Career advice
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- beard1
So I graduated in June and have been looking for my first design job ever since then. Three placements down, 40 odd mailers sent and a lot of phone calls made. All I keep getting told is that considering the current financial situation nobody is taking on. Especially not unproven juniors.
I feel like I'm at a bit of a brick wall right now and not really sure what to do next. A few agencies have said they like my stuff and they'll keep me on file, but is this just a bog standard reply?
I few people have mentioned that this is the perfect time to go freelance, people looking for cheaper alternatives ect. but I'v no idea where to start with this, nor do I have any real contacts.
So yeh, dunno wether to get any shitty part-time job and work on getting some freelance projects until the financial cloud passes, keep on doing what i'm doing or just give up entirely.... I guess I'm lucky I can do this from home rent free but having no prospects or way out of this crap hole seaside town is killing me.
Portfolio if anyone wants a gander:
www.designbybeard.co.ukAdvice anyone?
- skt0
nice work. you will find something.
- pylon0
Takes time. If freelancing is the way you want to go, just start with anything; small projects for local businesses or friends' bands just to gain experience and pad out your portfolio. Contact local agencies / art directors / recruitment firms.
- beard10
Would you recommend just cold-calling? I'm thinking of going round a few restaurants or something tomorrow offering work for free....
I just don't want to be taken advantage of I suppose in regards to free work.
- pylon0
Some people have luck with cold-calling whilst others don't. It really depends on who you're calling and how good a salesperson you are. Buck up and give it a try — the worst that can happen is people will say no. You'll find that once you get one or two in the bag it gets way easier.
Referrals are everything in this industry.
- skelly_b0
I don't suggest going freelance until you've had some jobs in the industry. Consider the jobs business school.
As for getting said jobs. Good luck, things will be tight for a while, me thinks.
- pylon0
Agreed ^^
But in the meantime freelancing on more creative projects will do no harm. The best way to build your photoshop (or any) chops is in some studio or agency, doing grunt work. Keep your eyes and ears open and your mouth shut for the first bit!
- MrOneHundred0
May I just say, don’t work for free. If you start working for free, even your work is great, you won’t be known as “the guy who does great work” you’ll be known as “the guy who works for free”.
- play0
keep on doing what yer doing, your work is outstanding. I remember feeling the exact same way out of school, and right when I thought it was hopeless I was offered a great job. a few offers, actually. Stick with it brother, especially if you can stay at home at this time.
- marchelo0
If you have free rent, I'd suggest an internship to get your feet wet and a contact or two. Take a shitty part time job to save up some cash so that when you do get an offer, you have some options to help relocate if needed. I hate free internships, but in this economy... And I'd suggest not staying for more than 3 months time, unless they start to pay. When you do start making money in design, try to stay humble.
- beard10
I'v had two short internships recently. One was brilliant which I got shit-loads out of and one had me twiddling me thumbs. Luck of the draw I guess. I have been open to the whole placement thing in my mailers though.
- play0
Also, don't know if it was mentioned but go for informational interviews anywhere and as much as you can. Even if a place isn't hiring you still gotta get in for an informational.
- beard10
By informational do you mean "Hey, mind if I come in and show you my stuff?" ?
- studderine0
maybe get some web design projects to 'diversify' your portfolio?
- currently learning flash n dreamweaver but coding makes my head hurt :(beard1
- dont need to code really. team up with a front end guy and start doing some web designzers!studderine
- studderine0
by the way, really awesome work man.
- barbara0
Wondering...were all those mailers to 40 different companies...or some were targeted to a few agencies you really want to work at? For example, sending a set of mailers to them, campaigning yourself essentially over time. Maybe playing up on your Jr. level in your approach. Something to be memorable over the other Jrs. sending their standard mailers.
Do go freelance, connect with a recruitor who will help place you and begin networking.
Don't give up. Push.
- fate_0
You've got some nice work. I'm sure someone will be happy to hire you.
- beard10
erm to a variety really. Some big, well known ones which was more looking for placement work and also some smaller outer city ones. Only agencies that I like the work of though, but I don't feel like I'm being too adventurous in choosing.
I did want to get more experimental with the mailers but it mainly comes down to cost. Though I'l take that on board. I plan to keep in touch with the agencies that have shown interest. Even if they only replied out of courtesy haha.
I'v heard mixed opinions of recruitment agencies, not sure if its just a UK thing. I'll consider it though.
I'm not planning on giving up just yet, just feel like I'm treading water at the min....
- joeth0
I was in the same boat after I graduated... right after 9/11 and there were NO design jobs. It can be a real bummer, but try not to let it get you down. Just keep finding new ways to be creative and don't worry about the money right now. It will come eventually.
- And keep talking to friends, family, etc. Most jobs come through someone you know.joeth