[cpg35223]

Originally Posted by The_Rambler

Thanks for the advice cpg, I've actually been planning on getting a site put up and some cards printed so I can start doing some freelancing. My last job was so all encompassing that it didn't really leave any time for side work, so I've just got to get back in the swing of that whole thing. I sat down and wrote up a list last night of local businesses that I was planning on approaching. I've also been replying to basically every Craigslist ad Ive found where people are looking for that type of work but none of it really has panned out thus far. It seems a lot more hit or miss down here.

Believe me, I'd like nothing more than to be supporting myself while working with different clients around the country, I've just never quite been in the position to make that happen. Now seems a good time as any to get that ball rolling... Any tips or suggestions on how to get started with my networking, getting my name out there, etc? I'd love some sound words of wisdom from a pro like you who's really doing it.

Thanks

Well, here's what you do. Don't screw around with Craigs list, because that's a total comeon. Instead, spend the next couple of days getting your portfolio/site/whatever together. I mean, if you're in the biz and you've been looking for a job, why the heck haven't you done this already? If I'm looking at designers' resumes, their personal website is the first place I go. The fact that you don't have one up probably explains why you haven't gotten butkus for a response. Heck, even if all you've got is student work, don't sweat it. All you need are ten really killer pieces.

The other thing to realize is that Birmingham has a seriously large number of very talented designers and web guys. There are any number of good agencies, not to mention Southern Progress. Add the fact that Auburn and Mississippi State both have excellent design programs and both the Portfolio Center and Creative Circus are in Atlanta, then the competition is pretty tough. I mean, Birmingham designers are regularly in CA, the One Show, and Print Magazine, so it's not exactly a desert here.

What's more, nobody hires in this biz in 2nd Quarter. Period. It's when cash flow is awful for shops, and it's when art directors typically are cleaning off their desks and knocking off early. However, in about a month, things will start changing, because 3rd and 4th quarters typically are a sprint. That's why you need to be knocking on doors NOW.

So after getting your book together, what's next? Network. Go through TalentZoo.com, the Birmingham Ad Fed, and the local American Marketing Association chapter. Don't be sending out blind resumes. Call on small-, mid-sized, and large agencies and ask for five minutes of some Senior Creative's time. Go to any number of the half dozen or so interactive agencies that are around town.

Okay. How's that for career advice?

[The_Rambler]

Well I asked for advice and I got a step-by-step plan.

Like I said, I've never really done freelance work, only worked for an established company as in-house, so the whole process is a little new to me. I haven't really been looking for web and design work around here, mostly just trying to find something nearby to make ends meet for now until I can figure out what I want to do. I never had a traditional education in the field, so I don't have the networking base that I'm sure most other designers do and I'm just now trying to get the whole thing going.

[Morrighan]

It is getting to the point there are not enough employers for the number of potential employees. Ever consider becoming an entrepreneur? I honestly think that may be the only way out of this recession. Think. What do people still need / need done even when they have precious little cash available? When you make your list of things others need, decide what you can offer and post it in the grocery stores, laundromats, gas stations and such. You never know. You may find yourself busy enough to hire someone to help you, thus taking one more person off the unemployment rolls. This is what I told my son to do. While his fiancee was here, he took the ball and ran with it. He was making about $100 or more per week clear (better than zero) when she had to leave to go back to school. Sadly, it seems she was the one with the talent for drumming up the work and keeping it flowing. I will be so glad when she finishes up school and comes back for good.