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Design specialisation with cross-media experience is the key to securing quality work in both freelance and permanent engagements. Whether working with a local, niche provider or a large international player, employers are looking for the same thing - high-end expertise from their designers that will support strategic differentiation in their offering in the market and assist in securing targeted clients.

Whether you are a designer employed in a multi-national agency, local design house or in-house corporate environment, developing a key specialisation enhances your earning potential when placed in an environment that can fully utilise such skill. For example, the value of a designer with numerous (successful) annual report design projects in their portfolio will be better remunerate when engaged within a specialist agency known for the same than if they joined a generalist advertising agency. Their value to that organisation is higher.

The other half of the equation is an increasingly requested ability to work across all types of media. The specialist designer further increases their value by demonstrating an ability to deliver a unified corporate message or campaign across many mediums in both traditional and new media areas. Senior designers must demonstrate the ability to effectively conceptualise across these varied and increasingly technical spaces, both in working with other technical specialists in a team environment while continually growing their own technical understanding of the medium they are designing within.

Working from a background in either traditional or new media areas, the value of specialisation with cross-media delivery will only become more pronounced as companies seek to differentiate themselves as the communications industry continues to mature.

This creative profile has become increasingly requested over the past 18 months as design and advertising companies seek to establish their capability in web and new media delivery. Correspondingly, the new technology companies require comprehensive traditional skills applied to this new space to support a unified, corporate message existing in established media. As a result, whether companies are recruiting junior or senior creatives, the same cross-media aptitude in design is a recurring brief.

While the design industry largely continues to fortify itself in the wake of 2001, there is still no great volume of opportunities for designers, regardless of skills and experience. Even if you have the perfect profile for a company, the vacancy still needs to exist.

Opportunities for permanent positions severely declined in fourth quarter last year and there has only been a small upswing in the first couple of months of 2002. So far this year we have seen a greater percentage of junior to mid level opportunities in the permanent market in comparison to 2001.

We expect this trend to continue for at least the next 6 months as the industry takes a cautious approach to committing greater staff costs while in 'recovery' mode. As a result, we are seeing more freelance opportunities for senior designers as business takes advantage of the flexibility in employing the resources they require on a project-by-project basis.

So, who is hiring creatives? So far this year it is the in-house studios rather than design houses and agencies. This is the continuation of a trend we have seen emerging from early 2001. So far this year the swing has been even more pronounced. While volume of hires remains very low, this trend is very distinct. However, there appears no great distinction between web/new media-focused roles and traditional media areas.

Karen Theobald is Sydney Area Manager for Aquent.

Aquent, The Official Career Partner of AGDA

"Don't give up! There are many creative opportunities out there for all types designers.

I've put together a portfolio of network of blue chip clients over the years. Designers shouldn't have to work for $25 per/hour. I could get you on the market for $35 per/hour for starters.

Visit: http://www.racitidesigns.com"

"hi im currenty working full time as a digital printing assistant while studying my diploma of arts (graphic arts) part time. i am involved in putting artwork together and helping out in the art dept even thuogh im not fully qualified. i have been offered sum freelance graphic design work on the side and have been asked to name my hourly rate... not really too sure of what the going rate is for someone in my position. If you could give me a rough figure that would be great :p cheers, hope u can help me out"

"Can someone tell me the average salary for a junior and senior graphic designer in Sydney or Melbourne?...and how is it Difficult to find a job in sydney?"

"I completed my graphic design diploma at TAFE and have just been accepted into UTS for their bachelor of design course. i have been doing fairly regular freelance work but i am still having trouble with setting the hourly rate. i was wondering what is a reasonable rate for a designer such as in my position."

"I worked in the industry since 1997. I've studied since 1994 at various universities in Melbourne and Sydney. I've always kept my eyes peeled for work out there through the employment websites, newspapers and the people I've worked with. I know it's hard out there. But if your self motivated and always on the move - you will get a bite. I'm finding that employers are looking from educated designers out there. And designers that are in the know. I was lucky that I've been able to work with firms within the industry - that help me up the ladder. I became a mid designer in the first 3 months of work. I now own my business and I'm doing my Masters at UNSW & UTS. If I were to employ a designer - I would only be interested in graduates only."

"Reading my last feedback entry reminds me how desperately scary it can be graduating from a design course in this country. I guess I wanted to warn potential readers that what feedback there was, was a bit too negative for the young designer wanting an in to the industry.

I'm proud to say that my own experience has been somewhat different to what I was expecting after reading some of the comments. There are many very helpful and inspiring designers in this town, many of which have provided advice and positive direction in gaining a position in doing what I love. I sent many e-mails to prospective employers asking basically, if they had some work available and if not, could they point me in the direction of someone who might. I received many replies most of which were very, very reassuring and gave me a lot of hope. I'd definitely give that a try as a good start to finding out who is out there and who might help. I'd like to thank all the fantastic people who took the time to write back.

After only a few applications I actually landed two jobs, one of which is very much my dream job. One job was a recommendation, the other, (and the job I'll be taking) was a newspaper add! Even if you aren't as unbelievably lucky as I have been, I'd like anyone who reads this to not be worried about their fate. If you have done the study and worked hard, you will find what you are looking for. Chin up, Good luck."

"here's something not so clever... success starts with "suc" and then moves on...

I'm still young... well youngish ;) and newish to design (graphic + web design) and while reading many of these posts I found myself saying... "yes, uh-huh, true, I hear that..." but the posts that I most identified with were the posts that called for a little elbow grease and humility from young designers.

I didn't finish my interactive multimedia course at TAFE because I got a job with one of the biggest.coms in the world... and apparently the industry was barren when I got my job. Why? Well, with out blowing my own trumpet I can honestly say that I had that genetic treasure called talent which certainly helped... but that's not the real reason that I got a job when friends of mine with degrees and talent didn't. I got my job because I didn't let the course define how much I learnt. I went home and practiced photoshop, illustrator, flash and all the other programs (and hand techniques too.. ie pencil, ink and paper). I checked designers sites, took notice of what was going on in magazines, flyers... everywhere... then went and practiced them. I gave myself fake briefs to practice problem solving, I talked to as many working designers as I could (and listened to the non-glamorous bits too)... I took freelance clients for next to nothing (which isn't necessarily a good thing) and treated them like they were paying millions and each time I put in the work I found that I got better, more confident and more useful to everyone.

..ask yourself.. "If I had a manager, a budget and a set of goals to achieve that translated into enough work to justify hiring another designer to help me achieve those goals, who would I want to hire and why?"

So... what am I trying to say? Don't stress about finding work... work for it. My job title doesn't read "all knowing design guru - million dollar making art director/ artist politician rock star!", but it's pretty damn good for a first job in the industry and I am learning a lot. It's this attitude that got me the job in the first place and is setting me up for intersting placements in the future. Try it and good luck! ;)"

"I have just completed my 2 year diploma of arts - graphic design. I WAS worried about my chances of landing a job in the design industry now, I am positively petrified. Reading all the comments here has added to the sense of dread that had been looming over me. I will attempt interviews and do the footwork but now the reality of it all hits home a little harder than before. I guess the design industry is like the sports industry. You have to be among the best of the best to make a living from it. If you want to get a job, you need to win.. Are we all just big kids who, as children were intoxicated by the stoke of being told that they were the best little artist ever, still looking for that? I wish I hadn't bothered to read all this and I guess I'll have to find out for myself whether or not there is a place out there for me. I won't take it all lying down but god, how depressing is what you people have to say?

Can't someone out there add something positive? Is there anything positive to add?"

"well there is hope, I'm a printer and had done a graphics course I got the first job I went for, even flown there for the interview. (so there's hope for everyone, heh) But my knowledge of the printing trade helped me a lot, one of the main things is to understand how the print process works and carry this into your work. I have seen work done by designers, that was so far fetched it would never work on the press, and a lot of jobs that just caused nightmares because the designers didn't have an adequate understanding of the printing industry."

"I am an Architect who recently began my own practice. I am constantly looking for a broader client base & can relate closely with the problems other designers experience in establishing themselves while trying to be rewarded financially for the experience. Basically my theory is network, network, network. I've found the best people to work with usually are only once or twice removed from my immediate circumstances. It's just a matter of being open to all passing experiences & honest about personal goals. I don't think we need to bore each other too much with self promotion, but at the same time it's our heart that leads us. So if anyone want's to share some built or theoretical work relating to a built project with me, I'm always here ready to respond & reciprocate where possible. Good luck to you all & don't ever give up the creative ghost. It's illusive changing shadow is what feeds us, not corporate reward."

"We get pay cheap as chips anyway! why do graphic design? I would be earning more working for a law firm as a receptionist!"

"I would like to reply to G (glueblob2000@yahoo.com.au) Wednesday, 9 October 2002 regarding his/her comments:

"There are jobs out there, I see them advertised every week. I graduated from TAFE 11 months ago and have been employed full time as a desktop publisher for a publishing company since. The graphic design profession is built up to be a very glamorous industry whilst studying, but put this behind you. You are not going to be doing anything special in your first year out."

My question is:
I am about to study Dip.Multimedia at a private college. Is it worth paying less at TAFE than a private college. Do you see advantages or disadvantages. Also what was the full name of course you studied?

Regards, K"

"There problem here is the economy will suffer from the Iraq war. Historical events indicated that the advertising & creative market will drop off due to uncertainty. Advertisers will not spend dollars on graphic design if the business is not performing well due to lack of consumer spending. This then will create a recession and loss of employment. As for us in this industry we are going to suffer more due to our advertising recession after the Sydney Games and now the Iraq war.

Greenpoint Advertising & Business Consultants"

"War is looming, can't see the employment market picking up."

"Ok, so reading this entire page has in fact scared the crap out of a 19 year old with delusions of setting up his own, successful, freelance operation.

But what can I say, I've been working as an in house designer for an up and coming company for two years come July, and the skills I have learned here far outweigh that of any university design student I have spoken to, the basics truly are overlooked in courses these days.

My plan, for all those who are interested, is to take a year away from the nurturing environment I have enjoyed for the last two / nineteen years, and travel to Australia from the UK and gain some experience in both life and design by way of doing freelance work to fund my travels. If this fairytale works half as well in real life as it does in my head, I'll be truly ecstatic.

After reading all of the comments above it is true I was a little apprehensive about leaving any security I may have built in the last two years, however I have always seen Graphic Design as the most flexible and dynamic of careers available, not, as most on this page seem to think, one singular and focused industry where only a few will survive leaving the rest to disperse into alternative careers. Even at this early stage of my career, where most can be easily dissuaded from the GD path, the sheer apathy of the many of my contemporaries and those with statements posted here makes me smile, as having the humility to accept those "lesser" design opportunities has not only given me valuable customer handling skills but also more money than I could ever have hoped to amass for a first year of freelancing, so much so in fact that I have managed to fund this trip to Australia entirely on my own!

See you all soon! Beware!"

"Hi guys & gals,
This is my first visit to this site and I've been very interested in the opinions left here, especially those of employers.
I'm finishing off my fourth year of a college degree course. However, I have also been working steadily in the graphics industry for the last three years, though not in terribly flashy jobs ( I can't give the kind of commitment a big time studio needs while I'm studying). I'm hoping to be able to create a lifestyle of free-lancing among my regular clients when I finish.

A few random things I've noticed is that:

• Projects crop up out of the oddest places; networking and word of mouth so far has been my best advertisement. When I say networking, I'm not talking about the slick flesh pumping at any vaguely business associated party. Soppy though it sounds, it's more about having a real interest in people as you meet them and having a lifestyle where you get out and participate in various activities helps. For example, I'm meeting soon with the owner of the massage therapy clinic where my dad goes to discuss a website (have to admit, this is due to my dad being quite likable - not me).

• Tedious though it is, often being the only one who can get things ready for print properly makes you indispensible.

• Meet a printer you like and who communicates well and then refer jobs to them and build up a relationship. It makes getting dealines easier, you know what their specifications are, and often they send you nice Christmas bonuses.

• Expect your first (few) jobs to be painful. I've been very blessed in getting really nice bosses, but still the neccessity of killing a design to suit a client or to meet a deadline, or revising over and over again the same 56 page booklet hurts me.

• Sometimes it's worth investing a little free or discount work in a business or venture that could take off big and carry you with it. For example, I tend to go lightly on music artists when I really do like their sound because I believe they could get big, and I'd like them to think of me (and my royalties) when they're reprinting their 10,000th Cd. Besides, often music artists are so vague that when they do get money, they'll give it away to people they 'feel' they should. And you can scam your way into big events as their 'photographer'.

• Decide what kind of lifestyle you want, then go after the work to suit it. As you might be able to tell from the tenor of this feedback, I've decided that I only really want to work a 4 days a week, and spend the rest on other interesting things (such as my drums), and I also would rather have a staple, if boring, part time job in a nice atmosphere to cover rent and then do exciting if not so financially reliable projects with the rest of my time. Rather Bohemian really. So far it's been working out okay, though there are lean times, but I scrape though.

Have fun guys, don't worry about your dignity too much, because let's face it, as just-been-graduates we don't have that much and keep designing for the love of beauty.

[Editor's note: very good, very pragmatic suggestions!]"

"The graphic design industry is not one which we hear much about as we grow up. It is very hidden, there is not much information available about it unless you go out of your way and look for it yourself and something inspires you to be a designer. People who have experience in the industry are not willing to help enough and share their wisdom...(there are few who do) but most don't. People go to colleges, tafes and universities who often mislead students about design some teach you all about the software and others all about the principles but not enough about how design operates in the real world.

There is not enough guidance and the fact is graphic design can not be studied like many other professions. You need real world experience and knowledge on how things operate. It's not just about creativity and design principles and whether you can use the software or not but it's that and more. And the industry is just not big enough to take graduates in and train them like they do for other professions.

There are so many students today who do design and don't have the talent, interest and dedication a student would have had 10 years ago. Tafes, Unis and Collages are all about quantity not quality. My university used to take a maximum of 30 students 8 years ago when I started there were about 80 going along with me. Good designers need to step above the rest even more so today.

If you love design and are good at it, keep doing it at home get some briefs and dedicate your time to learning as many new skills as possible, what ever you do don't lose touch with the industry.

True there are many faults about the design industry but the more we complain and sit around the more we add to the problem. The fact is Universities and Tafes don't do enough and are possibly at the point where they are doing more damage than good to our industry. The course I did was run by people who believe in teaching you all about design principles and creativity but nothing about the software. They simply say well photocopy it or stick it on! Well! I am sure a potential employer would not be impressed with that kind of presentation. They didn't motivate students enough so that they could go their full potential and it was organized poorly.

Of course you need to experiment and stick things on and use all sorts of medium BUT you must still do all the other things too. And if your course is not willing to teach you go and do it yourself, do research, buy books, investigate and persist. I have heard many students say well, "they didn't teach me enough at uni" and so on... bad luck learn things yourself (it is weak to say that), part of your experience should be to be an independent thinker and learner."

""Does the term, "Supply and Demand" need to be mentioned (too late!)

Totally agree with you there Jason!"

"Does the term, "Supply and Demand" need to be mentioned (too late!)

Colleges, TAFEs and part-time dodg-sters are pumping out a plethora of 'design' students to try and get into a market that is quite obviously flooded!

Sounds tough out there and I dont envy you. Any practical advice?

Treat your first job as very much an extension of College. i.e. overlook what/where it is, you need that all important experience and a name on your CV.

Despite what college may have told/shown you, the vast majority of graduates I have seen are well below par. Not so much in s/w skills but organisation and time-management. There is that all-too-familiar look on a grad's face when told to just get it done that seems to imply that they have forgotten that they are 'commercial artists'. Far too much wanting to be the second and convenient ignorance towards the first!

Re AGDA, it finally seems to be wading out of the ol' Boys club that it has been since inception so stick around. It can only get better."

"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 illustrators 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."

"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 illustrators 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."

"Oh dear sweet poor Paul Roszak. I know that you posted your feedback quite a few months ago now, but i have to say something and all i can politely say is how lucky you are to even have a health care card. Many design students that i know work a couple of jobs while studying and in doing so have learned to prioritise. You say that membership to AGDA is too expensive, and yet how much money would leave your wallet on a good night out without a seconds thought. Prioritise and work to get what you want. It's also a shame that you are obviously university literate and yet you are on the dole. It's weird because i always thought that the dole was for people that for some reason were physically, mentally or socially unable to work for a period of time. Be thankful that you get the dole when you are obviously way 'above it' and are obviously quite capable of working in areas outside of the design industry even so that you may be able to afford your AGDA membership (amongst other things). Your first design job will not be high ranking. Guaranteed. So stop whinging about your current situation and get that 'crappy' design job out of the way so that you can move forward and upwards towards the design job of your dreams.

Also i am amazed at the number of people that say there is no work for graphic designers. Perhaps there is just no work for bad graphic designers and many of you could do with updating or improving your skills. Job sites such as mycareer.com.au and monster.com.au are just a couple of job sites that are always overflowing with design jobs - many which are not at a professional level. Look, learn and apply yourselves. In my experience the people that complain the most are those that are afraid to work hard at getting what they want and are horrified that they may be expected to work in an area of design that they see as being beneath them. Many of you should perhaps take that advice from Karoline (Sept 26 2002) in this regard.

Incredible enough - like with any other industry - you are up against human beings, not Design Gods that live above you and select you because they know that you are a good designer. Like everything in life you have to prove yourself and go out and get what you want. So please stop complaining online and DO something about your individual situation (actually looking for jobs might be a start instead of expecting someone to just magically appear and offer you one).

Cheers, blujooce."

"I have read every comment on this page and feel for each and every one of you. I too am in the situation of seeking a position, but despite the numerous (too many to count) knockbacks, I have become quite disillusioned. Although I knew it was a difficult industry to enter from day one, and my bubble may have burst, I have not lost my passion, my drive or my desire.

At the age of 27, I finally found my calling in life. I spent 3 years studying part-time, working full-time in my previous field and did many, many freelance projects for smaller (and larger) businesses in between. Unfortunately, this doesn't seem to be enough to prove myself. I have tried email, fax, phone calls, walk in, numerous applications, just to name a few!!! What does one need to do to at least get an interview? I have the passion, the experience, and the talent. All I need is a chance. I WANT TO WORK IN THIS INDUSTRY!!!!"

"Would people stop complaining. There are jobs out there, I see them advertised every week. I graduated from TAFE 11 months ago and have been employed full time as a desktop publisher for a publishing company since. The graphic design profession is built up to be a very glamourous industry whilst studying, but put this behind you. You are not going to be doing anything special in your first year out.

Expect to work as a desktop publisher, a Mac operator in the back of a printer, or as a customer service/designer at a print shop. Once you develop some practical skills then start to look at design agencies. And another thing, don't pay attention to all the negativity about job prospects on this page, because there are jobs out there."

"While acknowledging all of the great comments here, which show just how committed and impassioned these designers are, I have one observation to make: most design involves text, and after getting my fingers burned by a junior who was a great stylist but couldn't be trusted with anything involving text, I will never again hire a designer who doesn't have a good grasp of spelling and grammar.

i.e. its the basic stuff im talking about - the sort of thing's your going to see littered through out the comments and job ads on this site.

A spelling checker does not replace knowledge."

"I totally agree with everyone about this issue of juniors and graduates trying to find work or even work experience. I am going through the same ordeal! I completed my Advanced Diploma last year and still have not found work or even work experience. I contiually here the same thing from everyone, you do not have enough industry experience, how are we suppose to get it if they do not give us the time of day, I cannot even find work experience! I am so glad i read everyones comments cause i really started giving up and felt like the biggest failure, now i know i am not alone, its just a hard industry to get your foot in the door."

"I graduated from Dip. Graphic Design at TAFE, nearly 3 years ago. While I was studying, I began to realise that what the teachers were telling us (regards to number of jobs, what employers wanted to see, pay scales etc) and what was REALLY going on in the industry were poles apart.

So, rather than give up on the industry, I tried to do a little freelancing on the side... granted, it is tough to get people to believe that you can do it (but aren't you supposed to be compiling a folio - take it and show it around!) but there are heaps of small businesses who do want someone to professionally produce newsletters and so forth for them (because they don't have the time to do it!), but they simply can't warrant paying an agency or studio to do it. BUT for the student looking to get some basic experience dealing with clients etc, it is a great opportunity to get your hands on! If you only charge a little, then if you do make a mistake, they don't mind as much as if they're paying an agency!

As far as getting the print - make a point of getting to know your local printer who runs his own business (there are heaps tucked away in the industrial areas of most suburbs!) who will give you tips to help get it print ready - remember, they need the work too just as you do!

When I was getting ready to graduate, I started looking for a job BEFORE I actually finished my course. And I took whatever interviews I could get. Employment agencies will not help you!!!! They can't place people with no experience. Be brutally honest - if you were a manager, would you hire someone who had no experience, and no proof that they know what they're doing? If the tables were turned, you really wouldn't want to have to train someone up to standard, when for a few thousand dollars more a year, you could have someone who doesn't need any training at all. You have to go out there and SELL YOURSELF. You're fresh, motivated and ready to do just about anything to get experience - that is what you have over those with a couple of years under their belt - they might be getting a little stale in their style, they might be a bit picky about the sort of jobs they want to work on.

I finally got a job at a small agency, working on pretty ordinary projects... but that's what you get when you're the junior. All I knew was that I was ambitious, and if I stuck it out to get the experience, I would be more desireable as an employee to the bigger, more attractive agencies. I got paid fairly low (I thought), but at least I had a job - there were plenty of others that graduated with me who couldn't get jobs, and even now still can't!

Last year, I was promoted to Art Director. Over the head of one of my other colleagues, and at the time I had only been in the job for 18 months. But the owner of the agency I worked for said that I was thorough, I learned from mine and other's mistakes, I showed initiative, and that I wasn't afraid to ask for help (or admit when I made a mistake rather than try to cover it up). And I love it.

The goal is no longer to work for the best agency in my city, and get paid a bucket load. I don't pride myself on being the trendiest designer in town - I follow industry trends, but my designs are more functional, and performance driven (for the client's product, not necessarily my folio!) I pride myself on knowing that I do my job, and I always try to do it well. I work hard - and my boss, my clients, and the designers under me all know it. And the best thing about working for a small business is that if a client walks, no one here will loose their jobs because being a small team, we are all integral in getting the next client. If I worked for Leo Burnett or someone big like that, the next time Woolworths was pitched from under our feet, I would lose my job quicker than you could say "un-valued staff member!" because that's the way the industry works.

So to all of you who complain about there being no jobs, try looking at the way you go for them... they're out there, but you need to show a little enterprise. Know the skills you DO have, and be honest about the ones you don't. No-one knows EVERYTHING about every single industry standard program. And as a graduate, you will never be an EXPERT at any program. But you can find a job, if you try hard enough, and you can be rewarded in this industry. Just believe in yourself a little more!"

"Greetings to everyone. I'm a new member of AGDA and this is my first visit to the site. I'm interested in the comments here in regards to the lack of work for young artists and graduates, as I am the art director for a regional-based company which has been crying out for a junior artist for the last two years.

I can't speak for metropolitan-based businesses, but through my contact with the smaller companies such as printers and publishers, the single most difficult problem to solve is finding a young artist who understands traditional art-reproduction methods.

Inevitably, most applicants who have graduated from Graphic Design courses have an impressive list of "competencies" in many areas of digital design, "art communications" etc. They are, according to their resumes, highly trained to use Freehand, Illustrator, Photoshop, Quark and ESPECIALLY web-design programs such as Flash, GoLive, etc.

The problem is, there is usually little evidence of knowledge of the basic principles of illustration and design. When I say "basic principles", I'm referring to the understanding of the traditional and steadfast rules of design that exist regardless of any "competencies" in operating graphics programs.

We have spend much of the last two years reviewing portfolio after portfolio, and have seen much artwork that is very impressive at first glance, but when applied to print-media projects, would be unuseable.

After much despair, we finally hired a young graduate from a Southern Queensland Comercial Art college, based on her - and the college's - confirmation that she is fully competent and print-industry ready.

And her portfolio samples seemed to support this claim.

However, within three days, it became apparent that not only could she not design a thing without a major reliance on the filters and tools provided in Photoshop and Illustrator, but she had no idea what a registration mark, crop mark, bleed or trap was!

She did not understand the process of manual creation of spot-colour separations, had a vague recollection of what "CMYK" stands for, and didn't understand how so many colours could appear in a piece of artwork that was produced through a FOUR-colour process.

I'm sure there are plenty of graduates out there who are nowhere near as ignorant as that, but it does make me very concerned that art colleges do not understand the real needs of contemporary design industries.

And I have yet to meet a professional graphic designer who makes a decent living solely from web-based design. Usually, companies rely on their programmers to dabble in that area, instead of wasting money by hiring professional designers.

My advice to graduates would be to concentrate on learning the principles of traditional art-reproduction media (publishing, screenprinting, etc) and less on the hype that surrounds web-based design, which really seems to be less than 10% of the commercial demand for design.

Best of luck to all of you."

"Having graduated myself a year ago from Monash Multimedia, i've found that there are NO OPPORTUNITIES for graduates in design/new media. Unless of course you got extremely lucky or had a connection in the industry.

Ronin you are absolutely right about "No warrior should be willing to die with his unused swords at his side". So I've opened my own studio with a partner, even though it's hard competing with other business out there, but we ARE making some money and getting whatever experience we can. My advice to all of you guys is to try and open your studios, especially if you can do new media. There are more oppurtunities for that!

One more thing - I'm actually might be looking to hire myself, so if you have at least some exposure in new media and graphic design, I'd love to hear from you. There is no work at the moment, but very likely to be in near future (freelance).
Goodluck :)"

"Please read below.

Growth rate slows more than expected
September 4 2002

Australia's growth rate slowed in the three months to June, dragging annual growth below four per cent, official figures showed today. Allowing for seasonal impacts, gross domestic product rose 0.6 per cent in the June quarter to give an annual rate of 3.8 per cent, the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) said.

Experts were tipping a quarterly rise of 0.9 per cent and an annual rate of 4.1 per cent. The ABS also revised down growth in the previous quarter to 0.7 per cent, from 0.9 per cent. This means the growth rate has fallen in each of the past three quarters. "

"The problem here is that there are too many Graphic Designers and not enough jobs to cater for all of them. Salary paid in the design industry is a joke!

Ex Designer"

"Everything sounds so negative! I am also going to be looking for work after a one year traineeship in mutlimedia, is there any hope?"

"I hear ya Ronin!

It's been very difficult for me also, having graduated late lastyear and only had one interview after hundreds of applications sent out including volunteer applications, and only to be knocked back numerous times. I am ready to work for free here! Can't believe that's not good enough. From that one interview I was knocked back for having an intimidating portfolio. I've exhausted all my resources. Things are looking so bleak. I know there are vacancies out there but why no design firms or company wants a junior designer i don't understand. We're fresh and ready to work so goddamn hard! I can't believe I feel like I've studied so hard to become so passionate to be in this industry only to be looked down upon and feel so disregarded.

What's going on here? Is this how it's supposed to be? "

Editor's note [alpt]

Studio's get very conservative when the economy gets tough, so they tend to focus on proven commercial skills if they are hiring at all. Not fair for new starters, but that's life. You can 'fight back' by arguing for a work experience period (you say you are 'ready to work for nothing') - which would provide the studio with a no-risk way to find out how good you are. Be prepared to argue for the opportunity, though!

"I saw a job advertised in a Queensland paper last week that was entitled Graphic Designer/Receptionist wanted.

Says it all really."

"I am writing to you from the U.S. but what I am reading in the various feedbacks is almost identical to what has been going here in the North West. I have never been able to get anything reasonable out of Aquent.

Additionaly, many companies seem to try to stay away from staffing agencies such as Aquent because they don't want to pay an artist plus the agency.

This makes one wish there was such a thing as a graphic designer/illustrator union..."

"Indeed I agree with Paul Roszak comments on paying a high rate organisation like AGDA. Sure, we young graduates are encountering a difficult time in getting a job to support ourself, but however, those organisation like Aquent (as supposed to be the best employment agency for graphic designer) are not doing much to help graduates designers. It is obvious that such a large organisation is taking graphic designers with at least 3 years experience to gain thier commercialised expertise in recruiting graphic designers. Not to mention they omit those young graduates where no one in this society ever cares about. I have not seen any such large organisation could ignore us, in addition they have not provide any work experience nor training for graphic designers......does that show they are the best graphic design employment agency (in the world)???? Moreover, can they answer this simple question:- "where do i get the industry experience in order to join the design industry"? This question is such a jinx where I don't see any professional in this world actually has a definite answer for it.

In fact AGDA has not provide wide enough infomation for young graduates (where is the work experience program?) except for the mentoring program where not many mentor actually participate, nor it does fullfilled all the mentees that actually apply the program. It is certain that either those mentor that is so discriminative or picky or choosy at some point that he/she pick a particular mentee for themself; and in conjunction to the real recruitment situation, I have no doubt the attitude of discriminative being practice as well. Certain employers stereotyped people on their preference of personality, be it with apperance, race colour, age, gender, and background. This practices go undetected and is easy for young graduates being discriminated without knowing.

For my conclusion statement, I don't see how the next generation of graphic design will actually survive where new designers like us are being ignored. I understand the difficult times likes this has no room for employment, but don't you think that we should entitled some work experience or training from trusted design organisation like AGDA or Aquent? If we were to go on without job for 2 years and without training, even if the economy has a upturn in two years time won't do us good, as due to our knowledge is obsolete and we still end up jobless in the end. Bottom line is things are not working out either way.

And for those like me out there, I wish you all good luck (if you do believe in one), The waiting game for getting a job is just not an ideal position for us, think of it "why would you wait for something that is not certain to happen?" I would personally think we all should startup our own studio without our experiences and try to strive to the real world. If we were to suceed, then congradulation for being such a strong contender in this selfish world, and if you don't suceed, then read this quote writen from an ancient samurai(Miyamoto Musashi):- "No warrior should be willing to die with his unused swords at his side", which means we (the warrior) shouldn't give up our ambition without applying our knowledge (sword)."

"Here Here, I agree on Paul Roszak. The organisation should address the issue of graduate recruitment / employment, particularly in the area of work experiences."

"Dear Karen:

There is another group of individuals coming into the equation, the ones like myself who had several years experience on other fields, example engineering, and because of company downsizing we found ourselves without a job and an aparent future.

At this stage of my life I have matured and grown to know what I wanted out of life, in my case, take a different path, follow my artistic-creative flair and become a Graphic Designer (Been Illustrating since I was 2 years of age).

Out of my redundancy package I paid thousands of dollars for an Associate diploma which I believed would be enought to open the doors to an entry level position as a start.

My biggest dissapointment was to find employers do not want to touch me with a 10 foot pole because of my lack of experience even though I have a paper to prove I know my stuff (I was one of the best in the class). Now because of this, I am hoping to set up my own business from home with government assistance (NEIS).

It is tough on guys like me in my 30s to be taken seriously even though by now I know what I can do, know what I want out of life, and I have the employment history to prove what I can achieve (I worked for Boeing the Airplane giant).

Please Karen it is bad enough not having jobs to apply for and the few ones I do they send me "Thank you but no thank you" letters, is there a way out of this? If so I am all ears.

Which way do I turn and how do I get there?"

"Dear Karen,

Such pessimistic news! After graduating in the last recession with an Industrial design degree from RMIT and now graduating with 4 years of post graduate music and web related studies it's great to be working freelance for $ 5 an hour!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

How many knock backs can we encounter! Also AGDA is too expensive to join and how can designers like myself and so many other colleagues afford to join when we are receiving the dole to subsidise our poor incomes. We should be paying a very low rate with healthcare cards! Please pass this on. We get shut out of a crucial organisation.

It should be the same student price."

"Tough times ahead. As for the creative industry we are not going to see a pick up in employment for the next 6 to 8 months, depending on the world economy.

This industry is not recession proof."