4 answers
Gabreaelle
Student
Gilford, New Hampshire
1
Question
Asked
285 views
What is the likelyhood that i will get a job in graphic design within 1 year after graduation?
As an incoming college freshman, I would like some insight into my potential career prospects post graduation. If there is significant difficulty finding jobs, I would like to know ahead of time to be able to plan accordingly.
4 answers
Faustas Abartis
Field Service Engineer
13
Answers
Bergen, Hordaland, Norway
Updated
Faustas’s Answer
Congrats on starting your graphic design journey!
Freelancing on the side, through sites like Fiverr or Upwork, is a great move. Even small gigs add experience to your CV and build confidence.
Your portfolio is king. Start filling it now with class projects, personal work, or free designs for friends or local businesses.
Also, dive into communities (Facebook, Discord, etc.) where designers hang out. You will find inspiration, advice, and maybe even job leads.
Yeah, the job market can be challenging, but hustle smart and you’ve got a real shot.💪
Freelancing on the side, through sites like Fiverr or Upwork, is a great move. Even small gigs add experience to your CV and build confidence.
Your portfolio is king. Start filling it now with class projects, personal work, or free designs for friends or local businesses.
Also, dive into communities (Facebook, Discord, etc.) where designers hang out. You will find inspiration, advice, and maybe even job leads.
Yeah, the job market can be challenging, but hustle smart and you’ve got a real shot.💪
Joe Lopez
creative director
5
Answers
Alameda, California
Updated
Joe’s Answer
The answer to this question depends 100% on you. Here are tips to help you get a job sooner than later.
1) Constantly work on and improve your portfolio. Don't just rely on school projects. Add passion projects. Diversify it. Make it demand attention.
2) Look at the work of fellow students. Make sure yours stands out. Find a way to break out from the pack.
3) Try and get as many internships as you can while in school. I was offered two different full time jobs as an art director during the beginning of my senior year.
4) Don't be tied to any particular region. Be brave and open your job search to big cities around the country. Go to the best opportunities regardless of region. I eventually moved from Michigan to California to chase my dreams .
5) Most important, never stop having fun! You are an artist!
1) Constantly work on and improve your portfolio. Don't just rely on school projects. Add passion projects. Diversify it. Make it demand attention.
2) Look at the work of fellow students. Make sure yours stands out. Find a way to break out from the pack.
3) Try and get as many internships as you can while in school. I was offered two different full time jobs as an art director during the beginning of my senior year.
4) Don't be tied to any particular region. Be brave and open your job search to big cities around the country. Go to the best opportunities regardless of region. I eventually moved from Michigan to California to chase my dreams .
5) Most important, never stop having fun! You are an artist!
Rhoda C
Graphic Designer
9
Answers
Los Angeles, California
Updated
Rhoda’s Answer
Hi Gabrielle,
I noticed your question is similar to one I've just answered, so I'll share that response with you. I hope it helps you think about your future.
I'm happy you're interested in Graphic Design (GD). There are three main paths: working in-house, with an agency, or as a freelancer. It's usually best to start with in-house or agency roles after graduation. Many companies don't see freelance work as valid experience, which is unfortunate. In school, you'll learn about portfolios, but start gathering your artwork now. This will be useful later. To learn how to make a portfolio, check out YouTube, where many designers offer tutorials. After graduation, a website portfolio is often required, but as a student, a printed or PDF version is fine.
Here's a quick look at each option:
**In-House:**
In-house work means joining a marketing team, collaborating with specialists and possibly other designers. In smaller companies, you might also create media content. These roles often have less creative freedom due to strict brand guidelines, but they offer stable hours with less overtime. If you like structure and working independently, this could be a good match. The in-house job market is larger, making it easier to find jobs.
**Agency:**
Agencies handle various projects, exposing you to different products. Some focus on advertising, needing skills like video editing, web design, and coding. Others create film posters and marketing materials, requiring creativity and Adobe software skills. Agencies offer a collaborative environment with knowledgeable colleagues, but projects can demand overtime.
**Freelance:**
Freelancing gives you a flexible schedule, but you must be organized with deadlines. You'll manage clients and marketing on your own. Income can vary, and you'll need to find clients actively. You can also combine freelancing with an in-house job to gain experience.
**Tips to Get Started:**
- **Join AIGA:**
A famous art group offering classes and networking.
- **Engage with Adobe:**
They offer online lessons and events with industry speakers.
- **Look for Internships:**
After a year in your major, look for internships. Some may be unpaid but are valuable for experience. Many companies want three years of experience for entry-level roles, so internships help fill that gap. Disney offers internships, but also check local options.
- **Consult Advisors and Professors:**
Regularly meet with your advisor and talk to professors. Building these relationships can provide guidance and support during and after college.
- **Learn Key Tools:**
Get familiar with tools like Canva, Figma, CAD, and Rhino. You might also need skills in 3D printing, web design, UX/UI design, photography, and photo/video editing.
- **Use LinkedIn:**
Create a LinkedIn account to explore GD job descriptions in your area and understand the skills required.
- **Utilize Online Resources:**
YouTube is great for learning Adobe skills, and Pinterest can inspire design ideas.
Good luck with your studies!
I noticed your question is similar to one I've just answered, so I'll share that response with you. I hope it helps you think about your future.
I'm happy you're interested in Graphic Design (GD). There are three main paths: working in-house, with an agency, or as a freelancer. It's usually best to start with in-house or agency roles after graduation. Many companies don't see freelance work as valid experience, which is unfortunate. In school, you'll learn about portfolios, but start gathering your artwork now. This will be useful later. To learn how to make a portfolio, check out YouTube, where many designers offer tutorials. After graduation, a website portfolio is often required, but as a student, a printed or PDF version is fine.
Here's a quick look at each option:
**In-House:**
In-house work means joining a marketing team, collaborating with specialists and possibly other designers. In smaller companies, you might also create media content. These roles often have less creative freedom due to strict brand guidelines, but they offer stable hours with less overtime. If you like structure and working independently, this could be a good match. The in-house job market is larger, making it easier to find jobs.
**Agency:**
Agencies handle various projects, exposing you to different products. Some focus on advertising, needing skills like video editing, web design, and coding. Others create film posters and marketing materials, requiring creativity and Adobe software skills. Agencies offer a collaborative environment with knowledgeable colleagues, but projects can demand overtime.
**Freelance:**
Freelancing gives you a flexible schedule, but you must be organized with deadlines. You'll manage clients and marketing on your own. Income can vary, and you'll need to find clients actively. You can also combine freelancing with an in-house job to gain experience.
**Tips to Get Started:**
- **Join AIGA:**
A famous art group offering classes and networking.
- **Engage with Adobe:**
They offer online lessons and events with industry speakers.
- **Look for Internships:**
After a year in your major, look for internships. Some may be unpaid but are valuable for experience. Many companies want three years of experience for entry-level roles, so internships help fill that gap. Disney offers internships, but also check local options.
- **Consult Advisors and Professors:**
Regularly meet with your advisor and talk to professors. Building these relationships can provide guidance and support during and after college.
- **Learn Key Tools:**
Get familiar with tools like Canva, Figma, CAD, and Rhino. You might also need skills in 3D printing, web design, UX/UI design, photography, and photo/video editing.
- **Use LinkedIn:**
Create a LinkedIn account to explore GD job descriptions in your area and understand the skills required.
- **Utilize Online Resources:**
YouTube is great for learning Adobe skills, and Pinterest can inspire design ideas.
Good luck with your studies!
Gishan Ali
24
Answers
Clifton, New Jersey
Updated
Gishan’s Answer
Hello Gabreaelle,
Great question and unfortunately the GD market is very competitive, requiring specific skillsets to stand out to recruiters. On the good side, as it comes to graphic design, applying to a company is not the only option, you may freelance or even start your own business. With graphic design the possibilities are endless, just have the right mindset and get to work. Anything is possible, just work hard and enhance your skills to be an ideal candidate to any job in this sector or jobs that interest you. Plus network and always reach pout to pros, like for example on LinkedIn., Best of luck on your college journey and post-grad endeavors. There is no specific time-frame, it will come to you at the least moment you expect it.
Best,
Gishan
Great question and unfortunately the GD market is very competitive, requiring specific skillsets to stand out to recruiters. On the good side, as it comes to graphic design, applying to a company is not the only option, you may freelance or even start your own business. With graphic design the possibilities are endless, just have the right mindset and get to work. Anything is possible, just work hard and enhance your skills to be an ideal candidate to any job in this sector or jobs that interest you. Plus network and always reach pout to pros, like for example on LinkedIn., Best of luck on your college journey and post-grad endeavors. There is no specific time-frame, it will come to you at the least moment you expect it.
Best,
Gishan
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