Question for those in graphic design.

ash_scotland88 · 4 Dec 2011 at 20:41

Bit of back story: I dropped out of a uni course, digital media, due to depression. Since then I've been applying for marketing related vacancies, mainly those that have a creative side and not a jumped up sales role. I do have a national diploma in this.

I would like to get into graphic design and sadly due to the uni issues I don't have a folio to present, even though my course wasn't really graphic design anyway.

Anybody got any tips?
I've thought of maybe websites that release breifs, there's been a couple of voluntary roles on gumtree (some local health group) and my other big option would be to head back to college and do an HNC/D in graphic communication. Also possibly work experience.

I am also aware that occasionaly there are apprenticeship, but have never come across them myself.

So, yeah, any tips for the first step on? I know it's junior and assistant I am aiming for but again the job websites I use don't seem to really have any listed, maybe one a month.

whitecrook · 4 Dec 2011 at 20:42

Make a portfolio

ash_scotland88 · 4 Dec 2011 at 20:49

I know that, just not sure about the best way to go about it. To make it look proffesional and just some made up stuff I've thrown togeather.

asim18 · 4 Dec 2011 at 20:56

ash_scotland88 said:
I know that, just not sure about the best way to go about it.

Online portfolio for when you're applying.
Printed portfolio for when you're sat at an interview.

Doomedspeed · 4 Dec 2011 at 21:44

A portfolio will be the best thing to do. Just include work you have done, whether it be for Your course, a friend or just for yourself. Both online and Printed would be good. Online means you can email it to someone.

For idea's and maybe jobs check out Core77

Im a final year product design student myself.

panda_uk · 4 Dec 2011 at 21:51

Work experience is the best start. If your good you can usually land yourself a job there.

ChroniC · 4 Dec 2011 at 21:55

asim18 said:
Online portfolio for when you're applying.
Printed portfolio for when you're sat at an interview.

You don't need prints anymore. I use an Ipad.

asim18 · 4 Dec 2011 at 21:57

ChroniC said:
You don't need prints anymore. I use an Ipad.

Oh yeah?

Well I have my portfolio tattooed on my scrotum.

Doomedspeed · 4 Dec 2011 at 23:14

asim18 said:
Well I have my portfolio tattooed on my scrotum.

Remind me to never invite you to a job interview.

I could make so many more comments (related to size) but im bigger than that!

simisker · 4 Dec 2011 at 23:26

asim18 said:
Oh yeah?

Well I have my portfolio tattooed on my scrotum.

Oh yeah?

Well I tattoo mine onto the interviewer's.

On a slightly more helpful note, a relatively easy way to build up a graphic design portfolio is to take existing companies' identities - particularly ones that you think look dated or inappropriate - and produce a theoretical revamp.

For instance, something like this.

Doing a few of those can bulk up a portfolio quite quickly, especially if you also show your workings [which you should, as that's of more interest to design-oriented employers than the end product].

ash_scotland88 · 5 Dec 2011 at 20:38

Thanks,

There is one I was asked to look at once, well their website, but it was the wrong time (health wise) and I also wanted to heavily rechange their brand identity, but it is a possibility to do something like that!

I just need to pull the finger out and start thinking about life again.

Hyburnate · 5 Dec 2011 at 20:48

asim18 said:
Oh yeah?

Well I have my portfolio tattooed on my scrotum.

Pretty small folio you have there.

Anyway to OP. Just set yourself some fake clients.

ash_scotland88 · 5 Dec 2011 at 21:59

Thing is with fake clients there aren't boundaries and limitions to work in.
I'm all up for the brand re-identity. It's branding I enjoy both as design and marketing.