4 answers
Lorena
Student
Bronxville, New York
1
Question
Updated
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What can I do to build my resume as an illustrator with an associates degree in graphic design?
How can I build up my resume and how to find internships or even volunteer work? I have not used my associates degree ever and only worked in schools as a paraprofessional. I'm ready for a career change. I lean towards to webcomics and other digital illustrations.
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4 answers
Kim Matthews
Graphic Production Designer and Sculptor
83
Answers
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Updated
Kim’s Answer
Hi Lorena,
Why not self-publish to start? I'd look into finding communities of similar creators and see where they're getting exposure for their work. Try checking out comic cons and zine fests, for example, and see how other artists are getting their work out there. Whose work are you reading? Go to their websites and see where they're selling their books or merch or whatever, and how they're doing it. You don't have to reinvent the wheel.
Also, there are often contests and calls for volunteer designers and illustrators on sites like LinkedIn, so you could try looking there. Or look up the calls for entry on CaFE, where various calls for art exhibitions and publication opportunities are posted. Literary journals seem to have regular calls for submissions of illustrations too.
You can also check out sites like College Art Association, which has a job board. And I hope you're using social media. Follow artists whose work you like and see how they manage their accounts--hashtags, content and frequency of posts, promos, etc. Post your work and work in progress if you feel like you're ready.
Hope this helps!
Why not self-publish to start? I'd look into finding communities of similar creators and see where they're getting exposure for their work. Try checking out comic cons and zine fests, for example, and see how other artists are getting their work out there. Whose work are you reading? Go to their websites and see where they're selling their books or merch or whatever, and how they're doing it. You don't have to reinvent the wheel.
Also, there are often contests and calls for volunteer designers and illustrators on sites like LinkedIn, so you could try looking there. Or look up the calls for entry on CaFE, where various calls for art exhibitions and publication opportunities are posted. Literary journals seem to have regular calls for submissions of illustrations too.
You can also check out sites like College Art Association, which has a job board. And I hope you're using social media. Follow artists whose work you like and see how they manage their accounts--hashtags, content and frequency of posts, promos, etc. Post your work and work in progress if you feel like you're ready.
Hope this helps!
I appreciate this, thank you for the advice.
Lorena
Tony Roig
Volunteer
84
Answers
New Hope, Pennsylvania
Updated
Tony’s Answer
Hi Lorena,
In addition to the good suggestions you received already, you could also consider volunteering part-time as graphic designer at nonprofits or foundations, who are often looking for such individuals and some are paid positions. It would be a way you could start building a portfolio of your work which ultimately will be the ticket to future positions that are well paying. Check volunteer match, a website listing such opportunities and use chatgpt or other AI tools like CareerVillage's Coach app for other solutions.
Best wishes,
Tony
In addition to the good suggestions you received already, you could also consider volunteering part-time as graphic designer at nonprofits or foundations, who are often looking for such individuals and some are paid positions. It would be a way you could start building a portfolio of your work which ultimately will be the ticket to future positions that are well paying. Check volunteer match, a website listing such opportunities and use chatgpt or other AI tools like CareerVillage's Coach app for other solutions.
Best wishes,
Tony
Thank you for giving me advice.
Lorena
Nissa Burkhalter
I specialize in bookkeeping, graphic design, and technical writing, leveraging my expertise to adapt across industries like construction and death care
9
Answers
Flat Rock, North Carolina
Updated
Nissa’s Answer
Depending on how many job skills you develop, you can be limited to one role or leverage your abilities across multiple positions, making you a more valuable asset. I have applied my graphic design expertise beyond traditional roles, enhancing business materials, supporting customer service, and even managing bookkeeping tasks. My ability to integrate design skills into various industries has allowed me to adapt and contribute effectively in dynamic work environments. I would recommend a different degree and teach yourself graphic design and illustration at home - however I would look into AI tools as they progress. While they cannot provide in-depth illustration, I give it 3 years. - but don't bet on it, just what I sense coming with vindication.
Where can I find volunteer work? I feel I should start volunteering first before becoming an intern.
Lorena
Alison Howe
Client Manager
2
Answers
Carmel, Indiana
Updated
Alison’s Answer
Hello! I would think that either finding an internship or even volunteering at a print shop would be a good source for you. I am thinking that several hospitals even have a media print center that would love to have someone that could work part-time to help and learn. I know newspapers are becoming hard to find but the company that owns them, usually owns another media center, whether it be print of digital. You could look up the owner of the small newspaper and ask if you could intern onsite for them? just an idea! Good LUCK!!!
Thank you for the advice.
Lorena