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barzzeb49197134
barzzeb49197134
Known Participant
July 23, 2016
Answered

A beginning graphic designer. . .

  • July 23, 2016
  • 2 replies
  • 2222 views

I am a current college student with big ideas and inspiration to be a graphic designer and artist. I m in semester four and about to graduate soon. I have lots to learn and it will be a long time until I be a professional designer like most people in the design industry. I started to place my work in behance and its a start. What is the first step after I graduate from college to be part of the graphic design world or even now while I am in school?

      This topic has been closed for replies.
      Correct answer KShinabery212

      It really depends where you are... every country is different.  In the US it is easier... if you are already showing your work on Behance and other sites then you are on  the right path.  Belsky from Behance once said share on various sites and see what works best for you.  I could say what works best for me... but that might not be the best for you.  So you have to try things out.

      Some sites like Adobe Portfolio allow you to attach your site to Google Analytics, something every person should learn.  Then you can see who is viewing your site, from where, and you can learn fast what works and what does not.  With that being said you can set up Hootsuite as well to you LinkedIn, Instagram, to special Facebook page.  It works like Google Analytics too.

      Find an internship.... something your professors should be making every student do.  This can lead to a job or at least open doors.

      If you are in Germany, then get certified in the programs and software.  They want to see that you are certified in everything.  Some other countries may be similar... but Germany really wants to see you know things on PAPER (lame).  But still something good to know if you ever want to live in another country.

      Get on LinkedIn!!!

      Never say you are not good or that you are still learning (we are all still learning).  Never down play your skills.  Never say you are not professional.  Always talk up your work.  Never lie... Always say the truth.  But never say you are amateur, or that you are not an artist.  Never say you are beginner... say you are AN UP AND COMER!

      Share your work via Social Media... add a new project on Behance... then promote it!

      Finding work is not always simple... sometimes it is...  but if you are not proactive and constantly networking then you will be sitting at home on your hands.  Attend any events relating to the arts and design in your city!  This can help!  Behance Portfolio Reviews, Dribbble Meetups, etc.

      ALSO NEVER STEAL SOMEONE'S WORK AND CLAIM IT AS YOUR OWN!  You do this and you will lose total respect!  Always be honest!!!!!!!!

      2 replies

      KShinabery212
      Community Expert
      KShinabery212Community ExpertCorrect answer
      Community Expert
      July 24, 2016

      It really depends where you are... every country is different.  In the US it is easier... if you are already showing your work on Behance and other sites then you are on  the right path.  Belsky from Behance once said share on various sites and see what works best for you.  I could say what works best for me... but that might not be the best for you.  So you have to try things out.

      Some sites like Adobe Portfolio allow you to attach your site to Google Analytics, something every person should learn.  Then you can see who is viewing your site, from where, and you can learn fast what works and what does not.  With that being said you can set up Hootsuite as well to you LinkedIn, Instagram, to special Facebook page.  It works like Google Analytics too.

      Find an internship.... something your professors should be making every student do.  This can lead to a job or at least open doors.

      If you are in Germany, then get certified in the programs and software.  They want to see that you are certified in everything.  Some other countries may be similar... but Germany really wants to see you know things on PAPER (lame).  But still something good to know if you ever want to live in another country.

      Get on LinkedIn!!!

      Never say you are not good or that you are still learning (we are all still learning).  Never down play your skills.  Never say you are not professional.  Always talk up your work.  Never lie... Always say the truth.  But never say you are amateur, or that you are not an artist.  Never say you are beginner... say you are AN UP AND COMER!

      Share your work via Social Media... add a new project on Behance... then promote it!

      Finding work is not always simple... sometimes it is...  but if you are not proactive and constantly networking then you will be sitting at home on your hands.  Attend any events relating to the arts and design in your city!  This can help!  Behance Portfolio Reviews, Dribbble Meetups, etc.

      ALSO NEVER STEAL SOMEONE'S WORK AND CLAIM IT AS YOUR OWN!  You do this and you will lose total respect!  Always be honest!!!!!!!!

      Let's connect on LinkedIn. https://www.linkedin.com/in/kshinabery/
        barzzeb49197134
        barzzeb49197134Author
        Known Participant
        July 24, 2016

        Thanks for the advice.

        Kat Gilbert
        Kat Gilbert
        Legend
        July 23, 2016

        A very, very large question... first tell us what aspect of design you feel is your aspiration or best avenue for design- graphic i.e. logo development, publications, exhibit design, web design, the list is endless. Beginning can be very extensive so do you wish to work for an ad agency, a firm that is design oriented (both can be the same in many ways)? Your location and what firms are in your area can also add into the mix of where to start. Do you wish to relocate for best possible job opportunities? Check out the web for job opportunities, do intern work with agencies... There are so may open ended responses to your question so please give us more details of what you seek and many here can give more direct answers! I worked for ad agencies before I started my own firm and that experience greatly helped me to focus on what I wished to do!

          barzzeb49197134
          barzzeb49197134Author
          Known Participant
          July 23, 2016

          I would like to do illustrations for books, print like (brochures, newsletters, etc.), branding (logos, business cards, etc.), photography (editing). I would also like to create websites. I would like to work for a small design studio or firm and work my way up. I am still in college and still learning my way with multimedia (animation). My semester that I am in, I will do a portfolio both traditional and digital. In Behance I started to put in my work that I did for school and just for fun.

          Kat Gilbert
          Kat Gilbert
          Legend
          July 23, 2016

          You are on your way! Try and locate a local firm that you can apprentice with and this will help define in more detail what you like and don't like. Check out professional organizations such as AIGA.org and many others that can open doors if you wish to join or just get their newsletter that keeps you on top of what is current in the field. Check out GD (Graphic Design Magazine- www.GDUSA.com) it is free and also gives you current trends. It is a great exciting field to be involved with so accept any door that opens and fits your criteria!

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