OT: Graphic Design

[DaiOni]

oh, and the people who are saying "it's not what you know but who you know" - they are on the money

[Motormouse]

Yeah, I know it's tough, maybe if you were on the Gold Coast I could help a bit more, as I know most people here and that's the hardest bit.

I started in a printery years ago and have worked my way up to Art Director in a fairly big ad agency.

Ring EVERYONE in the phone book. Then wait two weeks. Ring them again. And again. Eventually someone will say "oh yes someone just gave notice" and you're in. That's how I got my first job.

You will probly have to be in a crap job about 1-2 years before an ad agency or media co will employ you. But it will be worth it in the end.

It's got me stuffed why the colleges keep churning out people when the industry is so over saturated as it is. If they were a bit more choosy at least the talented people who got through would have a chance at getting work.

[DaiOni]

universities and colleges churn out people because they need money too!

I did some project work with final year design students (I was reality - they were the wannabes, they had to work under me) - and 90% of the work was outstanding! really, really good. It's a shame there just ain't enough jobs out there - but the same goes for so many industries.

However, the students had no idea of the real world and what the real world wants, and how to cope with the real world. That's a key bit of advice - a lot of the time a creative job is not fun - and you have to deal with that - compromise, compromise, compromise.

If I was an employer now (and I have hired and fired in the industry) - I'd look for these things -

* attitude - be highly confident, and show it

* obvious talent - if you don't have a portfolio of published work - make a portfolio of unpublished work - the talent will show itself (if it exists). Have more than enough material available.

* customer skills - any previous work that has involved this will help a lot. Just because you aren't selling something (and hey, you might have to) - doesn't mean you don't deal with real people. Somedays I would spend hours on the phone

[Spammy]

Without trying to sound negative on Adelaidevegas...but last time I was there the city centre looked like it had been evacuated ...have you considered moving to Melb or Syd? Sure things are expensive but there is a lot more happening.

[Mike V]

Graphic Designing

I've freelanced as a designer and retoucher for about 15 years and am currently working full time as a designer.

I am self taught (I'd hate to think what the pre-press guys think of my files) but you make a few mistakes and you learn from it.

The way I started was by meeting designers and doing retouching for them (i.e. Photoshop) and then gradually started doing their overflow design work as well.

Once I had a bit of experience, I signed up with a couple of graphic design temping agencies and got temp work through them. Once a few clients get to know and request you, you should get work. Also if you get along well at the temp job, sometimes you get offered longer term or full time work. You have to get to know the girls at the agencies and ring them all the time so that they remember you when a job comes up.
Take them out to lunch or send them little gifts or something.

All that said, I don't think the freelance market is what it used to be.

I recommend a book called "The Business Side of Creativity" by Cameron S Foote. It is geared to the American market, but I found it very helpful with ideas on how to present and sell yourself.

If it's what you want to do, then don't give up.

[platinum]

Yeah, I have no idea why I'm still in Adelaide, maybe one day I'll head off to Melbourne Even the place I did some work experience at [in Adelaide] has shut down (n-space).

Also, is it just me, or are a lot of Job adverts unrealistic, I know this isn't an Aust. Job, but http://www.2advanced.com/employment_fr.htm
and I've seen many similar ones like that, honestly who has that kind of skillset... I would like to meet them.

[Beavis]

Mike V: (from Chasing Amy :p) "so what, you just trace what the other guy does?"

[Mike V]

I don't "Copy" I "Take Reference"


...all the time

[MurderCity]

Here's a question for you designers!

"Is it worth it?"

I enrolled in this course thinking that I'd get into doing CD cover design for bands (as music and cars are my "favourite" things - to mary poppins tune), but it seems that its a lot more "company identity" related, as far as the money goes.

I'm only doing this year-long course, that inclues a 4 week "extra" class, that if I get credits in I get 2nd year university offers in "Visual Communication" (read: Graphic Design).

I'm not so sure I really want to continue. I guess I want to do something more "car related", but I'd think it was too late to find an mechanics apprenticeship at 19, and im not mathematically minded enough to do mechanical engineering.

What are the pros and cons of working in the industry?

I realise money is based on who you work for, and how much work you receive (and these are all relevant to how good you are/how well known you are). Is it worth continuing for the 2 extra years after I've done this one.

I leave at the end of the year, and I have an advanced diploma in Applied Design.

Let's hear some of your stories people.

[old baggins]

Get out now.