How to get hired as a graphic designer
Is it hard to find graphic design jobs?
Are you searching for the top design jobs? It’s has been the most competitive career, and you must distinguish yourself from the mass if you do.
There is no ‘real road’ to a successful graphic design profession, but a number of paths that are not exclusive to each other. The idea is to seize chances, work hard and approach every endeavor vigorously, passionately, and determinedly.
Keep in mind this article is to target the specific audience i.e. people who really can’t afford to change career and belong to an engineering community. A guide for the self-taught ones out there. That being said that doesn’t mean that this article isn’t for the people who are also pursuing a design degree, it will help you too!
Level up your software game
Most formal study programs do not concentrate substantially and for good reason on particular software capabilities. Academic courses deal more with the comprehension of contemporary concepts and ideas and the development of comprehensive solutions to challenges. In contrast, software programs might change on a monthly basis and it is hard for academic institutes, even if they like, to keep up with them.
However, most work advertising requires you to be adept in certain design programs, most typically Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and/or InDesign. The good news is that these packages may be used quickly and simply in many different ways.
You may wish to take a structured online course to study Photoshop. Follow some of the numerous free online Photoshop courses or just navigate to YouTube to complete your knowledge gaps.
Regardless of how you learn, it’s crucial to put into practice what you have learned. Make sure you have completed projects and something specific in your portfolio to share during the interview.
Freelancing is the key
Freelancing may do your career many things. But will not only support your portfolio but may also encourage you to examine prospects for graphic design in an industry you never before thought about. You can enter into initiatives that inspire a new interest in your hunt for work by taking on your freelancing work, with links to that discipline.
Freelancing is an excellent approach for your advertising or marketing companies, which operate with many different customers, to generate important impressions. Often the job of the agency is hot and cold — freelancers are called upon to help with increasing customer demands.
They often use freelancers to evaluate what a designer is able to do without the risk of creating a new full-time job.
Work for NGOs and NPOs
Another technique of building a networking base, building up your portfolio, and being aware is to provide organizations in your town with your design abilities. Good work, near to your heart, will of course be an appreciation in itself. However, such projects may also lead to paid jobs in the non-profit and profit sectors. However, a caution word — don’t worry about unpaid labor being used.
An internship will give a boost
An internship at a reputable design studio or an in-house department may provide you with significant experience throughout your design career. You will learn how to design an organization's function, comprehend better customer needs, and how the workload works.
With luck, you will demonstrate your talents and devotion to your organization. You will transform your internship into a full-time career, build skills and create your own network with luck and be aware that you need your own luck.
Expand your network
Instead of supporters or collaborators, we typically view our friends as competition; very much the reverse in the design world. In this case, it pays to promote a network of people effectively. For example, because of a busy schedule or a small budget, the project that someone passes maybe a project appropriate for you — and a fantastic part of adding to your portfolio, which will ultimately open up doors for larger chances and new companies.
Being proactive on the net will help
It is a requirement to have an online platform, in which one may speak and have regular communication. And not only a Twitter account or Facebook page are we talking about. For future jobs, either your own site or, at least, the use of an online portfolio provider like Behance will be expected from you.
Keep going!
You’re undoubtedly now familiar with the drill. Network on LinkedIn, build small-scale projects and upload on Behance and remember to go all out and share your project with as many people as you can. But all you want is such work. You desire a career that allows you to pursue your passion — a graphic design career. Such jobs are so portfolio-driven that it can’t appear overwhelming to search. This applies particularly to rookie designers who only seek to obtain their experience.
Thanks for reading 👍
