Do you think working at a sign shop is good experience for an entry level graphic design work?

Question

I would be laying out the signs and reproducing logos. scanning and be involved in the printing and production. Also some vehicle wraps. There does not seem to be all that many entry level opportunities in Colorado Springs, but this seems less creative although I was getting more freelance work. I am a career changer so I don't have as much time as a younger person. Thank you for any thoughts on this.

Answer 1

I answer this as someone who founded a large advertising agency, and hired a number of graphic designers over the years.

Your experience working in a sign shop has limited appeal to a potential employer in a graphic design firm. In a place where the major output is creative work -- brochures, posters, ads, logos, letterheads, your experience in the sign shop is more "printing and production" than creating new pieces.

Colorado Springs has a number of good graphic design firms. If your goal is to work for one of them, you need to have a very broad portfolio of work to show, and you won't impress them by showing them your work from a sign shop.

Suggestion: since your phrasing ("I would be ...") indicates that you aren't employed there yet, I advise you to look elsewhere for a job. Since you "don't have as much time as a younger person," don't waste weeks or months in a place that won't advance your career.

Good luck.

Answer 2

I think it is definitely related to your field. Perhaps you'll learn a few things you didn't know about on this end of the business. It helps to be knowledgeable in all areas of your chosen profession. Besides, you may learn of new opening or hear more being somewhere that deals with that type of clientele. You're definitely on the right track!