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I was recently contacted by a design graduate regarding the current difficulty in finding a job. Excerpts of the email follows:

"I am writing to you in regards to the general state of the Graphic Design Industry at the moment. I am a graduate of Graphic Design and have since July been looking for work in the industry. To my disappointment I have received no such luck, nor hope of a suitable position available for me. The job search process certainly does weigh on the personality. I have come to understand the extremely difficult process of entering the industry of Graphic Design.

I am writing you mainly for advice on my situation and/or what you feel the industry is like at the moment. I have come to believe there are a lot more Graphic Designers out there than there are positions available or work. I like many other graduates that I know, possess the skills and the creativity, but are unable to pierce the surface of the industry to gain experience or work.

I believe that graduates and such need a lot more information and support in regards to their jobsearch. We all love graphic design but lose faith in it after months of looking to get into it. I am in Queensland, so perhaps it is a geographical situation. I would really appreciate some help or some feedback on the problem, as I am not too sure where else to look."

Having replied directly to my inquirer it occurred to me that the issues may be of interest to a few more new designers, hence this article. An expanded version of my original reply follows:

My sympathies with your lack of progress to date. Unfortunately, the entire Australian and global economies are very, very slow this year, and are expected to be difficult for about another year. This puts Australia's largest corporations under tremendous financial pressure.

These companies are mostly responding to that financial pressure by cutting "discretionary" costs aggresively, or at best holding costs to existing levels insteading of increasing them by 10-15% per year. Typically a lot of marketing and design spend is classified as "discretionary."

Therefore, studios suffer from big cutbacks in their clients' design budgets. In response to this difficult situation, studios are much less inclined to hire people now because they can't be sure of getting enough work.

Interestingly, individuals such as you and I, behave in a same way as big corporations, albeit on the scale of our personal budgets rather than corporate revenues. When we are unsure about whether or not we'll have a job in the next few months, we tend to cut back on non-essentials such as movies, CDs, etc., and also postpone major purchases. We continue to buy groceries, although we probably look a little harder at the price premiums of established brands and lean more towards no-name options.

An additional complication for those that live and work in regional cities, such as Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth, is that they are likely to suffer more as the largest companies pull their budgets back into their head office cities ie. Melbourne and Sydney. That doesn't mean that Melbourne and Sydney won't suffer, just that they are likely to feel the pain slower and a little less overall.

Finally, the dotcom collapse since the beginning of this year has probably let a small flood of experienced, qualified designers on to the job market as well, and these people are more likely to be hired than inexperienced graduates.

All I can suggest is that:

• it will eventually get better, but probably not at least until the middle of next year, quite possibly later
• refine your search to focus on a broader range of studios, and in particular try to locate the studios that seem to have a solid client base
• use every channel at your disposal, ie. recruitment agencies as well as face-to-face visits
• be prepared for frequent knock-backs, and be persistent: think of this as a lottery - you have to be in it to win it
• try to focus your face-to-face approach on "how I can help you make money," and try to avoid giving the impression that "all I want is a job - getting work is not my problem."
• if you can't get people to consider giving you a position, you should consider work experience as a way to building up contacts and in-studio experience

Sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but I still believe that it is better to be out there with a clear idea of the challenges than not.

Cheers,

Andrew Lam-Po-Tang

"This is a very interesting article and I have my own two cents to add. And I will start with making the feedback from KE and Mano B as my primary exhibits. I'm going to be very frank about it.

KE: a graphic designer for 20 years, I somehow find that hard to believe. I know people with far more experience who are still landing jobs with no problems. Being in the game for 20 years you should know better that the industry is evolving just as fast as technology comes. Programming isn't only for programmers now, if you really want to score a job then you should consider cross training. Think about how many times you've had to relearn your programs, you need to constantly update yourself to make yourself that much more marketable. One should never complain about not being paid enough you're already in the job. All arrangements should be made CLEAR before entering ANY job, after all it is our job as designers to be meticulous so we should do the same when it comes to how we're going to get paid. Last point I have to say is that comparing you to someone's nephew is a complete joke! Just what kind of work have you been looking for? Your reply not only misleads Graphic Designers-to-be but it also makes one doubt your 20 years in this field.

Mano B: This world can be so unforgiving sometimes and everyone who's in the field would have had this bump at least once or twice in their career: lack of knowledge of what you are worth. I believe there is a guide on AGDA on just how much you're worth, and like the Loreal You're worth it so don't sell yourself short.

I guess I made those two examples to clarify things for you budding designers. There is a few things which I will just add for people who are seeking jobs:

The Term Graphic Design is changing and you should adapt accordingly, cross-training is a big plus! Say if you really love web design then you should definitely consider learning some web programming.

Applying for Jobs online AND actively seeking studios or employers are not enough. Think of ways to sell yourself, Just think for a second there. If you sold yourself successfully then the employer must have complete confidence in you for you to sell their product/service and what not.

Networking is the key like most people have said but think outside the square here, it's nice to have a bunch of people on your list associated with design but you would be surprised just when and where a job will come from.

Graduates: don't be fooled for a second that an employer will jump onto you just because you have a university degree over a diploma or certificate. It is the workmanship that counts here. You may have studied Graphics Design but that by no means makes you qualified for work. Build up that portfolio, volunteer for jobs or chuck in some freebies because school work just doesn't cut it half the time. Be sure that you only chuck in a freebie once, after that you've proven yourself until your next employer.

Have a few back up jobs, to me design is somewhat like art and sometimes you just can't appeal to everyone. Unfortunately there will be down times. For someone starting out it can be extremely stressful so you should always have your sanity in check. Don't be discouraged if it takes a long time to find a job because in the end if you really are cut out for this industry then you WILL find a job! All you require is the creativity, skills and stamina.

Last and most important point to those of you who are starting out. MAKE SURE YOU KNOW WHAT YOU ARE WORTH. If the employer asks you to decide the rate then make sure you know what they are, if they come to you with a contract then make sure you leave no word unturned. Countless times have I seen people starting out not fully understanding how getting paid works and they get denied of their real worth. We are designers researching is our second nature so get on to it! It not only gets you your pay but it also makes you look more professional. If the potential employer back out of the deal then in my opinion the job is not worth it.

I hope that helps those of you starting out. Oh and one more little thing. When you're submitting your portfolios make sure you watermark your works. Make sure your portfolio stands out, imagine an employer flipping through dozens of portfolios and there is your one with a bland black cover hiding under his folders. If you're submitting it online: don't send any work at high quality. Submitting works like websites I strongly suggest you send screenshots of it rather than a link to the actual site. To sum up, take all precautions because there are cold hearted people out there who will steal your hard work. Nothing like applying for a job and then not to have a reply but seeing your design creep up somewhere."

"I have one client now and after that, I'm out of this business because, in my opinion, there's no 'design' left in graphic design anymore.

I have nearly 20 years experience and, no, I'm not a programmer, thank you. Why should I be? They have people for that: they're called (you guessed it) programmers.

And why should I work longer hours and learn more software, but for less and less money? How can I compete and make a living when there's predesigned templates for less than $100 (both print and complete websites); when you can get a logo done by an online company for $150; when there's drag-and-drop and CMS; or when someone's nephew has Photoshop and InDesign and will do the job for free?

I have worked on my own, offsite, for over 10 years. For a long time, no one ever had a problem with pricing or the fact that I had my own studio. Sure, there were times I had to negotiate prices, but I was always fair and people didn't really question the money. And the offsite situation was never an issue; if anything, a lot of people saw it as a benefit.

As competition grew, and there was more 'do-it-yourself' software and online options, it became a bidding war, to the point that if you calculate how many hours you spend on a job and compare it to what you get paid, you'd make more money doing just about anything else.

So I came here from NY, thinking that the market would be better only to find it's actually worse, in my opinion. For nearly a year, I've regularly contacted other studios and answered ads, but only received a handful of replies, mostly from recruitment agencies who want to be able to call me up and tell me where to be in an hour.

I've done a handful of jobs for very little money. And the accepted attitude seems to be that you keep reworking the project until their client is happy [-] and it may take weeks or even months [-] but you aren't supposed to charge any extra money, that somehow there's a profit in working an unspecified amount of hours for one set price. Sorry, but after running my own business, I don't see the logic in that.

I feel that I didn't work as hard as I did for 20 years to start at the beginning again. I'm not sure what I'm going to do, but after I'm done with this last project, I'm finished with this career.

My advice: let the client's 16-year-old nephew build the website or design the logo. Despite having talent as a graphic artist, you can't compete with free.

But if it's any consolation, people get what they pay for."

"It's not just the new graduates who have trouble landinh a job. I've had over 4 years of experience in the multimedia and graphic design field in Canada. I migrated to Australia last year, hearing good things about the job market. I can't tell you how disappointed I am. I've done everything and anything I could think of, yet, I've had no luck. Every job I applied for seemed to be a perfect fit, but there was no response whatsoever. I've tried contacting the few employers who actually responded, even if it was to say that the application wasn't successful. The only reason they've given has been the fact that there are so many graphic designers out there, and that the competition was tough.

About 2 weeks ago, I finally had some positive response from this employer who only offered freelance projects based on 'award'. Just to get familiar with the Australian job market, and to have some Australian experience listed on my resume, I got my first project. I wasn't expecting much, despite spending hours and hours on it, which he happened to be very impressed with. I was shocked when he wrote me a cash cheque for $85.

Graphic design has been my passion since my childhood, but I've reached a point I'm beginning to regret being in this field. I still love designing, but depending on my husband financially is sure making me think twice about my decision. I've been feeling awful about how much he's paying, as if I'm selling myself short, but remembering how tough it's been finding some sort of work, I'm not sure if I should continue or not.

My question is, is it legal for the guy I'm working for to be paying me under $5 an hour, labelling it as 'reward'? The minimum wage here is about $13. Maybe I should go look for a job in a mall. :)"

"After reading the responses to this article I soon realised how lucky I am. Currently working for a national hotel chain in an Advertising Manager's position I have been given the opportunity to study graphic design and use my skills within my role. There have been countless times where I have wanted to quit due to the unfavourable work environment. And in preparation for this day I set up my own business and now have three solid clients all from word of mouth.

I am extremely lucky as like all that have responded I am passionate about being creative and using my skills to the best of my ability and I certainly have that opportunity. To get where I am has been a hard slog for the past five years but it has been all worth it. If graphic design is your dream then go confidently in that direction and keep perservering. You never know when a door may open."

"I have to agree with David. I graduated a Graphic Design based program, and I did all the work experience during my course of study, which equated to over a year of part time but professional work. The furtherest I have gotten is freelance work, now I am retraining within another industry."

"I completed a Diploma of Graphic Arts in 2004. Upon graduation I naively convinced myself getting a job would be the least of my worries. WRONG! 1.5 years later no job, even after sending hundreds of applications and attending dozens of interviews.

My advice to students is to start getting industry experience now while studying, during semester breaks and your own free time. You need passion in this industry to get you through the pain: low pay, constant rejections and 1hour deadlines.

With the goal posts shifting as I met them, I have lost interest in this industry. I have given it a good shot, freelanced and volunteered. Time to move on and retrain in another industry."

"One thing that stands out in many of the above entries including the original article, is the uncertain expression, spelling and ultimately proof reading. It takes more than just pretty images to be a professional designer. Application, attention to detail and thinking things through are needed, but rarely applied.

My symapathies go out to all applicants for design positions. There are far far too many graduates produced and the schools do not adequately prepare their students for the real world probably because the teachers themselves were refugees from the harsh realities themselves.

Ultimately be prepared for a short, mostly unrewarding career and be ready to move onto something else."

"I am a recent graduate from Tafe in Graphic Art and have been looking for a job since November 2005. Like everyone else I found it very difficult to fin a job but I stuck to it and it really took a lot of effort! Luckily 2 weeks ago I managed to get my foot in the door, got hired as a casual to help out a local agency. Though the pay is shockingly low $12.5/hr, I am still happy! Finally I am able to contribute my skills and ideas as well as develop my talent and creativity from the experience and I love every bit of it!!"

"Its so good to hear that im not the only one who worked their ass off at uni, got work experience, polished the portfolio, studio hopped and did all the right things........ and still doesnt have a solid job. However, I have another interview next week! yay!"

"When I ran a creative business (content merchants with a design bent, rather than a design firm) in Adelaide I received many unsolicited letters of application in the mail each week from wannabe designers, copywriters and motion graphics graduates. Some lovely work to be sure, but seldom did anyone go to the trouble to find out who I was, what my firm did, whether we had a need. Almost never was there any follow up.

So if I can give a couple of messages to young designers, they would be as follows: Do your homework on firms to which you apply, otherwise you're basically just sending junk mail. It seems so obvious, but by doing so you'll raise yourself above 80% of the other newbies in your profession.

Secondly, a good portfolio is not enough. I've seen hundreds of them, but they do not tell me how you will work under pressure, to real deadlines and limited budgets, with initiative and client focus. That's the story I really want to hear, so be ready to tell it.

Thirdly, there are very few full-time jobs for GDs out there, yet vast numbers of people seem to be looking for them. My advice is to focus less on trying to get that plum full-time position at the major design house and more on how you can add just a little value to the business around the corner. One path is passive and the other active.

At the end of the day if you are a good designer, with good commercial sense and a positive attitude, then you will find work. Good luck!"

"Ah yes, the pains of getting the first job after graduation... I've been reading all the feedbacks and here's a couple of points I can add:

1) I'm a firm believer that GD courses @ unis & tafes should severly cut student intakes by more stringent entrance requirements and talking on less students.

2) Leading from the point above, judging from my own GD education experience (tafe), I can honestly say that (at the end of three years long study) AT LEAST 80% of my co-students simply did not have either necessary skills or design sense (sometimes both) for them to become 'employable' designers - a lot of people actually went into it just because it was 'IN' at the time and so 'fashionable' to become a GD, but had no clue what was all about. The teenage 'doodle' obsession never evolved into design obsession, if you know what I mean.

On the employer side, some people did make valid observations - no proper manners from majority of GD firms to at least reply with a 'no-thank-you' letter. Specially here in Perth! That shows lack of care, lack of interest and lack of manners. I find it as bad as having spelling errors on resumes.

I don'k know what to say to new graduates - keep looking... if it doesn't work, learn a trade or become a re-seller and start earning decent/very good money. Everyone/everything these days seems to be preoccupied with bottom lines and profits, why shouldn't you?

If you've got a job, ask yourself (if you haven't already) how much exploatation can you take? Over-worked, under-paid, no paid overtime, rediculous deadlines, late nights, constant battle with under-appreciative clients, stress, and last, but not least, the loss of 'creativity' dream - remember the time when you thought you'll actually 'design' something? Sure you do - remember, research, thumbnails, concepts... yes, those things. Well forget it - everyone wants everything figured out in 10 minutes so you have no option but to switch to auto-pilot... now, who teaches you about that?

Good luck to us all. We already need it."

"I've accidentally stumbled across this post I have made a few years ago while I was using search engines to check my own site listing. Several years have passed. I am currently working in the hospitality industry for a global hotel chain. However I haven't given up on my creativity. I've almost finished a fictional novel I started writing during the time I wasn't able to get a job in multimedia industry. That hard year also made me realise the path I'd like to take is in special FX for the film industry using Alias Maya (which is a 3D animation software package). I currently work 4 days a week 10hrs each day (I would have preferred 3 days a week each day 12hrs however that wasn't possible). I believe a year from now I will be working overseas using Alias Maya and perhaps publish the book 2 years from now.

Well, I wish you all the best and never give up in what you'd like to achieve in life. Also remember to have fun because working isn't everything.

Good Luck to you all and I wish you all the best!"

"To all the optimistic letter-writers, Thankyou-I really needed the Positivity & will be bookmarking this site to refer to & maintain 'hope' whilst struggling to break into the design industry as a graduate with no industry experience."

"Well said 'Man with burnt eyes'! I never thought I'd be one of those people who gives up on the graphic design industry but after only 4 years of working as a graphic designer I'm bitter and disillusioned... so instead of sitting around whinging I decided, as I'm still young, to get on with my life. I still work as a graphic designer but I'm into my third year of a non graphic design related uni degree (all studied part time while working) and loving it. I barely even find graphic design "creative" anymore, can't wait to get out of this industry!!"

"Hey guys, Creativity is expressing your love for certain things in life that inspire you. You dont have to be a graphic designer to be creative. What I am saying is if it is all getting you down and your losing that energy that you began with as a youngster, look somewhere else, surprise yourself, find a way to become enfactuated with life again. Most graphic design is filling the world with meaningless, disposable messages, selling people things they don't neeed anyway- it's not always going to be that glamourous thing you imagined as a freshy just out of highschool."

"Andrew, I have just graduated and received my Certificate IV in Graphic Design. I find it difficult to find work at this level. I am prepared to do work for nothing as work experience. I just want to create, isn't that what it is all about. It's going to be a matter of time until someone notices us. I feel for all graduates, keep your chin up. I do."

"There is some exceptional wisdom in these replies. I am most impressed. It is confidence building to read them. Thank you for the opportunity to read them. Good luck to all of you."

"I agree with Michael, AGDA should link courses with real world experience. I left UNSW, College of Fine Arts, half way through my course and began freelancing for random businesses. I began job hunting a month ago, have attended over a dozen interviews with top notch firms and have been presented with a handful of job offers.

A degree is just a starting point. You have to get some experience any way you can. Even if you need to work for free. And use your imagination to get yourself through the door.

I created some funky self promo tools and called up studios offering to drop them off. This made a great impression and 9/10 times, I was asked to come in and show my portfolio.

The fact is, design is not a job. If you're after a job, you should be looking in another industry. Design is a passion and your creativity should overflow the design brief to encompass every single thing you do. This includes job hunting! Good luck!"

"As someone who did use a set square and has her Rapidographs in mothballs but now partners in a publishing business and has a 'big Mac', finding freelancers who are competent and flexible teamworkers is hard.

Resumes often are distorted, diploma and external course curricula doesn't support graphics industry realities, 'self-talk' replaces listening skills, lifestyle sometimes interferes with going to work, bosses with experience are nuisances, brainstorming design concepts is oldfashioned - and what on earth is communication between staff?

No successful designer functions as an island - they need to work with and learn from others.

I'm still learning after 40 years and really respect teamworkers who can admit 'No, I don't know how to do that, but I'll find out'. Unpaid work experience is a great idea, but you may have to fit in with peak production times and may not be on a top of the line Mac eight hours a day. Good luck."

"I have read all the feedbacks and can identify with many. i recently returned to Australia after more than nine years freelancing as a Graphic Designer in Japan. One of the interesting things I have noted is that here there is the emphasis is on a well written CV even if some of the facts are incredulous. In Japan they often will give designers (at least freelancers) a small piece-work to see what you come up with and then judge you by that. My first job as a frelancer was a carton design for a major (if not THE major) electronics firm. I cut and pasted it as I did not have any computer. They were satisfied and nominated the price of sppx. $750AU!

Ah, the good old days! Hang in there, everyone."

"To all the people who have read this far...

So you have no contacts, no money and heaps of rejections....

• stop complaing and put your energy to better use. Buy a motivation book if it helps and start getting some exercise
• don't have a computer? Wait tables for heaven's sake and SAVE!!!
• Get some work experience, you mightn't be paid, but you'll do it if you really want to be a designer
• Go to free business seminars and learn how to market yourself
• Go to galleries, exhibitions etc, and put what you've learnt to good use, you never know who'll you'll come in contact with
• research killer resumes and portfolios online and in books
  
• Get your computer, or maybe you could borrow one from the place you're doing work experience, or a university friend's uni access and design your resume/portfolio plus don't forget to enter competitions!
• Call your contacts and get out there and show them your stuff. If they are impressed they might consider employing your talents once you've scored that job (New Employers will be impressed if you bring them in new business!)
• Get that job!

No job? But got contacts who want to use your talents? Write a business plan, get a bank loan and start your own business.

Have you really tried hard enough?

You have to help yourself, because no one else is going to.

Good luck."

"As a woman who has supported her family by doing graphics for 25 years, my suggestion is to cross-train. Get a specialty on top of the design training. For me it was architectural illustration. While in design school I started working for an architectural illustrator for next to nothing, doing deliveries and answering the phone. Then they had me fill in some backgrounds and try my hand at trees, and I was on my way. That got me to a job at an ad agency that handled mostly housing developers. That led to a job with a huge international hardware company, which led to a job, etc. etc.

I have a friend who did the same thing by specializing in art for courtroom attorneys. He started by helping a friend present evidence at a trial, and then took his examples around to the various attorney's offices, and also went to their trade meetings. The word got out that he knew what he was doing as far as the technical details, and he never missed a deadline. Now he's never out of work.

Another friend had outstanding pictures of food in her portfolio. It led to a whole career in food packaging.

Somebody else drew animals beautifully. She ended up designing film animation. No one could make tha animals come to life like she could.

Graphics alone is enjoyable. Graphics with a specialty is a skill-set the world wants.

By the way, I've found the same thing holds true for people who want to be writers."

"I can relate to many of the replies here. I also understand the opinions expressed by those in the industry. Many of us are a victim of circumstance. The golden question is: are we doing enough within our power to change those circumstances?

Yes, lobbying every possible studio, agency, in-house and anybody helps. So does reinventing your portfolio and updating your skills. Every attempt and suggestion in these replies all seem helpful. The problem lies in our ability to manage and afford these anxious attempts to gain employment with our own sanity and survival.

My attempts have resulted in myself studying a master in strategic marketing in the evenings to give myself that edge over other applicants. It also enables me to provide more intelligent and relevant design concepts that are successful in creating competitive advantage for the clients I hope to work with.

To support myself, I am working three jobs around my part time studies. None are permanent.

[Two jobs are well paid with little hours with unrealistic supervisors who either want to squeeze every dollar value out of you with unrealistic demands or would actually rather do the job themselves (and unfortunately do not know what they are doing). The tedious art of diplomacy and negotiation is a skill I am learning at an alarming rate.]

The third job is not well paid at all, but it is much less stressful. I have resorted to cleaning buses on weekends to make ends meet.

The number of hours of work and study combined leave me little time to allocate to improving my portfolio or advancing my technical skills let alone any time for socialising or relaxing.

I cling to the knowledge that a single full time job would be much easier in terms of managing financial affairs and alone time. Yet my efforts of study, work and job hunting have not lead me to any opportunities as yet.

What else can I do? As the semester comes to an end, plans of intensive job hunting and portfolio updating are starting to become plans on how to earn more money to pay for the necessities, the car and the portfolio update. (I am a santa's photographer this year, I have to pay for the rego somehow).

When I am asked in an interview, "Do you have any experience in managing and organising multiple tasks and projects?" I immediately reflect upon my daily life and the planner sitting on my desk at home. Unfortunately it doesn't seem to gain much recognition in interviews. Nor does the multiple projects and tasks I successfully managed in my previous four years of university study.

It's no wonder either. I have to agree with others in the view that university standards are slipping. With reduced funding, universities are forced to provide more places and are far less selective.

This is particulary the case with universities such as my own, where the design department is part of the Creative Arts faculty. This particular faculty struggles for funding from the university itself and has no commercial arm to bolster its accounts. It is no surprise to see them treating design degrees as their meal ticket.

An increase in design places where there is demand is logical. But the money helps fund the entire Faculty. Computers are dismal with not enough licences to go around for a single class to lack luster lecturers who care more for their own commercial work then they do for your education. Surprise, surprise, students just are not up to scratch.

We all like to think we are highly creative, passionate, well-intentioned individuals. I know I do. But that does not qualify us for a job. We do need to focus on business skills, technical skills and most importantly (though still to confirm if it is sought after in the industry) integrity and work ethic. Students are not being taught any of the above skills at my university and I have been seeking to impove them on my own.

Creativity and passion are fantasic qualities for an employee. For those out there who also feel this way I make one suggestion. Art for art's sake.

Make the disticnction between art and design. To me, design is art with a purpose, a set task to achieve. Design is business. If we could gain a job that allowed us to feel both creative and passionate, great. Realistically, I feel that this is rare and something to be treasured. But that does not mean we have to feel stunted.

This is a call to arms. To unemployed designers everywhere. Grab your computer, paints, knick knacks, bits and pieces and create something for yourself! It keeps me sane. I just wish I had more time to restore my sanity.

Who knows, maybe it will promote the creative process and spill over into your career life. Perhaps you could make a business out of your resulting artwork. Or maybe it will look good in your portfolio. We can hope right?

An over saturated industry with even more graduates expected to flood the gates, an economy in what seems an unbelievably long road to recovery, underfunded universities, no single formal training structure or career path...is it no wonder we are losing our optimism?

Some of us do not have that fantastic portfolio they gained from their summer design job or that great brief their lecturer gave them. Some of us are not software savvy with the latest versions.

Given the chance, many of us can do the job and exceed expectations. We learn fast and have that new program under our thumb in a week. We have the creativity that spawns great campaign concepts and we might even know how to implement them effectively.

Perhaps we have broader knowledge of related fields such as marketing, business, communications, IT and computer science due to our university electives or double majors. It sure beats the old horses the industry seems to employ. Do they have blinkers on?

We are switched on, young and inquisitive. We adapt and evolve. We can impress if we feel that we will be appreciated.

Most importantly we are survivors, used to the hard yards in times of difficulty and stress. We perservere. And I hope the majority of us are also loyal -but we do expect respect and appreciation back.

Why not give us a chance? A chance is all it may take."

"Reply to Peter:

At what point in your training were you lead to believe that providing a graphic design service in the commercial sector was about being self-indulgent?

There are arts grants for that sort of lifestyle."

"I have read most of the responses here and I can only say one thing; always remember you are in business. To do well in a commercial environment (freelance, studio, business owner) you have to remember that fiscal reality and personal networks are more vital to staying in business than having a wonderful portfolio. The skills matter but not if you can't afford to work.

Yes, the creativity and passion for design is why you're here but to get a job or run a business takes a lot more. Try these simple ideas.

Seriously, how many of you run a spell checker on your communications? Nothing turns people that you are trying to impress away quicker than sloppy writing and editing.

Recognise the customer base. A new logo for a small business is useless unless you talk to them about including it on their invoices for example. Show them how to use that little jpeg you gave them to change their MYOB forms. It's in your interest to know how clients work and to help them put your new design everywhere, not just on the business card and homepage. You're their expert on how to present a great look to the world, so do that from all points of view.

Don't work for free. Let me say that again, do not work for free. Every job is worth at least expenses plus the right to use your work for portfolio/testimonial purposes. Freebies should last no longer than one or two projects at most. If you don't break the cycle of free work then when it comes time to charge reasonable rates your entire existing network will break into two camps; "ok, I guess it's time to pay something but not that much", "you've never charged me before so I guess I'll find another struggling designer to exploit". Unfortunately too many people choose the latter, and there goes all the hard work. There will be those who'll pay you, but you've never managed their expectations and so they'll be expecting something for nothing or as near as they can squeeze from you. Ask for payment in terms of expenses (proofs, ink carts, software licenses, electricity, power, travel fare) and most definitely include your right to use the material for your own promotion. Professionals don't work for free and if anything, when you reach that grey area where you can start working for market rates, the undercharging will count against you because clients expect to be paying for a pro and it seems you charge like a student who's just graduated.

Now who am I to be sounding off on this stuff. I'm from a design background, but learned some serious business & consulting skills over the last few dry years. I now sit at a place where I can run my own design business, fund it's start up from existing business consulting work and have a network of clients who are used to paying my invoices for professional services rendered. And that is exactly what I've done. My company was registered two months ago and I've implemented a business and financial plan that will see me designing 80% of the time, consulting/managing the other 20% by March next year.

Many of you will disagree with my comments, but that's my perspective on how to make your own choices rather than waiting for someone to give you a break. Good luck to everyone."

"I am also a struggling designer who not only has been very persistent in looking for work since graduating in November 2002 but I also suffer from schizophrenia.

The circumstances regarding my schizophrenia began when I was designing and developing my final year assignment "Space" a modular furniture piece that identifies youth culture, drugs in society, religion; both catholic and Buddhist self preservation and healing. My understanding of my design process is somewhat unrealistic and this project was exactly that. I researched my body and how I struggled with university, design, friends relationships while struggling with a addiction to marijuana.

My addiction to this substance was rather mild and it didn't have an sever effect on me mentally nor physically. Although it did effect me socially, personally and religiously. Something I must make clear is that my design process through this ordeal did not change, neither did I indulge in using this illegal substance as design process.

"Space" blatantly tried to communicate a need for personal space. How, by creating it. Space was and is a personal environment and modular furniture piece but also as a coffin. One aspect of my design which I identified was that "Space" could be used as a vessel for the after life, my design synthesis was "A Stepping Stone to Utopia".

I understand that designing and developing new idea, mediums and techniques can be difficult but I believe I communicated this well.

I was heart broken at my final year exhibition where I was called a 'tripper' by the head of Art and Design. Being a designer they should have had a reasonable understanding behind people who's designs are emotionally driven and had some sort of feasible response. Although I was pleased with another lecturer whom insisted to put his five to six year old daughter inside my personal space or utopia.

I believe that my design methods and techniques are not of the norm, they are far beyond that as I would rather produce something cliche or kitch rather than streamline or modern.

This is probably why I am finding it difficult to find and sort of work, because there isn't many people who want to sit down and understand what my designs are about even if they arnt your regular consumer product. After all be are governed by a consumer driven market.

Another out of work designer."

"I am a graphic designer/finished artist have 2 years working experience. I too, have been looking for job since March, but no luck! It is very difficult to land a job here in Australia. I have make my every effort to make-over my cover letter, reusme and improving my folio.

I am regret that I am into Graphic design field!"

"I haven't read every single person's message. I too am a multimedia designer. I began from drawing 2D art and once I purchased a computer 4yrs ago, I began to learn multimedia.

I was always interested in the creative process. A year ago I graduated from a college. For a year I've been searching for work. but was only able to receive 3 freelance jobs related to flash animation, storyboarding, and logo design.

Some times it seems so much easier to begin your own business, or at least take your freelancing to a new level. There is more work involved but the rewards should be greater.

All businesses (regardless whether they are graphic design) are truly a source that creates a passive income for the owner (or at least more money than a full time job would).

I personally am tired of trying to 'prove myself', trying to constantly update my portfolios so people can 'maybe' even take a look at them. That in itself could be classified as an expense of time.

This is probably not the best advice for everyone, but I suggest find a group that shares the same vision as yourself. (The vision could be to create a magazine, movie/film, comic book, website, etc). Time manage and plan your goal. Finally set yourself to achieve it.

As for myself personally, I am no longer going to accept this from studios 'We are giving you the chance to prove yourself. We are giving you the foot in the industry. Finally once you complete the job for free or very low income, they find another student using the exact same line.

Remember sure you have a passion for what you do, but it's also your life that is ticking away.

I hope I've helped some people or encouraged them in some possible way.

(Maybe my views seem strong from own experiences, so don't take them to heart).

Good Luck everyone."

"I too am a Graduate of Graphic Design and Interative Multimedia and just like most of you, Ican't find work. It seems that most studios don't even give youa chance. The only way I get by at the moment is to produce Large posters and T-shirts and sell them by going to peoples houses. Believe you me, it doesn't pay well heh heh. Ok I have a question, how does one become a well-known Freelancer. If frelancing is the only thing available to me, how do I show everyone just how good a designer I am?"

"The hardest thing is the beginning. It always is. No matter how you slice it the beginning of the beginning holds more fear and dread than the middle of the beginning or the end of the beginning or the beginning of the middle or the middle of the middle or the end of the middle or the beginning of the end or the middle of the end or the end of the end combined?

Like I said. Beginnings are hard. :)

Nothing to do but continue getting up at 3pm and checking your hotmail people!

But don't be discouraged! These are the times when it's supposed to be hard...so we'll have stories to tell our kids! ;)"

"'Persisting' in the trod towards respectful employment, with only minefields in the way - Finding the narrow, less than straightforward path to take.

As a graduate of graphic design, I ponder..

• How to entangle myself in the web of enviable contacts.
• Once contacted, how to impress the design gods.
• How to not express my feelings of vulnerability and desperation, lingering in the face of each 'portfolio show' in the name of progressive self exposure on the wrong side of the employment mountain.
• How to be more successful than an experienced graphic designer who is prepared to be paid the same wages as I am. ( In an interview situation)
• How to not be discriminated against by the learning institution I attended.
• How to get the necessary experience without damaging the price of the graphic design industry.
• How to keep up with the must do's, just in front of the wall of overwhelming self guilt, and still have enough change for the parking metres.
• How to maintain a sense of self worth outside an industry that won't let me in.

I conclude..
The path is yet to be found - If it wasn't hard to find, it wouldn't be worthwhile trying. I'm going my hardest"

"Hello Graduates,

Get a plane ticket to the States or Japan or China,

and do anything and find a way, network, network network, exhibit of your own back (no funding)...and something will happen, you are not graphic designers, you are creative thinkers and design is converging, distiguish the difference between a technician and a creative thinker.

There are thousands of good technicians all over the world, but very few creative concept designers, get your own clients and if technically you are not a champion, thats not the issue, you can find operators everywhere, at college you had to manage your own assignments there isnt much difference in production, maybe some numbers or figures change and client meetings etc...

go your hardest."

"I am a recent Monash University Graduate who has been working as a Graphic Designer at the same place for 3 years. I don't hate my job, but its very dead end. I don't really know too many other designers as I pretty much work alone. I just don't know what is going on out there!

I have been looking for a new job for at least a year. I had another bad day today and I just wrote my letter or resignation, however I don't have a new job to go to. I have just read some observations on this web site and I better go and rip up that letter (or put it away for two years)

Thanks AGDA for this brilliants web site, you are a life saver!"

"I've been a designer for about 5 years now, and i haven't had that much trouble finding work - although reading over the other responses, it looks like i took a different approach to a lot of you. I did a Bachelor of Arts degree with an hons in english lit. After a left uni a friend of mine recommended me for a part-time job at a legal publishing firm as a data conversion assistant - basically checking sgml coding.

The company did have a small art department, scanning charts and graphs. I did a one year DTP course and then pestered the art department every day for 4 months and eventually I got a job as a scanner - I'm now a magazine designer and have worked on and designed about 17 titles in my career. Basically I'm saying don't just look to studios - yes you may be qualified but experience is often given more value than qualifications. There are other places you can work at. Volunteer as a DTP/designer for art galleries, community colleges and museums, anything!

to get work experience and referees. Be imaginative. And hang in there - things will happen if your determined and ambitious enough."

"If you think it is tough for people wanting to get a job in graphics design, how must it feel for people like myself who has been looking for ANY kind of work for 2 years, still without a job. I am looking for any job, whether it is coputers, customer service or whatever and I still have no luck. What is up with that? It is fustrating and I think Australia really needs to wake up and realize that people need to be given a chance."

"People that have work, can't figure out why it is so hard to find work, but let me tell you it is, my husband hasn't been able to have a full time job since September 17,2001. Temporary places might work him a day here or a day there. And when you can't pay bills it makes it really hard, especially when you have to ask people you love for help, that hurts when you are suppose to be out on your own. Those that are just graduating school are lucky they haven't been looking for work as long as my husband has been."

"Three cheers to "Think Outside the Square" for pointing out a very basic fact! Graphic design is not restricted to "corporate image" accounts and websites.

Just stop for a second and look around your room. Look at what you're wearing, including shoes. Look along the roadside as you drive home today. So many items you see have had the input of a graphic designer involved in its manufacture, yet few of these items were created with the purpose of portraying a corporate image.

Who designs jewellery if not a graphic designer? Clothing lines, interior design, book illustration, t-shirt designs, whitegoods and all three-dimensional merchandise (even stuffed toys) are all subject to graphic design. Even a distinctive shop sign needs a competent graphic designer to make it work.

All of these items represent legitimate projects, and will quite often provide more creative freedom than mainstream media."

"Dear All,

Having read all of the responses associated with the above article, it is an unfortunate state the industry seems to be in. I wonder however if any of the graduates looking for work have chosen the path less travelled and thought outside the square? Do graduates simply apply to the top graphic design studios? Do they apply to all the graphic design studios?

May I suggest applying to different design companies, such as architectural studios, interior design studios and industrial design studios. All these studios need to communicate their designs effectively and often employ the services of graphic designers to do this. I have been working as a Graphic Designer in the architectural industry for the past five and a half years. I work on both presentations to communicate the company's ideas, and directional and environmental signage for their various projects. I have also created logos and marketing brochures for various architectural projects. These positions, although rare, are just as important as any position within a graphic design studio.

I also wonder if these designers use spell check in their resumes? I found an appalling number of spelling mistakes amongst the replies to Andrew's article. Could this be an issue as well?

I will end here by saying good luck to all the design graduates looking for work out there. Don't give up, and remember that thinking outside the square could be the key."

"I'm a student in my final year @ Monash Uni. I had the chance (after high school) to do anything else I wanted. But didn't coz I knew I'll absolutely die if I didn't do Graphics. It took me quite a long time to realise that I had made the right decision. The fact is that before I chose design I did so much research talking to so many people everyone saying there are plenty of jobs in design. And the future is ever so rosy!. But I finally realised the truth before I chose design as a career choice. At that time there were no such things as Macs in high schools and everything was done by hand and that's what I fell in love with. 4 people I know have followed suit - enticed by those coloured imacs no doubt! It is so obvious to me that they don't have much talent at all. Yet still never ask for advice from me! If I knew someone in design when I was in high school I'd take full advantage of it. It is frustrating to know that it is precisely this kind of people who wo!
uld be giving graduates a bad name.

I've been doing free work for people just for experience. But I worry that this may not be enough. 6 months ago I asked for work experience from a studio for 3 months. They agreed at first but then cut it down to 1 week saying they only give more than 1 week to students from RMIT & Swinburne coz they have IBL. This totally pisses me off!!! This means that no one else has a chance! So much discrimination!
I was contacted by an accountant who converted to a designer without any qualifications or talent to freelance for an extremely underpaid sum! As he was starting a small printing business. My first job to design a logo for him. Last night I receive a phone call "Now how do I copy and paste this thing?"... ARRGH!!!

Being the Editor of the Art & Design zine in Uni I figured this would prob. be a good opportunity to go Studio hopping in the name of the zine and interview a few designers & create contacts. Would this be a good idea? Or if I do then would they think when I actually wanna go for a real job "hmm.. I really don't wanna see this person again???"

Lately I've been pondering a lot. Pondering if I'll actually get a job after I graduate. I wouldn't mind doing honours for an extra year in Uni but if I actually go for a job will employers say I'm over qualified? Many past honours year students have started their own businesses. I'm too poor to do this. And since I spend most of my free time doing free design work for people, have had no time to pursue a career in washing dishes or acting like a ditsy little school girl behind a counter! Hmm... what does the future hold??? Does someone have a crystal ball?

The question I really wanna know is are there internal positions in companies that no one else knows about? If so where can I find out about these? (And don't tell me to go Studio hopping & check the newspapers - coz I already know that!) Who are the best recruitment agents for designers? And are there any hidden jobs?"

"I think every graduate is feeling the same pressure of looking for work. I've recieved a diploma in design and also a degree multimedia designer, I've always though that if you have a range of skills, freelanced and networked heaps you'd have a better chance of getting a job than your average student.

Although my career objective (for now) is to work for a studio, freelancing has helped me heaps with experience as well as finding more about my skills. I'm finding now that a lot more people and business's out there are looking for freelance designers (because they're alot cheaper, and more personal).....

Looking through the other messages, there is another option out there apart from working for a studio, so guys get an ABN (it's free!), get yourselves an identity and network like hell.

You'll find that if you find your own clients (this could even be the places you work for), and get contracted by smaller graphic design companies you'll have enough on your plate.
So don't stress guys!!"

"One of the problems that impacts on employers and graduates alike is the demographic to which modern design courses are aimed.

I left college in '86, a few years before digital technology really took a hold on the industry. The skills taught were purely and solely associated with commercial design, illustration and typography. Consequently, the promotional material supplied to school-leaving students was specifically marketed towards those who had interest in commercial art careers regardless of the technology.

Today, the demographic is severely blurred, and the prospect of working with the "exciting world if digital design" is a key lure for school leavers. Of course, there are plenty of school-leavers who want to work with computers and exciting digital graphics programs, and it is these young people who are allowed to equate "commercial design" with "digital graphics".

The result is that more students are enrolling in graphic design courses than ever before, most of whom wouldn't have given the industry a second thought ten years ago. And due to the contemporary courses placing greater emphasis on technology and less emphasis on basic design skills, less students are being turned away from the courses.

The result is that the broad majority of today's college graduates are no more suited to the commercial design industry than when they first enrolled, and the graduates who are suited to the industry already had the talent needed to make the most of the course content.

When we advertise a position for a graphic designer, and ask the question "What skills do you have?", the last thing we want to hear is "I have a certificate in Illustrator 9, Photoshop 6, Dreamweaver..." If that is what colleges think is the right answer to provide, then there is a severe lack of understanding of the industry's needs.

Yes, you need to know how to use those programs, but that is not what Design is about. And the appeal of working with digital programs should not be the first trigger to your interest in the industry. That would be the same as me joining the industry 15 years ago because the idea of using a set-square every day got me horny! (Does anyone out there know what a set-square is?)

What we need is illustrators. People who can draw. People who can design. People who can composit typography in their heads and not just with the help of automated dropdown menus. People who can come up with the same impressive layout with a pencil and paper as they can click-dragging on a monitor screen.

And by the way, clip-art is a dirty word! Anyone in the graphic design courses who has told you differently, should be shot! In the past, compositors - not illustrators - used clip art as a last resort on a severe deadline. Today, it seems to be an illustrator's first choice in rendering!

The result of all this is that the few competent and industry-ready young designers looking for work are lost among the hundreds of less competent applicants trying to land the same job.

This is not written to denegrate the new generation of designers, but simply to point out that both the industry and the graduates are being let down by the lower standard of acceptable design skills which seem to be promoted by the majority of tertiary courses.

Until this matter is addressed, the industry cannot do any more to help secure the futures of competent designers."

"I have been out of college for 11 months know and still can not find a job!!!

1st I thought it was something i had done in a past life but have realised that, you create your own destiny, whether it be a job or some type of hell.

After numerous emails and resume trading, portfolio viewings and retheric bullshit i still had not even had a bloody interview, i thought maybe it's the way I look (shaved head and piercings) but they have not even seen me to judge me like that ( yet another form of capitalist oppression and explotation)

So after losing faith for a couple of weeks and then getting a new tattoo, i have decided to begin the hunt again.

We are all creative individuals and we will not be ridiculed, supressed or under-estimated!

Lets not give up
I know i am too talented to be working in hospitality for the rest of my life. (fingers crossed)

WATCH OUT DESIGN WORLD HERE WE COME"

"I can't believe there are so many graduates apart from myself still looking for work in the graphic design industry. Having graduated in graphic design last year and still looking for work myself, I thought I was one of only a few left. I don't mean to worry anyone but there are now also going to be a new bunch of graduates from this year, not to mention us from the year before. I now understand why there have been hundreds of applicants applying for the few design positions on offer.

I don't agree with one of the messages above, saying to forget graphic design and to do MORE studying for a business or finance course because there is more money in it. I don't know about other graphic designers, but the idea of business and finance sounds boring to me. Plus, why should I settle for something I'm not passionate about. I just want to say thanks to everyone who has a positive attitude and said encouraging words for the rest of us. I agree that if designing is what you love to do then stick to it."

"I'm in Perth and I have just dropped out of my Advanced Diploma of Graphic Design at TAFE because theres hardly any work over here. There was when I started two years ago but the market has gone belly up sadly and of course the younger more under-exprienced designers have obviously payed the higher price for this.

I am not giving up my dreams because of this I'm just trying to think outside the square I live in. I am now doing a short receptionist course and I will try and find a job in a printing firm or studio and save money for my own business ideas. "If you can't join them beat them""

"[ In response to the last post... ]

Hi Michael,

I appreciated your recent post in this AGDA dicussion. It's a relief to find an explanation from the side of a sympathetic employer - it's not a side we hear all that often. Having run the gamut of looking for work for some time now, I am giving freelancing all of my attention and effort. I think I have accumulated almost every kind of "thanks but no thanks" letter to be had, attended no small amount of terrifying and intimidating interviews, spent large sums of money on cd's and folio development and generally haven't had much encouragement along the way.

I wanted to thank you for providing an insight into the potential issues facing graphic design employers and articulating your concerns on the AGDA forum. It needs to be dealt with immediately and I can't see why more professionals like yourself don't stand up for their industry and show concern for its future.

- Fi"

"Hi guys... I have run my own GD business since 1990. The reason work is hard to get is that there are too many f**king graphic designers because universities are funded for each place they fill so they simply fill spaces according to demand. The slow economy the past few years is a definite but minor factor (I had to retrench my two workers) but when 150-600 people apply for every job, it is pretty obvious what the problem is. I am finding things are getting quite busy this year.

The last person I had to retrench applied for 110 jobs with all the resources of my studio at her disposal before scoring. Jobs advertised wanting 3 years' experience were being won by people with ten years exp. It's a shambles, forcing prices down and making quality difficult to provide at a profit. Added to that, 80-90% of print files reaching film houses and printers are unprintable because the training these days is abysmal. Graphic Design should be an apprenticeship/trainee model with part-time study. That would link the number of designers to the number of jobs and inprove the quality of training. This should be N0. 1 on the AGDA agenda.

Regards, Michael "

"I too have a degree in Graphic Design, which I studied in Cape Town, South Africa. I managed to get a job as a junior designer at a small design agency in my home town. I was exploited for over two years, working rediculous hours for a very low wage, but I needed the experience and I learnt a tremendous amount.

When my husband, who is English, suggested moving to England, I jumped at the opportunity for an exciting change, and thought that having over two years' experience would stand me in good stead.

I have been looking for a job in Graphic Design now for over 7 months, sending off at least 5 applications a week, and still no luck. All I can do is carry on applying and keep up-to-date with events and the current design scene. It's good to hear that I'm not on my own!"

"To all Graphic Designers,

Start looking for another career because i can't see this industry picking up in the next 2-3years."

"Yes, i too am a graduate looking for work! I have been searching for 4 months, and like the rest of you i am running out of patients.

I think i send out 3-6 resumes off a week, everything from pree-press do Graphic design. I dont expect to get a job as a Creative graphic designer straight away. I know i will have have to start at something smaller. And i am willing to put in all the work.

The problem is that out of about the 50 resumes i have sent out, only 5 or six have bothered to reply. I ring them back and they tell me the position has been filled.. So what is wrong with a "thanks but no thanks" letter. I would rather that than sitting and waiting. Do people think that graduates dont hve what it takes and more?

We, the many people who are in the same boat as me, should be given a chance, we are the fresh ideas, the different styles, the next generation in Design! Ok that may be a bit much, but you get my idea.

I am with an agency and they have been extremely helpful. I dont have a full time position yet. But at least once a week i get some temporary work, it keeps me motivated and focused.
I tried the face to face way, most did not give me the time or were simply just too busy. But i was luck to get a few days work exp at one place it was a great experience

I have been luck enough to have a home office, with all design software, so i try and keep my folio up to date fresh ideas, and freelance. The freelance work i do, i dont even get paid for, doest that show that i am a dedecated designer and not just after a "job".

Ok this may have been a bit long, thanks if you gave the time to read it. Good luck to everyone out there, maybe we should all get together and start our own firm... give ourselves the experience, then the rest of the design world may give us a chance!!!

If You are from melbourne and you too are having a hard time e-mail me, we may be able to help each other.... you never know

Good luck!"

"Seems we Pommies have more in common than a shared use of the English language and The Monarchy!

I graduated last year with a 1st class honours degree in Graphic Design. Through my 3 years on the course, our silly little heads were filled with dreamy ideas of making it big in that concrete shit-hole know as London. I now know that there is no such thing as making it big - I am still unemployed (although I have lots of telesales and bar work experience), but will continue my search for the Holy Grail. I love Graphic Design and have wanted to be a Graphic Designer since I was 12 years old. The world keeps spinning and so will the fortunes of Graphic Design graduates.

Keep yer chin up!"

"Being a designer who's also been blessed and shafted in various ways, thought I'd add my own two cents worth...

Having studied at Design school for a year, I realised that my real aim was to become an artist - what I was learning from my design course was the fuel that drove me to go for that Fine Arts degree, so I polished up my folio and slogged my way into Art school. It was amazing, it was hard - angst and joy etc. I've never had so much fun in my life, or learned as much about people, ideas and communication. It's something I would recommend to anyone who has the luxury of studying again.

Two years out of Art school, and a string of the usual underpaid hospitality and telemarketing jobs to my name, I was itching to use my creativity to feed myself. I took one of those 'learn graphic design fast' courses that teach professional computer skills on the major design packages. After the financial investment and the intensity of learning, I thought I'd have Attik knocking on my door asking me to do their party invites. So I spent the next nine months getting gradually more depressed at the 'love your folio, thanks but no thanks' letters rocked in - of course, as many of you will know, not everyone takes the time to send you a letter. I estimate at having sent 30 applications a week for that 9 month period.

Some memorable quotes from my interviewers:
"So, how do you get your jollies?"
"I only employ people who are smarter than me - my last two graduates were Rhode Island scholars.... What is your TER?" "We were hoping for a boy"
"Yeah, but does your mother like you?"

I just couldn't understand what was happening - why design studios and recruitment companies would string applicants along until the last interview, only to give the 'not enough experience' line at the end. Having heard all the stories about young funky kids walking straight into major studios because they had a positive attitude and great clothes, I began thinking that the Design Community was some kind of elite clique run by bored, shallow bullies. For the first time in my life I began to fret about my appearance. My 'positive attitude' began to fray and my sense of humour went screaming after it.

I started writing emails to every design studio I could look up, asking for advice. Again, most people are too busy to take some time out and write you a personal response, but the good advice that I did receive from 1 or 2 people was enough to help convince me that it was worth persisting. There are people out there who are willing to help (maybe not by employing you, but at least they're willing to listen to your story and offer some kind of insight about how they succeeded).

I eventually found work at a small web development company, doing odd bits and pieces of graphics and layout - even some print. It was underpaid and the hours were erratic, but I was so thankful to have work that I supplemented my income with an after-hours telemarketing job. We worked out of the storage space of a milliner, surrounded by boxes of hats and feathers, with a window view of the brick wall next door. My boss would tell customers that they were effing-c's. Not being sure how long the company would stay solvent, I kept working both jobs, but took sick days to go to interviews. Five months later I was offered a position at another Web development company, which is where I have worked at now for almost 12 months. I work in a team with great people, but am also underpaid. I do not earn award wages. My boss takes cocaine, punches the boys and jumps on our desks, demanding that none of our images have sharp edges. Some of the clients I have designed for are very! famous, some are large international corporations, many are household names. I value this job because of the friendships I have made and the experience that it affords me, however I am determined to find a place to work where I don't feel like I am being exploited.

I am currently looking for work, and still receiving the 'not enough experience' letters. My sense of humour is back, and I can handle the constant rejection without questioning my own integrity both as a person and a designer, but I'd really like to know what exactly makes 'enough experience'.

Perhaps someone can help?"

"Well, I've been reading the observations and feedbacks from this site, and I have to say, there's a huge amount of hypocracy here, from issues about employment to the design philosophies. There's that article asking "Is it a good time to freelance?" A lot of observations from "experts" at Aquent, but do you realize they don't help anyone who doesn't have at least 4 years worth of experience, and most people out there screaming for help right now might not even have one year worth of design experience. So how do you freelance without experience? And how do you get experience if no one is hiring?

Yeah, yeah, as "hando magoo" said, no one should be complaining, because sitting on your hands isn't going to get you a job, you have to be proactive. But c'mon, there's not exactly a lot of support from the design community which supposedly is always looking for fresh talent. If the door's always shut, and only invited guests get in, what's left for everyone else? Is this the way this industry filters out the bad from the good? It's a very biased system. It's disappointing to see a community hold its head so high, and employing people as if it was a lottery."

"Having read through all of these messages, it is astounding that so may contributors who are looking for work in so called "creative" industries are so unimaginative in their comments and strategies for getting started with their careers. All people are saying here is "gimme a job. please gimme a job. everything will be fine if you just gimme a job". Added to that is the assumption that working hard, getting one's credentials, doing the rounds of studios and agencies renders one deserving of employment, sympathy, respect. Get real designers! It is all about capital.

Being a graphic designer is bigger than slotting yourself into an existing studio. Think about the fundamentals. Who are you? What are you really doing when you Design? Why all this angst because the world doesn't fall at your feet? I mean, why the hell should somebody pay you to Design a brochure, logo or book cover when they can get a high school student to knock one up in CorelDraw in an hour?

Graphic design is interesting and fun but it is a luxury and it is expendable. If all of Australia's graphic designers suddenly went on strike I doubt the government would need to call in the army. In fact, most of the world gets along quite fine without graphic designers. Added to that is the uncomfortable realisation that cheap software has demystified and democratised alot of what designers used to keep to themselves. Renowned dutch designer Max Kisman even questions whether or not graphic design will survive at all. Let's face it, graphic design as we've known it post world war 2 is in decline.

So what is the point of this rant? Attitude, imagination and luck are what count - not being a "graphic designer", not having a degree, not doing the rounds.

If all you want is a job then take the Jim Taylor way (see his rant below). He is living proof that if you moan long enough and blame everyone except yourself for frustrated ambition, eventually someone will feel pity and bring you in from the cold. However, if being a designer means cultivating attitude and imagination then approach life as open ended. If designing brochures isn't paying the bills, then do something else. I say this because design isn't a job! It's what spills over from you. It's all that stuff you can't contain. It's what happens when you are you. Renowned type designer Carol Twombly weaves baskets. Zuzana Licko does pottery. Milton Glaser writes restaurant reviews. Chipp Kidd just finished and published a novel. Stefan Sagmeister just finished a one year break from all commercial work. Before he died Tibor Kalman grew so disgusted with the self-indulgence and complacency of American graphic design that he threw in the towel!

That's it. End of rant."

"Hey Andrew:

Thanking you for that article, it is tough but true, and more often than not is best to not sugar coat the facts, otherwise that might lead to major dissapointments in life.

I find myself in a similar position, I have been out of school since September 2001 been applying for jobs since June and all I get is "Thank you but no thank you letters".

I lost my job as an Overhaul fitter for Boeing beforehand and I decided to use my redundancy package to study graphic design, a radical career change that at the moment is really challenging me in more ways that I can describe due to my lack of opportunity.

I know I am talented, I know I am passionate, I know I can really do well, but I don't know if I ever will get a chance to prove it.

Thanks for the advice, I was in the Army before Boeing, maybe that is were I will end up....."

"'Advertising revenue has not only tightened, but it has done so in a relatively benign economy. The slump in advertising may therefore not be merely cyclical but a new and more permanent trend. Hopefully there will be a resurgence in early 2003.'

Regional Creative Partner of
TFG Advertising & Intergrated Communications
Melbourne"

"After reading the all feedback from this article, I have found it very interesting and informative. Like me I had my ups and downs in the graphic design field. Ups are doing freelance work and downs are not finding a more stable working environment where I can probably learn more. Now its been nearly 6 months since I've worked full time and not getting any younger. In regards to youth does anyone else have views whether or not age is a drawback or an advantage to a prospective employer? Sure the majority are in there early 20's but some juniors are over 30 +"

"I have probably spend a fair share of time to look for a design job in the multimedia/print design area. The result is not very encouraging. Although I have earn myself a degree in design and I am very confident in my ablities. During a time like this I can only say to myself, dont get caught up with the disappointment and keep update yourself with new skills and knowledge. There's always something more to learn. i.e. Actionscripts, XML, lingo...things I thought that was meant for a programmer to do once upon a time. Teaching yourself stuff can sometimes be real boring...but hopefully, it will pay off at my next interview or in my own portfolio to be able to show off some more stuff and remain competitive."

"Wow. I can't believe that I am not the only one. I have only been on the prowl now for approximately 6 months for work and in even graduating top of my TAFE class in Graphic Design I am still finding it hard to find some work

I keep at it and hope that one day someone will turn my lightbulb on and see the spark."

"I know how hard and demoralising it can be starting out. I myself have had more than my fair share of knockbacks. I perceived myself as completely employable before i even started studying graphic design, i had spent most of my spare time teaching myself. School was really a waste of time for me, i was there really just to get the bit of paper. It didn't really teach me anything i didn't know how to do already. So after about 4 -5 years of studying, i pretty much knew the in-outs of every package under the sun. Now it was time to get a job for real. I felt completely confident in my own ablities to perform in a studio, i just need someone to give me a chance. I did the networking, i did the calling around to every studio i could find in the yellow pages, I redid my portfolio and my CV, then i redid it again. I tried freelance work and work experience, went around to all the employment agencies. But everytime i thought i there might be a job opportunity looming, someone else more experienced would sweep in and steal any hope i would have of getting a job.

So then i went ok maybe it is just the place where i am living, so ok I burnt all my bridges and moved interstate, to Sydney from Canberra. Things in Sydney seemed at the start to fairly promising, more jobs, bigger market, more interesting work. But i still had trouble getting a job. Another 3 months went by and yep got knockback after knockback. Then out of the blue I get this month contract job in Canberra. So i move back to Canberra for a piddly contract doing web design.

Well after this contract ends i ask if they have anything going and they offer me a shitty traineeship. Well being the desperate fool i am, i decide to take it. It didn't take long for the senior designer there to realise i knew more than him. I ended up teaching him and i was supposed to be the trainee. So here i was finally in the industry, i guess i was happy to finally have a job, the people where nice and fun to be around. But i was still getting treated like the local shit boy and being refered to as 't