Si[mplicity]
09-22-2004, 04:35 PM
Hi all, perhaps a small introduction would be in order before going further.
Im a young (21) graphic designer based in Bristol, UK. I recently completed a HND course in GD and have since taken a year out to try and teach myself a few more advanced features of the software im likely to use. That was a big mistake and I put my hands up to it, what I should have done was been on the lookout for work positions and applied. However that is past and I cant change it, what I can do is learn from the experience and better myself.
Im in the process of creating a online portfolio, now the content is rather limited as I have only worked on one 'live' brief as a freelance designer. So most of my portfolio is padded out with college work which I believe can provide good representation of my ability.
However, most positions require experience, that of which I havent got so getting my foot in the door is much more important to me than the wage I would be getting. Now I have sent various applications, all with positive replies but the fated "we require someone with a few years experience". Now as disheartening as it is to recieve those kind of letters my will to succeed and get into the GD career only gets stronger with the reading of such letters.
To my problem, I have limited experience with Quark Xpress, and most positions require this, however with the release of Adobe Indesign which seems to me to be a very powerful program, im unsure which program to focus my time on getting to grips with. Obviously I would prefer to get into the design industry and learn whilst there, but that proving alot harder than hoped. What would you recommend I do, im going to need to apply for ANY job soon, whether design related or not as I need to get farther into employment than part-time work at a pharmacy.
Would I be best getting my online portfolio finished, sending a email to various design companies with a kind letter and link to my site (cold calling which im not fond of). Or would I be best widening my job search, if so what other jobs would help me evolve as a designer and help me get into the Graphic Design field. I obviously dont want to get a unrelated job where im not building up my experience and ability of design related work. So far I have been looking for Graphic Design or Print related work... whatother workshould I be looking at applying for?
Many thanks for any advice provided.
Regards,
Simon Holloway
Im a young (21) graphic designer based in Bristol, UK. I recently completed a HND course in GD and have since taken a year out to try and teach myself a few more advanced features of the software im likely to use. That was a big mistake and I put my hands up to it, what I should have done was been on the lookout for work positions and applied. However that is past and I cant change it, what I can do is learn from the experience and better myself.
Im in the process of creating a online portfolio, now the content is rather limited as I have only worked on one 'live' brief as a freelance designer. So most of my portfolio is padded out with college work which I believe can provide good representation of my ability.
However, most positions require experience, that of which I havent got so getting my foot in the door is much more important to me than the wage I would be getting. Now I have sent various applications, all with positive replies but the fated "we require someone with a few years experience". Now as disheartening as it is to recieve those kind of letters my will to succeed and get into the GD career only gets stronger with the reading of such letters.
To my problem, I have limited experience with Quark Xpress, and most positions require this, however with the release of Adobe Indesign which seems to me to be a very powerful program, im unsure which program to focus my time on getting to grips with. Obviously I would prefer to get into the design industry and learn whilst there, but that proving alot harder than hoped. What would you recommend I do, im going to need to apply for ANY job soon, whether design related or not as I need to get farther into employment than part-time work at a pharmacy.
Would I be best getting my online portfolio finished, sending a email to various design companies with a kind letter and link to my site (cold calling which im not fond of). Or would I be best widening my job search, if so what other jobs would help me evolve as a designer and help me get into the Graphic Design field. I obviously dont want to get a unrelated job where im not building up my experience and ability of design related work. So far I have been looking for Graphic Design or Print related work... whatother workshould I be looking at applying for?
Many thanks for any advice provided.
Regards,
Simon Holloway