How am I?

[Kevined]

Now the real reason I've come here! I actually Graduated in may of last year, and for the past several months I have been looking for a job (I took an extended summer vacation). Unfortunately I just haven't gotten any response, and I'm starting to feel as though there might be something wrong with me. Do you find that I'm lacking anything in my work, or is my resume just not fluffered enough?

I'm trying to determine if its just me, or the poor location of South Carolina. There are quite a few jobs in the borderlines of North Carolina but I think most people are a bit skiddish about me not living in their area (I'm willing to relocate). I'll be posting in the soap box in a couple months I thinks.

http://rockheaddesign.com/DominickPortfolio.pdf
http://rockheaddesign.com/DominickResume.pdf
The site itself was just intended as a quick online portfolio for people who I can't send attatchments to (such as monster.com).

[morea]

Hmm... instead of listing your course work - or in addition, perhaps - you might want to list some of your work experience. I only had time for a quick glance, and I didn't see that listed on there.

Even if you haven't had a graphic design job yet, have you done an internship? Or have you had any other jobs at all? Since you're a recent grad you won't be expected to show a ton of industry-related work experience, but it might be a good idea to show something; a lot of non-design job skills are relevant in design jobs, too - like accuracy, reliability, working as part of a team, and things like that.

I haven't had a chance to look over your portfolio samples yet, but will try to get back to them once things settle down.

In the mean time, you might want to have a look over the relevant sections (resume, portfolio and job search) in our "frequently discussed topics" thread, which you can find here (http://www.graphicdesignforum.com/forum/showthread.php?t=33048).

[Bladez]

I think I would get rid of the little personal notes you have in the portfolio (i.e. "inspired by a creepy little figurine I won in typography class"). Try to keep the descriptions more professional, by stating what the project is, who the clientelle is, or discuss the concept and why you did what you did.

Just my initial thoughts. Otherwise the work looks good, tho the first piece kinda confused me...wasn't exactly sure what it was for.

[semioticantics]

Hi there!

I enjoyed looking through your portfolio, you have a fun, full, and illustrative style with your pieces.

If I were a potential employer, though, there are a few things I think I'd like to see.

A fuller presentation of work. The page template is minimalistic and I like how the gradient over the stroke is a good visual guide to turn the page. It fits my tastes. That being said, I'm not sure a white page behind it is particularly impressive, especially to non-designers. Some of the pieces presented seem like single parts of a larger body (rejected papers, gloom bear), and it's important to show that by having the other pieces there. Some of the work looks like it may have been photographed, but generally looks photostyled. Have you considered printing and photographing your work?

Work on your descriptions of the work to be a little more professional-sounding, or make them particularly quirky to match your style. In-between isn't gelling. Have you taken a copywriting class?

More corporate-viable pieces. The Norsewear suite is the only piece fitting this bill. If you're looking for work in an ad agency, most of the work I did while working at one was corporate pieces (not to say we didn't have fun). If you're looking to work in-house, they're likely to want the same thing, depending on the company.

Expand upon Sunny or drop him. I love the little hamster, but it just doesn't feel like a portfolio piece unto itself. Perhaps Sunny could be introduced first, as a guide through your portfolio with typographical hijinx along the way?

I'd like to see more pieces with different kinds of work - Brochures, posters, signage, the standard stuff but the things employers need to see you can do.

On your resume, you probably don't need to list your coursework. You should list more job history if you have it, even in unrelated work.

For your website, it's not totally usable/obvious with the controls. You may want to size up the next/back buttons, and make it more clear what the little color swatches do, same with the question mark.

I'd drop the Futura video, or at least tone down the music a bit. Why isn't the magazine in your pdf portfolio? It looks fun!

Good luck!

[Microswede]

Welcome to the GDF, Kevined. I went through the same phase you're in now (and I'm sure I'm not the only one), so don't fret; I graduated in the summer, worked through fall, took winter off for myself and spent all of spring looking for a job (February thru June, in fact) before I landed mine.

Let me see what I can see:

Resume:
+ Include references.
+ Generalize on the details of your work (esp. in your internship). Not to sound rude, but 'Adjusted lighting of textures in 3d Max' does not come across very strong. Try 'Manipulated images through the use of 3d Max', or something; if they want to know more, they can (and will) ask in interview.
+ I don't know if I agree with listing classes, or class descriptions. They generally expect that you've taken classes, and assume you learned the 'basics' and all that; they don't want to read about it. You could make a new list instead of classes: Strengths. And list the strengths you've developed through your classes.
+ Change 'Skills' to 'Software Skills', then, if you feel lacking, include a quick list of 'Hardware Skills'; desktop publishing, scanning, faxing, printing, screenprinting, illustration, photography, whatever.
+ List more jobs; 'Career Development'. If you have absolutely none, go do some; create greeting cards for friends/family, whore yourself out if you have to (figuratively speaking of course), but try to get at least one paying freelance job if you can.

Most of all, just remember less is more. Use lists, not summaries; employers don't have time to read everything, so make sure to capitalize on what you give them.

I'll let the others focus on your work, though most look pretty good to me.

PS when posting here (or anywhere on the web), you might want to black out your actual contact info, or Greek it; you never know who might call/stop by/spam.

[morea]

Generally I would recommend that you don't list your references right on your resume but that you have a second page handy in case someone asks for them.

My career counselor a few years ago went so far as to say "don't even list 'References: Available upon request' on your resume, because it's obvious, and it makes it look like you're just trying to fill space."

[CkretAjint]

I couldn't agree more Morea.

Oh, and it's QuarkXPress, capitol 'P'. ;)

[CkretAjint]

On another note, very clean and simple port. *claps* MUCH better then my first one! LOL...

[Tea]

I didn't look at the resume, but I loved your work. I especially liked the Hiding Place. I don't know what it was specifically, but it really struck me. Nice work.

I think with some of the suggestions above and with your portfolio being quite appealing, I wonder if the job market is slow in your area and the lack of job offers stems from that.

[Kevined]

Thanks for all the comments and suggestions, they did help me feel better. I'll re-edit my resume and work on putting a few more cassual things in my portfolio (stationary/brochures). Most of the stationary systems I did at school were 2 hour projects, which I always did quite horrible on.

The job market is slow in South Carolina but almost all of my relatives and family live down here, which is why I haven't shuffled out yet. Most of the jobs I apply to are out of state, but they are only about 4 hours away. I live next to two big design cities, just not in them.

BTW, Target gives you nice benefits.

[datswhutsup]

agree with what everyones said, but the best way to add experience and get jobs is through internships. try to get one even if it's unpaid, usually internships are just 1-3 days a week for a couple months.

second, network, network, network..... go to as many design events as possible and make connections...

if you have any family/friends in nyc, that is a great place for your resume and internships.

good luck.

[XLZS media]

I've taken a look and a read of your overall question and comments form others all good points I mast say.

YOU need grab the balls and go gusto Sell yourself hard…. what makes a good designer is innovative ideas and innovative approaches to situations looking at our work and level of skills you can cut the musted.

You need pro bono injection part time for any magazine lager firm or organization one month should do it if you can fit in two pro bono jobs within the one month even better shows time management skills and commitment community school and iconic clubs locally…keep a working log and get written referrals

Your four hours away job hunting makes no sense that’s eight hours both ways… Get a POBOX in the area or have your mail sent to a friends or relatives place in the job market area….. This makes it look like it only takes you half and hour to get to work your better of visiting your hometown on the weekends making the four hour trip worth something……

[Ovaltine]

Definately network. Not just in the design community though. I'd reccomend making friends with a good realator...they know everything that's going on in a community. Who's expanding their business, who's downsizing, and who may be hiring.

[Yossarian]

Lots of good advice here. I think your work demonstrates creative thinking.

Also, not to be too pedantic on spelling, but make sure any updates that may use the word stationery get spelled correctly. Remember, "e" as in envelope. That's one we graphic designers have to get right. Especially if a job is on the line! ;)

[Optimusdinkus]

I couldn't agree more Morea.

Oh, and it's QuarkXPress, capitol 'P'. ;)
QuarkXP for windows XP?!!??!! OMGZ!?!
ress it's not what Im thinking har har!