Does anybody's company need a Graphic Designer? (Rapid City, Avon: real estate, mortgage)

[RGBvsCMYK]

This is NOT an ad or spam... I am a graphic design student and I need to get some experience under my belt for my portfolio when I graduate. Do any of you need some graphic design work, as far as pamphlets, Business cards, Stationary, Logos etc? I don't charge much considering I am a student still. Let me know if anybody is interested, I've noticed this is a smaller city so its harder to find anybody interested.

thanks!

[DannyBanany]

You may want to check with ad firms in the area. When I was in high school I did an internship with Sharp and Associates. They could point you in the right direction. They do a lot with local businesses and webpages.

Advertising and Marketing Professionals in Rapid City, South Dakota | Black Hills | Robert Sharp & Associates | BBM Studios | Web Development


Here is an exmple from their portfolio:
Home | VII Vehicle Infrastructure Integration

[RGBvsCMYK]

Hmm I'll have to check them out, thanks.

[luv_it_here]

National Guard has a current opening for a public affairs intern - looking for people with current coursework in graphic arts, journalism, video edit. Sounds like you would fit that.

Black hills corp had a creative services intern position recently - but I think that has been filled.

Diagnostic Imaging has a computer graphic technician position available - looking for experienced (1-2 years), but I think it said that they would take education as a substitution.

How much do you have in your portfolio currently? The best way to add to it is to find new smaller local businesses, and agree to work for free on your first 1-5. Then you can upgrade to really cheap for the next 5-10, as you build up and show people that you have started, and finished SOMETHING in the real world, of good quality.

Good luck!

[RGBvsCMYK]

yeah thats what I am doing, trying to find a company that needs something small and I would do it for free. As for interns I cant do that because Im military and possibly leaving to Az soon. My school has Intern credits I can use if I want later.

[luv_it_here]

Well, if you're here short term, and willing to work for free, then I'd start with the bigger companies around town, and see if you can get in on a project (for free is a much easier sell for a graphics/communication manager to pitch to a VP)

Black Hills Corp just did a major acquisition, and they have tons of stuff going out to employees, customers, and shareholders with updated info. They've had 3 different openings for communications that have recently been on the DakotaRoots job boards, so they've got to be busy in that area.

The coca-cola bottling company on the edge of town has a communications/graphic design department of two people. They do a lot of promo stuff to their clients, and sometimes pitch in on design stuff for events they help to sponsor around town.

Check with the YMCA, YFS, and RCRH, and see if they have any need for help in designing mailings, publications, event notices, etc. They are all major sponsors of local events/fundraisers, and usually have something going on at least every quarter that has a major mailing, or printed notice of some sort being designed.

Check with some of the real estate and mortgage companies, lots of activity there with the credit downturn - someone may want help designing brochures/ mailings to bring in new customers, or solicit referrals from old customers.

Get REAL familiar with some of the little shops on St. Joseph/Main Street in downtown. This town is too small to have a lot of advertising going on, I'll bet it won't be too hard to find someone who hasn't even gotten as far as "real" advertising.

Personal suggestion if you do any web design - Whos Hobby. I know they just went online, and their website is HORRIBLY unattractive and unorganized. I know that because I was looking for a Christmas gift, and thought about ordering locally first, but couldn't stand their site, and they are always closed when I try and go in person (What kind of toy store closes at 5:30 when parents are just getting off work????)

On the plus side, if you're here and maybe moving to AZ, then I'm assuming you'll be getting stationed at Luke or Davis-Monthan. Luke has a much larger surrounding of smaller towns with LOTS of local businesses, if you're still looking to build your portfolio once you get there. Surprise, Avondale, Tolleson, Goodyear, El Mirage, Litchfield, and Sun City surround the base, and they are full of smaller local companies who might be willing to use your services - even as a student! Davis-Monthan is in a smaller community, but of course its still a heck of a lot bigger than here in Rapid. You'll only be screwed there if you're going to Huachuca.

[RGBvsCMYK]

thanks Ill keep all that in mind if I find out Im not leaving any time soon. As for AZ, I am fully aware of the area there (im from AZ ) so I will check out the smaller businesses there for a while.

[luv_it_here]

Originally Posted by RGBvsCMYK

thanks Ill keep all that in mind if I find out Im not leaving any time soon. As for AZ, I am fully aware of the area there (im from AZ ) so I will check out the smaller businesses there for a while.

I'm from AZ too. Good luck, hope you find something that works out!

[SDTraveler]

My company will be starting to work on Nebraska, Wyoming and North Dakota hopefully in the next couple of months. Take a look at the South Dakota website and leave me a message if you think it is something you might like to work on too. We hired our graphic artist directly out of college too. www.travelinfomap.com

P.S. Our graffic art people do not work out of our office - it is not necessary. Even if you move to Az. or anywhere else it is possible to work for us. We happen to be an honest to goodness home based business.

[RGBvsCMYK]

Yeah Im interested, my email is Rob@Rhopper.net let me know!