advice for a minor
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- 12 Responses
- andycallahan
hii, im an eighteen yr old designer, on my summer hols before doing an art foundation.
i really need to make some cash for the next few months, and i was thinking about maybe doing some graphic work. the problem is i doubt anybody would employ 'a kid' even for freelance or whatever.
do you have any suggestions of where to start, what to start with, how to start?
i cant just knock on the door of the firms in my area :( can i?
- Benja820
hi andy, your work shows some real promise so you shouldnt feel that being 18 will have any say in whether you get work or not. I was in the same boat a few years ago & to get work I went to every shop and business I could think of. It really pays off. If you feel it would be better take your portfolio along.
- JesterFX0
Of course you can, whats the worst that can happen? They will say yes or no.
You have nothing to lose, and everything to gain my friend.
Go for it, it shows initiative and gains confidence.
Best of British to you ;)
- UndoUndo0
NoPattern is only 20 ish (i think) and has been working of rthe likes of Nike and Absoulte Vodaka for a few years.
- kezza_20
Mate I think your work looks pretty solid. You ever thought of not bothering with university and just working? I know a few people in London who'd take you on, 5 years from now you'll be a senior designer, when the rest of your uni peers are starting their first job.
just a thought. A well worded letter/email, with a few bits of work, outlining what you are looking for: IE some experience, cover costs etc...
Think you'll struggle to get anyone to pay you enough to make some cash.
- determinedmoth0
That work looks pretty good. I think if you knock on the right door you might get lucky.
- determinedmoth0
I also think that in your case, dont put your age or DOB on your cv.
- andycallahan0
kezza:
some people have said skip uni, but i really dont think thats the way for me.
i want to learn and create outside of my mac, and i want to learn about things like typography etc.determined':
the problem is finding that right door, i feel rude emailing loads of firms in brighton. and i dont know where to start etc,
there should be an agency for student designers to get placements, and small work.bahhh!!!
- determinedmoth0
Hmm. I can see brighton being quite flooded by eager graphic designers. At best you might get some club flyers or something but that's not gonna pay many bills.
Don't feel rude, just be polite. Don't say what you said to us - say you're a freelancer looking for work. Dont say anything about Uni/ gap years/ or being 18.
Also consider you might not want to limit yourself to Brighton.. Look in the surrounding areas also.
- chunkified0
i got hired when i was 19... (im 20 now) so i don't see there being any problem... you just gotta go to the right places... drop me another email :)
- chunkified0
also it depends what kind of stuff you wanna do...(i.e. print or digital)
- kon230
andy
nice work, id seen your stuff before posted on here.i agree with kezza in saying that you might not even need Uni to further your studies. go knocking on some studio doors, offer your services as a junior.
A HOT TIP is to offer your services for free for 2 weeks then if they keep you on they can give you some dosh.
My dad had been the director of a design company for 20odd years and he reckoned that that was a good way to get your foot in the door somewhere and would be impressive to bosses - cos theyd think "oo he's keen".Then you never know, you might end up staying there and working your way up the ladder.
If you get a job at a good company with talented peers then forget about uni man. you'll learn MORE about your trade than you'd ever learn at uni/art college.
The people that GET the help from the tutors at college are the people who NEED the help. Your stuff is good quality for an 18 y/o without qualifications, doesnt look like you need much help.