Entry Level Graphic Designer (Boston: how much, layoffs, salary)

[cptafar]

What is the best way to get an entry level graphic design position in Boston? any information is more than welcome

thanks in advance for you time

[cohdane]

I'm sure a lot of the answer depends on the amount of talent you have and the type of graphic design you want to do.

That said, I know of one company in Boston that has a good history of hiring people with little or no job experience in graphic design and promoting them if they're good. Arnold Worldwide. It's an (excellent) ad agency.

If you have a portfolio, figure out who needs to look it at and see if you have the talent to get in that way.

If not-- and if you really have the patience, perseverance and work ethic-- see if you can get hired on as a receptionist or administrative assistant. Then, you can periodically offer to help out on things and-- if you're any good-- your patience might be rewarded with a position as a graphic designer. Yes, they do this.

There are few places I've heard of that work this way. In my opinion, you get a much broader range of talent and a nicer group of people by growing from within.

Good luck.

And whatever you do, hurry. Because the economy is starting to suck major wind and the first guys to get hit with layoffs and hiring freezes will be ad agencies and design firms. GET HIRED NOW AND MAKE A GOOD IMPRESSION BEFORE THE LAYOFFS START. You'll have half a chance because you'll be on the low end of the salary food chain.

Not kidding. Not one iota.

[cptafar]

I mainly do print design, but would not mind getting into web, however is not my area of expertise. I dont know how much "talent" I have.

Thanks for the information I'll be getting in touch with Arnold Worldwide somehow

[FashionD]

I think it's similar in many big cities. You have to be willing to take about $25K a year and work hard to prove yourself. I currently live in SD and that's how I started...I now have 5 years web/graphic design and make almost double what I painfully put up with to prove myself.

Check out freelance jobs on craigslist to build your portfolio, build a portfolio online (if you don't already have one), and get creative!

Good luck!