Entry Level Graphic Design?

Question

Here is a thing. I'm 26, I do not have a degree, but I have an extensive portfolio. I got drawings, some 2D Photoshop work, and a lot of 3D works using 3Ds Max, Poser, Vue, Bryce. My past employers have utilized my graphic design skills creating ads, flyers, booth signs, etc...and each and every one of my projects had been successful. My 3D work had been used in PS2 games (my freelance efforts). I have designed a few logos for my friend's small businesses, which are now known in US and Europe. How do I approach getting a job in this field. How do I compile a resume for this???? For the past 10 years I have been in Administrative Support field working and getting to know a diversity of industries.

Answer 1

You have all the experience and talent to go after any graphic design job you want. Your lack of a degree is stopping you to go after those jobs because you know that you dont have the confidence to compete with everyone else who has a degree. Getting a degree will make you better at what you do, it will also make you more confident to apply for any job you want. Go get it! You can do it part time. What have you got to lose? If you feel this doubtful about yourself now, even though you have all the experience and talent, why are you asking yourself these questions, if you already know the answers? Stop doubting yourself. Youre brilliant!

Answer 2

Adding to the great answer above, you need to be able to describe how your work can be applied to the new job at hand. For each piece in your portfolio, you need to be able to say who, what, where, when, and why. What is it. The problem. Your idea. How you approach your solution. The solution. Describe this succinctly and persuasively. Then add how this has helped the client as you briefly mentioned in your question above.

Perhaps you will describe this in a letter. Or an email. Or in front of somebody with your portfolio on a table. Or on the phone.

All this wil be touched on in your cover letter, your email cover letter, and your resume. Add a printed portfolio. A web portfolio. Something to mail it all together. Everything nice and tidy. and you're good to go.

Go to resume sites and look up career changer situations. They will have some inspiration and examples of people in any situation that can be applied to getting a job in graphic design.

Answer 3

Being in the design field and myself reviewing resumes and portfolios on a regular basis, I can say there are a few things that I definitely look for.

1) A web-based portfolio web site - a well-done one. If you can't do a great job (without going overboard with unnecessary Flash and doo-dads - really, just because you CAN do something definitely doesn't mean you SHOULD.) for yourself, why would I expect you'd do any better for my clients?

2) Spelling, grammar and punctuation in your resume, web site and cover letter. Given the level of detail we are required to uphold in our field, I will not consider an applicant who, again, can't attend to the details for their own promotional pieces.

3) Formal education is not nearly as important to me when reviewing applicants as their portfolio. You can teach technique, but you can't teach talent and also there's something to be said for someone who is passionate enough to learn on their own enough about design to be a good designer. And, you can always fill in the technical and software skills with continuing ed classes and by asking questions along the way. Printers are a great source of education for a self-taught designer and they love when someone comes in who doesn't think they know it all already! ;-)

4) Another thing that's very important to me is how a prospect communicates - in written form as well as verbally. Design is not about art, it's about communication and I feel that, in order to be good as a designer, you have to be a good all-around communicator. Each person has a different style and tone to their writing and speaking, but being able to communicate not only about your work, but also in rationales for your idea is extremely important.

I prefer to get a PDF resume and portfolio with an email from an applicant. I have had several who have sent emails and then said "if you're interested, I will send you my portfolio". Just send it. Don't make the company do the work in asking you for something you should have sent in the first place.

It's also important to know - and be able to honestly admit - where you are as far as the level of design you're putting out there and apply with companies that are on the same level. If you're doing mid-grade quality work, don't approach the high-end firms in town until you're producing the same level of quality that they do. There's nothing wrong with being an average designer - in fact, most people are average designers. Know your strengths (and weaknesses) and look for a company that will most benefit from those strengths and who is open to allowing you to develop your skills further through classes or other training. Being willing to learn on an ongoing basis is something that I find very admirable in a candidate and a person in general.

Hope this gives you a little insight that will help you along the way.

Good luck!

Answer 4

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