When I got out of college with my BFA in hand, I emerged into a world, much like today, when jobs were scarce and graphic design and illustrator positions were on the endangered species list. I knew what I wanted to do for a living, but I had little to no experience at knocking on doors and showing my portfolio. Although the traditional method of going from Agency to Agency showing your wears has it’s advantages. More likely than not you will meet someone who has a friend who works at an agency that will open the doors for your first job. Cold calls are good in a couple of respects. A) they get you practiced at the art of selling yourself and B) you learn how to gracefully here the word “No”. Inevitably it is the connections you make when not job hunting that come back later to help you snag that first position. Put the word out and give it some time.
My first job was not at an agency, it was designing and producing signs at a traditional sign company. It allowed me to think and design big. Meet with clients and to try and design to their needs. And to learn how to draw it once and revise. Draw it again and revise……..basically rejection in small degrees. Learning to control your natural instinct of saying “What, you don’t like it, then design it yourself!” And instead listen to the clients critique and make the necessary changes to suit both your needs.
