im a graphic designer get me out of here

[jimrford]

http://www.graphicdesignforum.com/emoticons/eyecrazy.gif
Help needed…….
Last July I finished my H.N.D in graphic design and being the age that I am thought against going to Uni to get my degree,
So now I have taken the first job that was offered to me, which is great for getting commercial experience but none in ‘Graphic design ‘ and as I only have my college portfolio I am starting to get worried about getting trapped in this job and my creative flair demise . I do some of my own stuff the problem being most of it is for an online game I play so it’s a lot of the same stuff, I have my own style if you like and find it hard to break the mould because I don’t have any thing different on the table to play with,
And the work iam doing is very anal in its approach to design but hey it pays the bills
What iam getting at is any tips on getting the ****** out of here into something a bit more changeling

[defjoe]

been discussed many time in this forum. do a a search and i'm sure something will come up.

'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/)

[Flaming Moe]

I'm still in school. But I need a portfolio too...I'm lost.

Una-panoona-banka!

[Crimson]

Being just out of school doesn't help. I worked production like Kinko's and Ikon for 5 years after college before getting a real 'design job'. Even then, I am doing a lot of photoshop filters and boring catalog design. However, paying the bills is way cooler then starving (especially if you have 4 kids). Been through layoffs as well (i.e. Galyans). It sometimes take patience. Do the search and find something better. In the mean time, if it takes a while, change your attitude and try to learn something from it.

Crimson

[D-Zine]

You may indeed work alot of crap jobs before you get to the good stuff. We have all been there! You need to be working on your portfolio on the side, sharpening the skills you don't get to use at that job, and always on the lookout for something better! Get a job with a printing company - get some prepress skills! That will be the most important thing you do on your climb in the field! You NEED that experience!

Power to the Oldschoolers

[D-Frag]

I dont think any of us will ever be happy no matter where we work. I suggest a good colonoscopy, some Dr. Pepper, porn, a steady flow of beer, and some wings. Dr. D-Frag has spoken.

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Thanks to vend3r (http://www.graphicdesignforum.com/profile.aspx?f=35&m=97279&p=4762) for the sig

[singlemanriot]

Honestly the 'cool' gigs are cool because everyone wants em. I didn't go to school and I have had pretty good luck, the education is a nice touch, but its not everything.

You have to be talented, driven, and very aggressive in seeking work to land a job that isn't corporate letterhead and photos of people on cell phones looking important with the word 'interlink' 'extracom' or 'advantech'.

Even when you do land that dream gig, you either still have a boss, or you still have clients. Those two factors will pretty much keep the fun to a minimum.

If you have to have a day job learn a trade related to design: Screen Printing / Offset Printing / answer phones at a company that does what you want so you can ask questions, you would be surprised how much knowing about how things are printed will help you design more creative work. Network, Network, Network... get involved in the desired market (if its music), try and get a job at a local club, do some posters for shows, look at popular bands in your area with crapty websites offer to hook em up, this will lead to album packages, t-shirts and so on.

don't be an *******. 3 years ago I did a screensaver for a lame morning radio show on a lame station. It was a bitch and I hated the job but I did it as a favor for cheep and it has lead to some really good work since. You will take a few on the chin, but most people will remember that you helped them out, if your good they will come back for more.

[jimrford]

http://www.graphicdesignforum.com/emoticons/cheers.gif thanks all ill keep me head down here for a bit learn what i can and try to make the most of it, http://www.graphicdesignforum.com/emoticons/thumbsup.gif