Advice for landing the first graphic design job with no formal training but some small freelance work and independent projects?
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- I've said this a few times today but - it's hard.Formal training is one thing, and you are at a slight disadvantage compared to those with tangible qualifications, but the most important design training is structured education. Not all degrees are equal and A LOT of students ignore their essay subjects because they only care about practical work - the result is they're not great prospects. There is no reason that, should you take the time to learn about design from a contextual standpoint, that you cannot compete with them and all that takes is curiosity.There is a wide history of art and design that tells you so much more about design than an ability to use Adobe programs.Beyond that: typography. Typography is the cornerstone of design. You could make the best looking compositions and they will be ruined by bad typography: bad spacing, poor combinations, constantly using Helvetica. Get to grips with typography and you'll have an advantage.Otherwise, @Jonny Gaynon has given you some good advice about CVs and where to focus your search.
- @Jonny Gaynon Great advice, this is spot on! Also having no formal training in Graphic Design it can be a bit daunting and heart breaking industry to start in but if it’s something you love then it’s totally worth it.
- Hey Tyler, I did this myself. Some key things that worked for me:Goes without saying your CV should have a nice layout but don’t waste time creating an over-the-top concept for it - along with personal branding this is a waste of time in my experience. Focus on the content instead.Bulk your CV out with as much experience as possible, include all training you have done (free workshops attended, logo contests maybe even Skillshare courses - everything that is relevant to the visual arts).Focus on applying for smaller companies, specifically start-ups if possible. Also target paid intern or fixed term contract roles. In-house roles only. Don’t be picky when it comes to the company and the work they do, you just need to get some actual experience on your CV before you can start shaping your career with the work you’d like to be doing.It’s not an easy industry to break into but it’s certainly possible with enough persistence - the main thing is to keep going and don’t let any knockbacks deter you! Good luck!
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