So I had an "informational interview" this morning...

[morea]

it was not a *job* interview, because I knew that the company wasn't hiring... but I wrote a letter to their art director last week asking if he would meet with me to critique my portfolio and talk with me. He kindly obliged, and I went to see him this morning.

He answered my questions and we talked a bit about the outlook for print shops in this area... I got some good information, and he was a really nice guy to talk to. I left the meeting with the impression that if his company were to need someone in the future, I would get a phone call.

He walked me out to my car and mentioned that he (personally) had a catalog to do (by Thanksgiving) and that he was going to need some help doing ads and layout-type work, if I was interested. I told him that I would definitely be interested in helping him out.

So, I went there looking for information, and left with a good contact and some potential 'freelance' work for my effort. I would definitely recommend this method to anyone seeking a job in this field.
/emoticons/thumbsup.gif

The more people I meet, the more I love my cats.

[ReedHendrix]

Great news Morea (might give that ago myself one of the days).

I was actually just printing out my 'Please hire me' letter/samples.... until my ink ran out. I only managed to print two copies (I've got a sneaky suspicion that's not going to be enough!)... now I've got to find someone who sells these 'pain in the ass' cartridges... all seven of the bloody things:-(

[Magnus]

Hey, that's a great opportunity you cashed in on Morea. You got some great info from the horse's mouth!

"It's not cheating if you win."

- A VERY wise person.

[Debz]

good job morea!! :D Sounded like a REALLY nice guy to take his time out to meet with you!! :)

*</font> Vote</font> Debz</font> &</font> DD</font> 2004</font> *</font>

I will end terrorism</font>, Stupidity</font>, Laziness</font> and eliminate all the slackers who drag us down</font>. Do not screw wit me.. buahaha! Debz & DD - 2004</font>
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v357/Debbz/kittenz.jpg

[Drorain]

Good Job Morea, now, 6months after my internship, They're giving me quite a bit of freelance, my days of retailing a second job are nearly done

http://www.grivakisgraphics.com/images/img_logomark.jpg

~Everyday, All the Time, Without Fail!

Great news! I congradadulate you and this would make for a great article. ;)

http://www.cbcamerica.com/images/webshots/benjobanner.jpg
Graphic Design Heroes! Call me Captain Type Caster. I’ve fought off “The Evil Cosmic Sans” for year but it seems “Dr. Extreme Untalent” keeps bringing him back. I must find a way to defeat this evil creature.

Capt. Creative bring me those comps…

[D-Zine]

Congrats Morea!!

Boobie Island or Bust!

[coconut]

That is fantastic, not only did your artistic skills land you the future for work, but it was your rapport with this individual. That is so key.


What do I look like a smoken monkey?

[Jeff Fisher LogoMotives]

Morea -

Great information to share with others. Throughout my career any jobs I have gotten, and a great many design project assignments, have come by way of informational interviews. They have also lead to professional relationships with people going back almost 25 years. In 1980 the owner of an ad agency said he could give me 20 minutes of his time to talk about his business, the local market, the design profession, etc. An hour later we were still talking. He ended up recommending me to other firm owners, letting me know of independent design project opportunities and keeping in touch over the years. When I asked him what I could do to pay him back for all the time he originally took to talk with me he basically said 'always take the time to share what you have learned with those entering the profession after you.'

One of the sidebars in my upcoming book is a great 'information interview' survey of questions to ask in such situations. A designer I know from Colorado contributed it to the book.

- Jeff

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Jeff Fisher :: Engineer of Creative Identity
Jeff Fisher LogoMotives
www.jfisherlogomotives.com (http://www.jfisherlogomotives.com)

:: :: :: :: :: :: ::

Member -
HOW Magazine Editorial Advisory Board

Member -
2005 HOW Design Conference Advisory Board

Author -
'The Savvy Designer's Guide to Success: Ideas and tactics for a killer career' - to be released by HOW Design Books in late 2004. Pre-sale available now at www.savvydesigner.com (http://www.savvydesigner.com)

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[defjoe]

others should learn from you!

'I will become the most powerful Jedi ever!'
'I'm the damn designer, bitches!'

Check out my indie comic book!
www.assassinsguild.net/ (http://www.assassinsguild.net/)

[DeleteYourself]

Wooohoo!!! Let's celebrate! /emoticons/cheers.gif

http://www.dafenix.org/todd/newsig.gif
Support Music and Arts Education | www.dafenix.org (http://www.dafenix.org) | 'You have no chance to win.' | GDF Mac Death Squad, Son

[Big Perm-dizzle]

serously you have balls it takes alot to do that... that kind of attitude will make you successful serously - people are impress with others that have 'get up and go' about them

www.hirethisdesigner.com (http://www.hirethisdesigner.com) - portfolio
www.conceptprint.com (http://www.conceptprint.com) - the company I work for