6 answers
Brian
Student
Lochbuie, CO
1
Question
Asked
1174 views
How do I find a job in the graphic design field ?
I have applied to almost 100 jobs and haven't even gotten an interview. 99% of jobs I apply to don't even give me a response they completely ignore my application. I have a portfolio, I graduated a 16 week program with a certificate in graphic design. It just seems impossible.
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6 answers
Emily Garcia
Graphic Designer
23
Answers
Apple Valley, California
Updated
Emily’s Answer
Hello Brian,
I understand it can be really disheartening when you're putting in so much effort and not seeing the results you want. It's tough, but you're not alone- many people face challenges in landing their first graphic design job. But here are a few ways that could help you boost your chances into landing one.
1. Perfect Your Portfolio: Employers want to see that you can handle different types of projects, from logos and branding to web design and print media. If your portfolio only shows one type of work, try to diversify it. Include brief descriptions of your process for each project, even if it's just a sentence or two. You want to show how you approached the project, solved the client's problem, and why your design choices were made.
2. Tailor Your Resume and Cover Letter: It can be time-consuming, but a generic resume and cover letter won't cut it. Tailor them to each job you apply for. Make sure you highlight the skills and experience that the company is specifically looking for. Be sure to also highlight the tools you're proficient with (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite, Figma, etc) and your understanding of design principles. If you've worked with UX/UI design or other specialized areas, make sure that stands out.
3. Networking: Reach out to fellow designers, potential employers, or anyone you admire in the industry. Even if it's just a simple message on LinkedIn or attending virtual events, making connections can open doors for you. Join design communities on Reddit, Slack groups, or Facebook groups where job opportunities get posted frequently.
4. Internships and Freelance Work: If you're not already applying for internships, these can be great stepping stones into full-time roles. They allow you to gain real-world experience and expand your portfolio. Platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, and 99designs are good places to find freelance opportunities, and the work can help get your foot in the door. You can also consider working with non-profits or small businesses in exchange for experience or a testimonial. This helps you build a network and adds to your portfolio.
Lastly, try not to get discouraged. Breaking into the field is hard for many new designers, but persistence is key. You're building your foundation for a career that could go on for years, and every rejection or non-response is just part of the journey. If possible, get feedback from peers or mentors you might know as well. They might spot something in your portfolio, resume, or approach that could be improved.
I hope this helps you out a bit more, and I wish you nothing but the best!
Best Regards,
Emily Garcia
I understand it can be really disheartening when you're putting in so much effort and not seeing the results you want. It's tough, but you're not alone- many people face challenges in landing their first graphic design job. But here are a few ways that could help you boost your chances into landing one.
1. Perfect Your Portfolio: Employers want to see that you can handle different types of projects, from logos and branding to web design and print media. If your portfolio only shows one type of work, try to diversify it. Include brief descriptions of your process for each project, even if it's just a sentence or two. You want to show how you approached the project, solved the client's problem, and why your design choices were made.
2. Tailor Your Resume and Cover Letter: It can be time-consuming, but a generic resume and cover letter won't cut it. Tailor them to each job you apply for. Make sure you highlight the skills and experience that the company is specifically looking for. Be sure to also highlight the tools you're proficient with (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite, Figma, etc) and your understanding of design principles. If you've worked with UX/UI design or other specialized areas, make sure that stands out.
3. Networking: Reach out to fellow designers, potential employers, or anyone you admire in the industry. Even if it's just a simple message on LinkedIn or attending virtual events, making connections can open doors for you. Join design communities on Reddit, Slack groups, or Facebook groups where job opportunities get posted frequently.
4. Internships and Freelance Work: If you're not already applying for internships, these can be great stepping stones into full-time roles. They allow you to gain real-world experience and expand your portfolio. Platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, and 99designs are good places to find freelance opportunities, and the work can help get your foot in the door. You can also consider working with non-profits or small businesses in exchange for experience or a testimonial. This helps you build a network and adds to your portfolio.
Lastly, try not to get discouraged. Breaking into the field is hard for many new designers, but persistence is key. You're building your foundation for a career that could go on for years, and every rejection or non-response is just part of the journey. If possible, get feedback from peers or mentors you might know as well. They might spot something in your portfolio, resume, or approach that could be improved.
I hope this helps you out a bit more, and I wish you nothing but the best!
Best Regards,
Emily Garcia
Ayoub BOUAIHIA
Painter
1
Answer
Casablanca, Grand Casablanca, Morocco
Updated
Ayoub’s Answer
Start working as a Freelance, volunteer, or do internships to build experience and credibility, and try to connect with other designers on LinkedIn, Behance, Dribbble...
Look for jobs on platforms like LinkedIn, Indeed, Upwork (for freelance), and specialized design job boards.
Look for jobs on platforms like LinkedIn, Indeed, Upwork (for freelance), and specialized design job boards.
This was super helpful, thank you!
Brian
Kim Matthews
Graphic Production Designer and Sculptor
36
Answers
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Updated
Kim’s Answer
Hi Brian,
I don't have an easy answer. This is the current state of the market. Lots of businesses are investing in AI and saving money by having admin people do their graphic design using free software like Canva, or farming work out to lowball services like Fiverr.
As a junior designer, I'd definitely take others' advice here and research the various services (including Fiverr, sigh...) and see if you can start getting some freelance clients and good professional work samples. And while you're no longer a student, I'd consider looking for internships or jobs in small businesses where you might be able to use and sharpen your skills. The short answer is, if you need to work, you may have to widen your net and think about how all your skills, including graphic design, might be packaged to provide valuable services and take a job outside your specialization. What are you particularly skilled at, and what do you love? Follow those leads first but know that you may have to apply for thousands, not hundreds, of jobs.
LinkedIN job listings and groups will give you an idea of what we're facing. There are fake jobs, job scams, and senior-level jobs that pay internship wages, and jobs looking for unicorns that also offer unlivable wages. I'd suggest following some graphic design groups there. Also, Steven Heller's account is wonderful and will make the drudgery of reading business press and sifting through job posts a little less painful.
Oh--and don't forget AIGA. If you're not a member, I'd suggest signing up. They have a ton of resources, including a job board.
Try to remember that this isn't about you, but at the same time remember that you must be able to show potential clients or employers your unique value: why should they hire you instead of someone else?
Hope this helps. I was in commercial art school at the end of the analog era and the transition to what they used to call desktop publishing, and the job market was similar but not as awful as it is now because there were far fewer graduates and more jobs--and no ChatGPT!
Best to you,
Kim Matthews
I don't have an easy answer. This is the current state of the market. Lots of businesses are investing in AI and saving money by having admin people do their graphic design using free software like Canva, or farming work out to lowball services like Fiverr.
As a junior designer, I'd definitely take others' advice here and research the various services (including Fiverr, sigh...) and see if you can start getting some freelance clients and good professional work samples. And while you're no longer a student, I'd consider looking for internships or jobs in small businesses where you might be able to use and sharpen your skills. The short answer is, if you need to work, you may have to widen your net and think about how all your skills, including graphic design, might be packaged to provide valuable services and take a job outside your specialization. What are you particularly skilled at, and what do you love? Follow those leads first but know that you may have to apply for thousands, not hundreds, of jobs.
LinkedIN job listings and groups will give you an idea of what we're facing. There are fake jobs, job scams, and senior-level jobs that pay internship wages, and jobs looking for unicorns that also offer unlivable wages. I'd suggest following some graphic design groups there. Also, Steven Heller's account is wonderful and will make the drudgery of reading business press and sifting through job posts a little less painful.
Oh--and don't forget AIGA. If you're not a member, I'd suggest signing up. They have a ton of resources, including a job board.
Try to remember that this isn't about you, but at the same time remember that you must be able to show potential clients or employers your unique value: why should they hire you instead of someone else?
Hope this helps. I was in commercial art school at the end of the analog era and the transition to what they used to call desktop publishing, and the job market was similar but not as awful as it is now because there were far fewer graduates and more jobs--and no ChatGPT!
Best to you,
Kim Matthews
Gishan Ali
8
Answers
Clifton, New Jersey
Updated
Gishan’s Answer
Hello Brian,
Unfortunately I am in the same situation as you my friend, as I am a recent college grad. I have applied to hundreds of jobs and positions, but you need to understand your not alone. Especially in the job market we are in today it can be competitive, but you cannot give up, because you worked so hard to make to this day of your life so giving up is not the option. You need to leverage your resume, and need to use professional wording to make it stand out to potential employers and if you seem to be lacking skills or experience, I encourage you to apply for internships or volunteer to enhance your skills to increase your chance of landing the job. Try to learn a new skill, like when I apply I notice a lot of companies seek candidates who are skilled in Figma, try learning that software. But other than that don't give up, just have patience and a job will come to you, all the best.
All the Best,
Gishan
Unfortunately I am in the same situation as you my friend, as I am a recent college grad. I have applied to hundreds of jobs and positions, but you need to understand your not alone. Especially in the job market we are in today it can be competitive, but you cannot give up, because you worked so hard to make to this day of your life so giving up is not the option. You need to leverage your resume, and need to use professional wording to make it stand out to potential employers and if you seem to be lacking skills or experience, I encourage you to apply for internships or volunteer to enhance your skills to increase your chance of landing the job. Try to learn a new skill, like when I apply I notice a lot of companies seek candidates who are skilled in Figma, try learning that software. But other than that don't give up, just have patience and a job will come to you, all the best.
All the Best,
Gishan
Michelle M.
Actress
2146
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Brian !
I am so sorry to know you're having issues with your job search. It's great that you have come here for some advice !
The first thing that I would suggest, if you are an artist specializing in Graphic Design, why not open your own service business ? You can advertise your services, make a website, register on Linked In, list your business in trade directories. You didn't mention if you are just starting out or if you have a college degree which can make the difference in hearing back from employers. Many Graphic Artists have a Bachelors Degree, portfolio of a variety of types of art and a work history and experience in the field. So see if any of these factors could be playing a part in it and make some decisions on how you could increase your chances of obtaining interviews if you don't want to freelance with your own business right now.
If you do not have a college degree, you can consider college as a substantial path that would put you in contact with the communities and businesses that use Graphic Artists. Your professors and fellow students may have some good opportunities for you. I am sure that doing things via internet is sufficient for some careers, but for the creative careers, lots and lots of networking is involved. People need to get to know you and those professional relationships will prove to be valuable. Also, a Bachelors Degree will most times put someone in the forefront above someone who doesn't have one.
Apply only for those jobs that you qualify for. Make sure to meet the requested years experience, have an electronic portfolio and include the link to it on your CV/Resume. In the arts, it's a matter of selling yourself, so think of ways to change what you're doing in order to increase your opportunities.
You didn't mention if you are under 18 or you are applying only for remote work. If you want on-site work, you may want to explore Denver which may carry more opportunities for you. You can also visit in person your local Department of Labor. They can refer you to Employment Services programs and they post jobs on their website. You will need someone to evaluate your resume to see if it is the right tool for you.
So there are some options - creating your own service and following up with networking with other artists and businesses that hire Graphic Artists. It does require footwork but it will pay off in the end. I hope this helps and I wish you all the best !
I am so sorry to know you're having issues with your job search. It's great that you have come here for some advice !
The first thing that I would suggest, if you are an artist specializing in Graphic Design, why not open your own service business ? You can advertise your services, make a website, register on Linked In, list your business in trade directories. You didn't mention if you are just starting out or if you have a college degree which can make the difference in hearing back from employers. Many Graphic Artists have a Bachelors Degree, portfolio of a variety of types of art and a work history and experience in the field. So see if any of these factors could be playing a part in it and make some decisions on how you could increase your chances of obtaining interviews if you don't want to freelance with your own business right now.
If you do not have a college degree, you can consider college as a substantial path that would put you in contact with the communities and businesses that use Graphic Artists. Your professors and fellow students may have some good opportunities for you. I am sure that doing things via internet is sufficient for some careers, but for the creative careers, lots and lots of networking is involved. People need to get to know you and those professional relationships will prove to be valuable. Also, a Bachelors Degree will most times put someone in the forefront above someone who doesn't have one.
Apply only for those jobs that you qualify for. Make sure to meet the requested years experience, have an electronic portfolio and include the link to it on your CV/Resume. In the arts, it's a matter of selling yourself, so think of ways to change what you're doing in order to increase your opportunities.
You didn't mention if you are under 18 or you are applying only for remote work. If you want on-site work, you may want to explore Denver which may carry more opportunities for you. You can also visit in person your local Department of Labor. They can refer you to Employment Services programs and they post jobs on their website. You will need someone to evaluate your resume to see if it is the right tool for you.
So there are some options - creating your own service and following up with networking with other artists and businesses that hire Graphic Artists. It does require footwork but it will pay off in the end. I hope this helps and I wish you all the best !
Sydney Arrowood
Graphic Design
7
Answers
Burlington, Kentucky
Updated
Sydney’s Answer
Graphic design is unfortunately a very competitive field. Don't feel bad that you haven't gotten a job yet, I graduated two years ago and some of the most talented artists in my class still don't have full time graphic design jobs. What's helped me is going for temporary or part time jobs, especially for local small businesses, to boost my portfolio and add experience to my resume. I've also applied for unpaid internships or charity work just to get more experience, though doing that definitely depends on what your financial situation is. You may have to work multiple jobs that you may not like. However, I've recently had it pay off and have completed a long term contract with an amazing group who I believe will renew the contract! It takes time, and a lot of determination, but future you will thank you later.