Following on from my recent post, ‘Tips for students considering a career in graphic design’ it seemed like the next logical step to offer advice once you’ve decided to take the plunge and launch your career as a graphic designer.
Personally, I found it a rollercoaster of emotions after graduating. The excitement of preparing portfolios, making contact with – and in some cases working alongside – the very designers who’s work had inspired me throughout my studies. On the flip side, there was the reality of having to work in an unpaid placement for 6 months; an unfortunate but common predicament and one any serious graduate should be prepared to face.
The actual experience a work placement can offer is often just as valuable as the reward of a job – exposing you to many different ways of working and different cultures – so even if the latter is not on the cards, take everything you can from it.
The following is a combination of the advice I received along the way, and some of the techniques I employed in order to stand out from the crowd:
1. Perfect your portfolio.
It’s true that great work will often sell itself, but how you present it will help to determine whether people really engage with it. One technique I recommend is to ask: what does your portfolio say about you? Does it reflect your personality, your strengths, your creativity and individuality, and is it appropriate for the audience you are trying to engage? Treat your portfolio as a branding project – not just a collection of bits of work you’ve done.
Also, make sure you keep your portfolio to a good size; 6–10 great projects is ideal. BUT remember …it’ll only be as good as your weakest project, so if in doubt, leave it out!
Finally, consider the presentation of your portfolio. Forget the cumbersome cases they often insist on at college with the stippled sleeves and zips. Go for compact A3 with transparent sleeves that show the work off to its best. Photographers archive boxes are also a popular alternative currently.
2. Do your research.
Make sure any agency you contact works within sectors that are relevant to the work you will be presenting.
Find out who the right person is to contact – call and ask, making sure they are happy to receive your pdf folio (keep this under 3mb showing two or three great projects). Also, consider posting a nicely designed letter (in your brand style) which leaves more of a lasting impression over an email. Within it identify why you like the agency and a piece of their work that interested you. Follow up with a call if you haven’t heard back after a few days – just don’t be pushy.
3. Get all the advice going
Show your work to as many designers as possible. The more you present your work, the better at it and more confident you will become. Even if a company doesn’t offer placements, ask if you can come in and show them your work. Listen to their advice and develop your portfolio and presentation style accordingly.
4. Tell a good story
Explain the context, the brief, the creative process, the challenges, the final outcome and what you learnt. The order of your projects may affect how you present. I recommend starting with a strong project you enjoy talking about (helps the nerves) and end on a great one too.
5. Leave a lasting impression
Present yourself in the best possible way, have a hand full of good questions to ask and leave something behind so you stay in the front of their mind, such as a business card, cv, work sample booklet etc.
Remember that with commitment and persistence, talent is always rewarded. Best of luck!
Stuart Littlewood is a Designer at BergHind Joseph, and has first-hand experience of the trials and tribulations of searching for ‘that’ first job to become a designer.
Stuart is now one of the senior designers for BergHind Joseph, boasting experience in branding, corporate communications and employee engagement projects.
