Seeking designers in the industry (Seattle, WA) for advice

[donovan75]

I would like to know if their is anyone in the Seattle area that is working in Graphic Technologies that might help me get on the right track?
I have just finished my program at Clover Park Technical College and have started to search for jobs.
I have a very nice mini-portfolio,asmaller version of my real portfolio (the quality one for interviews) that I have been passing out to employers (ones that look maybe intrested in my work).
The problem is that their is over 200 companies here and after calling them all and searching websites it's still going to take years to physicaly walk into their buisness's.
So does anyone know the industry or have some ever helpful advice?

Thanks for reading this this and giving me a few moments of your time

Donovan G.

[uncle carbunkle]

meet people. meet people. meet people.

this article is depressing, but true (http://www.graphicdesignforum.com/desktopdefault.aspx?f=8&p=1&m=87096&tabid=137)

just get yourself out their, get a shitty job for the experience (if landing your 'dream job' straight away doesn't work...but it might), and continue to meet people.

welcome to the forum.

::Don't call me Foreman, for I am your Boss::

[uncle carbunkle]

ew. meat people.

::Don't call me Foreman, for I am your Boss::

[donovan75]

Thanks for the quick reply!
I have been doing my best with walk-ins but its like climbing a huge mountain for a pail of water..
I know I have what it takes, I seem to talk the talk and get great responces but it seems their not hiring or the buisness isnt growing...
How does one try to get the boss to make a position for you? I mean I can run an A.B.Dick and this one owner needs a designer..Is their a way to say 'fire that guy and I can do both jobs for you'?

[uncle carbunkle]

you could try saying 'fire that guy and i can do both jobs for you'...that might work. what often works with better results for you is 'fire that guy and i can do both jobs for you for less money', but that's unethical and a big part of why people are having a tough time making a living these days. check this thread out (http://www.graphicdesignforum.com/desktopdefault.aspx?f=8&m=77644&tabid=137)

i find most of my clients were more receptive whilst talking in a social setting. people automatically put up their defenses if you sound like you need a job (just think of the telemarketer - they may be calling with something that you need, but it's still irritating that they call at all).

get good at speaking to people in a relaxed, easy-going manner. OR have a shit-hot product to sell (you) and sell it well.

otherwise, approach an agency and take a load of piddley jobs just to get 'experience', and we'll meet you in the soapbox (http://www.graphicdesignforum.com/desktopdefault.aspx?f=13&tabid=137) in a few months.

a big part of what they don't teach in school (and they miss so much, don't they?) is business sense.

::Don't call me Foreman, for I am your Boss::