Graphic Design jobs in the area? (Virginia Beach, Norfolk: home, job market, living in)

[michelef1l]

I used to live in Newport News, and then went to VCU in Richmond for graphic design. After graduation I moved to Philadelphia, and after just under a year of being here, I decided to come back to Newport News. I absolutely hate Philadelphia, and the job market is horrible. I understand it's like that everywhere, but I'd rather be back home with family and where the cost of living is MUCH lower. I am fully aware that I will probably just have to pick up some retail work or try to get an office job, but obviously I would really like to do something with graphic design.

My question is, are there a lot of graphic designers living in the area? Are you making it, or are you having to pick up other work or freelance on the side (that is what I had to do in Philadelphia, but simply couldn't afford it anymore.) Anyone have any advice? Where to go to find freelance work?

Any help is greatly appreciated. Thanks!!

[shellytc]

Michele, my husband is in the advertising business, and I can tell you Hampton Roads is NOT a very marketing / graphic design "rich" area.... However, Richmond is. Take a look at the job boards for Richmond... you can also check into Capital One (they always need graphic designers). but you know that since you went to VCU. Sorry I can't help you with Newport News.

shelly

[mikeas]

Try some of the companies that have corporate headquarters and operations here. Dominion Enterprises, Stihl, Norfolk Southern, Smithfield Foods, or Dollar Tree. I would imagine Dominion Enterprises has quite a few on hand considering they run all of the auto trader magazines and websites.

[wjjbward]

A lot of those bigger companies you mentioned use ad agencies, but some also do have internal advertising departments.

You could apply at a newspaper as an ad-designer. Also, there is a company called Pilot Direct that is owned by the Virginian-Pilot/Landmark Corporation that does targeted marketing for several of the larger local businesses. Pilot Direct | Targeted Marketing Solutions

[MikkiBookmite]

Have you looked at Fort Eustis? There are some Visual Information Specialists who work for Army Training Support Center. Do a search at CPOL: Employment Index if you are interested. There isn't a lot of turnover, so you may need to look for a while.

[michelef1l]

What about freelance work? Where do graphic designers in the Virginia Beach area go for freelance jobs? I really haven't found many so far.