. but if you can make or build a great portfolio you will be set! let me know if you come to LA i work for a great company.. they dont need anymore help , but i can always use another freelancer for side projects?

Renton
02-13-2008, 01:52 AM
Not much better down there than up here in the Bay Area huh? If I were to move down to the LA area, it'd have to be for a permanent position. I really can't do the freelance thing down there. I'm afraid I wouldn't get enough work to live comfortably and pay bills (cuz it sure ain't poppin' with the contract gigs up here, that's for sure)! :( Thanks anyway though! :)

budafist
02-13-2008, 03:08 AM
I've yet to hear anyone say that any place in the world is a good place for designers.

Patrick Shannon
02-13-2008, 03:17 AM
Not sure if it's print or web you're looking for but your options increase drastically if you're looking for something in web.

budafist
02-14-2008, 01:09 AM
Just saw this...our friends over at HOW design have listed the 3 best cities for creatives. (http://www.howdesign.com/article/creativecities/) They all happen to be in the United States!

They are:
Madison, WI
Austin, TX
San Diego, CA

Thoughts on those cities?

PrintDriver
02-14-2008, 01:15 AM
cold, hot, expensive? :D