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January 13, 2006

How To Find A Design Job While Being Young, Naive, And Full Of Hope

As I sit in front of the desk of the office of my first design job--yup, first--I've been thinking about the six-month journey that led me to this point. Furthermore, this time spent in the job-hunting trenches was such a learning experience, I feel as though it is worth sharing everything I've encountered. This may or may not help the next design graduate in line, seeking an awesome design job.

So here goes.

Pre-Graduation: But Who Has The Time?

Upon graduating, you'll want to have compiled a list of every design firm and ad agency that appeals to your senses. I don't care what anybody says about seeking only the greatest firms in the country. If they don't do work you like, you'll most likely have a miserable experience working there. But how do you go about compiling such a list?

  1. Research, research, research. There is no set list of guidelines to follow. Visit sites such as AIGA, Core 77 and Coroflot that have job listings. Ask professors who might also work as designers in your local area about good firms to research.
  2. The domino effect is a funny thing. If you call some of these firms up, chances are they'll be willing to give you names of other design firms they admire or respect. Chances are that respect equals some damn good quality design. Network around, talk to people, keep your mouth open and keep asking.

You Are A Brand.

To a certain degree, you want to work on your own image as a designer your final year in school. I don't mean turn yourself into a walking logo (even though I kind of did that for awhile, doh!), but a certain level of continuity can't hurt. When you're printing resumes, business cards, you want everything to tie together. Pick a color scheme. Pick a font. Hey, be a designer, but for yourself. And have some fun doing it. Your brand is who you are! So design what makes you happy! It can only bring like-minded designers closer to you.

My Portfolio Looks Like Crap!

Well you're a designer. Who's fault is that? Your portfolio speaks volumes of you as a designer. Treat it like it's your best friend, with love and respect. This thing is your weapon. When you eventually walk into interviews, you need to have something locked and loaded. What are you going to trust? A rusted gun, or a polished-clean revolver?

Good portfolios, that I've seen, are in the details. Make everything count:

  1. Keep every matte board--every matte board--consistent. Same size, same color. This goes back to the brand idea. If you have a color scheme of white and orange, perhaps your portfolio box is orange and your boards are white? Make it fun.
  2. Treat your portfolio, box and all, like another piece of design. Keep it clean and simple, but make it interesting.
  3. A good student portfolio should have anywhere from 12-15 pieces. Only your best work! Did you throw in that stupid surf logo just to round out the portfolio? Take it out. Work on it more. Make that logo shine. Then put it in your portfolio. As a rule, your portfolio is only as good as your weakest piece. Also, diversify it. Try and include as much diversity of projects as possible. Logos, web sites (yes, print out a version of a web site), posters, brochures, book covers. You want to represent good organization, typography, color skills.
  4. Make it awesome. This your passion in life. It should show.

Teasers: No Nudie Pictures!

Eventually you'll want to mail these firms something. Something interesting. Something that grabs their attention for those crucial 3 seconds to remember your name.

  1. It can be anything. Keep it small, compact, and easy to move around one's desk. Don't send them a wicker swing set. They'll think you're a putz, and what are they going to do with a swing set in their office?
  2. Make it informative. Quick, precise, and informative. Include your name (duh), your number, and an email. They really don't need more information than that.
  3. Somehow include a few quick snapshots of your work. A taste. Nothing more.
  4. Small, informative, interesting, and efficient. You're a designer for God's sake, it's your job to make these creative things.

Portfolio site

This is the next best thing you have to offer other than your portfolio. Treat it as such. Make it great. In my experience, the very best portfolio sites have the most direct punch. Showcase your work like a champ! And again, make it personal. Design it the way you like it. Trust your instincts.

Post Graduation: What Do I Do With This List?!

Use it. You should be proud of yourself for compiling a list of your favorite design firms. Now you're ready to attack. Your portfolio is locked and loaded (and damn does it look good). Start calling people.

I'm assuming you have some phone numbers attached to each design firm in your list? Good. Call them up! Don't be shy. Tell them straight up, "I'm a recent design graduate looking for a job." But here is the trick:

  1. Tell them, "I'm not looking for a job so much as a portfolio review." Let them feel as though you're not on the offensive trying to get the best of them for a job. We all know your intentions are ultimately for a job, but if you ask for a portfolio review, it will benefit everyone. the portfolio review will give you real, solid feedback about your work--strengths, weaknesses--and give you a better idea how to make it better. During the review, you'll possibly make a good contact. A creative critiquing another creative. It's a wonderful thing.
  2. After the review, maybe that person will say straight out, "You know I like your work, and we're looking to hire somebody. Interested?" It gives them the opportunity to be open with you, not guarded. At the very least, you've made a contact. Networking is crucial in finding a job. Meeting new people and making new contacts is the name of the game in design! It's all about who you know.
  3. Start setting up portfolio reviews left and right. Ask everybody. Keep asking. Ask more. You are now officially a portfolio review seeker. This is your life. Call everybody. Then call them again. Your research is only as good as the feedback you get from it.
  4. Remember those teasers? Mail them. Once you have a name of a creative director, mail them your gift. It's worth it.

Okay, Now I'm At My Interview, But I'm Scared Shitless!

Good. So was I. It's good to be nervous. It's natural.

  1. Go into your interview with your portfolio (spotless), resume, business card, and perhaps you teaser. Make sure they all fit together in some way. You don't want to be using both hands to carry all your stuff around and not be able to shake the creative's hand. You'll look goofy as hell, too.
  2. Remember, this goes both ways. If after your portfolio review, the discussion of a job position opens up, don't be shy to ask your own questions. You're interviewing them as well. Do not be shy. Shy people are annoying and uninteresting. Don't be one of them.
  3. Don't be glum. Be passionate about being a designer! Aren't you? You better be. Best job in the world. And let them know you know it.
  4. Research about their company and their work. That way you can bring up certain projects they've done, and why you like them so much. Be thorough.
  5. Don't look like you just woke up. Easy as that. Designers are pretty laid back people. You don't have to wear a suit and tie (in fact, don't), but for the love of God don't walk in off the street wearing the clothes from last night. They may be artists, but they're professionals. This is a business, bottom line, and you need to dress the part. So change that shirt. Be comfortable in your own clothes, just nice clothes.
  6. Remember to ask them at the end of the review if they know of any other good design firms in the area. You might find out about another one. All the more for you to pursue.

They Met Me, Liked Me, But They Haven't Called Back!

Sounds like that first date didn't go as well as planned. In fact, chances are, it went just fine. It's solely your responsibility to call these people back. Give it a week, and call them. Be nice, friendly--you!--and ask them where they stand on your work and any positions they might have. It's cool. You're being just what you are: a passionate designer seeking a job.

They're Not Even In My State!

If they like your work enough, they'll tell you they want to meet you. This is your cue:

  1. Don't hesitate to ask them, "So how will I get there?" They are the ones interested, so they should pay for a plane ticket. I've seen it done before. It happens more than you think. Design firms are willing to spend a couple hundred dollars on a plane ticket for a fresh creative. They consider it a very small investment in the opportunity to meet an awesome talent. That's right.
  2. Always direct them to your web site. Everything in your portfolio should be on your web site. Most creatives like to hold your work in their hands (aka, portfolio), but web sites are the next best thing. And, like I said, a portfolio web site is another design piece to show off your abilities.

That about covers it. It's a lot of information to get all at once, but if you sort it out and remember some of it, I'm pretty sure it will take you places. And I hope it does. I learned all of this the hard way: six months of trial and error to find a job. Yet here I am, working at a kick-ass firm, loving my job and life.

Oh Yeah: Most Important Point Of All

You're a designer. You have the best gig in the world. Enjoy it and be happy.

(Update: Hello there from Digg and other places. It seems a few people have been interested in this article. I was meaning to clean it up a bit before any popularity might have hit. Better late then never. I'll be organizing the info a little better and adding to it. Thanks for the linking!)

Clamoring

Liliana lamarka said:

hello im from mexico and.....i love this article... im studing graphic design an im scared about it....because i dont know if i'm going to find a god job...but this article is awesome! im happy...and im going to practice every point.... sooo thank youuuu! im proud of being a graphic designer...!






    
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