Visual Communication
portfolio class
resources :: calendar :: what you need :: jobs + salary calculator :: senior show :: tips
"A portfolio is a design problem."
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Claire Pedersen
Here is the schedule/game plan I followed when I was searching for jobs.
*you need to kind have a general idea of these before beginning research...
You need to have a general idea of these factors before beginning research...
1. Location : It could be as general as “Midwest” or as specific as San Francisco. Just make sure your really think about this, because location is everything in my opinion.
2. Size: Big, Medium, Small - this dramatically effects your work and your involvement in projects. If you don’t have a lot of work experience think of it more like, how many people would I want to collaborate with on daily basis? Or think about past jobs in other fields, do you like small teams or big teams, where you only touch a small part of the projects.
3. Type of Design: There are so many different types of design jobs. Print, Digital, Branding and there are even graphic design jobs in unconventional areas like Architecture firms.
I work in Tech, which is farily uncharted territory for midwestern kids. But, I absolutely love it! My job doesn’t require me to do any UI or UX design, but a lot of Tech companies are looking for “product designers”, which unless you have designed a lot of apps in your portfolio, you will be out of your league. There are also positions available on the brand team at these companies that allow you to work on a variety of digital brand campaigns, events and more.
Now...
RESEARCH RESEARCH RESEARCH! (finding the right places)
1. Design Sites :
- Dribbble
- Behance
- It’s Nice That
- The Fox is Black
- The Dieline
- etc.
So, when you find something you like dive deep, find the designer, see where they worked, then dive a little deeper and see their full job history! If you are fond of the work they do, you probably will be fond of the work from the place they work at, and possibly even their past employers.
See how they got to where they are today and don’t hesitate to email them if you really look up to them! Ask them for advice on how to get to where you want to be some day. This is how I got to Dropbox!
VERY IMPORTANT: Make sure when you start contacting these people once your website is done and always include a link of your work at the bottom of the email. DON'T directly say, LOOK HERE, but subtly hint to it by just making it available in your email sign off. I promise, they will click through.
EXAMPLE EMAIL :
Dear XXXXXXX,
I stumbled across you page a while ago and I just wanted to send you a little friendly hello!
I really love your work. All I can say is wow! There is something about it that draws me in; your line weight is exceptional and your variety of styles is refreshing. I am a senior currently at the University of Kansas, where I am studying graphic design. I will be graduating in May, which is giving me a lot of mixed feelings, particularly about what to do next. The one most important thing I am looking for in a job is the opportunity for growth. I want to get into an environment where I have to push myself harder than I ever have before. I crave learning and want an environment that allows me to do so. One of my favorite things to do is branding. I really love completely emerging myself in a brand, so I can create honest designs that reflect their unique voice. Working with a wide variety of clients would be ideal! Since I really admire and look up to your work I thought maybe I could pick your brain about some stuff and see how you got where you are.
Some questions I have for you are:
How did you get where you are today?
Did you have a hard time deciding what to do out of college?
I look forward to talking with you more!
Sincerely,
Claire Pedersen
clairepedersen.com < this should be a direct link so they can effortlessly click through to see your site
2. Document =: Make a pinterest board and bookmark any company that is even slightly interesting to you. You can really dive deep into them later, but save any or all that you are initially attracted to.
3. Pick “N” Choose :
- Find your top 5 favorite places and APPLY, don’t worry if they don’t have anything on their website saying they are hiring. Just send them your stuff anyways!
- Usually there will be just a general area to send applications to, but go above and beyond and actually make contact with someone that works their.
EXAMPLE EMAIL:
Hello XXXXX,
My name is Claire Pedersen and I am a senior at the University of Kansas graduating in May with a degree in Visual Communications, with an emphasis in Graphic Design. I really admire your diverse portfolio. I am a big foodie; I love to cook and try new restaurants, so I am very attracted to work you have have done in the food industry. The branding you did for Garbo's and the Mighty Beastro are just some of my favorite projects. I am interested in the Internship you have posted on your website, check out some of my work here! <<<< direct link
I appreciate your time!
Thank you,
Claire Pedersen
clairepedersen.com <<<< direct link
4. Check-In: If you haven’t heard from them in over a week check in! Don’t be shy, people just get incredibly busy and emails get buried in inboxes.
5. Send Something: After you have heard from them, send them a hand written thank you card and maybe one of your giveaways.
EXAMPLE THANK-YOU:
(card 1)
(card 2)
This was, after they took a look at my work and we had a Skype interview!
This was, after they took a look at my work and we had a Skype interview!
6. Communication: Reach out to as many people as you like, but make sure your are prompt and on-top of keeping the communication up!
Dream big, you would be surprised that most people will answer to you.
Best of luck!
Email me directly if you have any specific questions :)