Question:
having finished a 3 yr graphic design program and now
looking for work, I'm still confused about what I should be capable of
exactly. I know the required programs for a designer such as
Illustrator/Photoshop/Quark, but I'm still green about the printing process
and scattered around with my knowledge about web tools like
flash/dreamweaver/html/etc.
I guess my question is, are most of you specializing in a certain part of
design and sticking with just that, or do most of you take any design work
and feel capable of doing it without a hitch? Just how much is a new
designer expected to know if they want to work for some design company? I
can see being more specific about taking certain freelance jobs because in
those you're on your own, but what about some companies?
I'll be hitting the streets again today handing out resumes, but I'd
appreciate some tried and tested advice from the more experienced designers
who have "been there" and "done that". Also, any suggestions about how to
look for work and at least get an interview?
Is it better to hand out resumes in bulk to design companies or concentrate
on a few good ones and go the whole nine-yards with cover letters/portfolio
CD's/strangely designed resumes?
Finally one more question I have that I'd really like some feedback on
regarding resumes. Are designers expected to take a totally different
approach to resumes then the average job seeker? For example, is colour
required on the resume, or should I build some 3Dish resume to get an
employers attention or something?
Answer:
from past experience, when it comes to the 3d, elaborate, over-the-top,
funky, orginal, resumes we receive, we do usually get the person in. not
because we consider the work good, but purely cos they put so much effort
into, that they deserve a chance. unfortunately, also from past experience,
those same people have never usually been employed.
my advice is this. if u come across a company that u would like to work for,
or perhaps a job u would like to get, then cater ur resume for that
particular company. check their website, look at their clients and examples
of the work they have produced. chances are, if u get the job, u'll be
working on similar stuff.
so try to my make resume ideal for the position. filter ur portfolio so
similar items to those that they produce, are predominant. but leave a few
other things in, so u can show alternative stuff that ur capable of
producing.
-you should know the basics of design, different technics in style,
printing methods, colour theory and so on. What you can not have is
experience. That comes in due time. In the meanwhile, you have to have an
open mind and try to learn as much as you can. Visit your printer and ask
all the dumb questions, thats how you learn!
Design with open eyes and start off easy. No need to overdo things!
Also, double check with your printer or production company that you are on
track. (There is some very picky prepress guys in thiswebsite, who like to point
out all the errors in your design...).
I do alot of different types of design. I cant say that I'm the best at
everything, but I try to maintain a very broad perspective and focus on the
important part - what is the effect you want with your design! If you can
define that you can design for almost any media.
About self promotion - look at Dan Turners page and use it as a manual!
(freelanceworkshops.com, or something similar)
-Not being able to find a design job out of school might NOT be such a
bad thing. Why not? Because you'll have to find a job doing something!
anything! and you know what? You may just find yourself working for an
employer who needs a bit of, shall we say, help with design.
And, while you're working for him/her, you're getting an on-the-job
education in the world of business. Invaluable stuff.
To improve the "look" of your employer's marketing materials, you
become the in-house designer. And since you've done such a great job,
your boss recommends you to other business people in the area.
Before too long, you have so much freelance on-the-side design
business from your grateful boss's peers that you must leave his/her
employ. And NOW you're in business.
