Artist/Graphic designer moving to Portland, good idea? (for rent, employment)

[ethree]

So ...

I'm moving from Denver, Colorado next month and am interested in what you guys think about getting a job in the design field and what the art scene is like there. I was born in Portland in 1978, but was raised in Fort Collins, Colorado, excited to return as an adult with aspirations for a fresh start. I'm not worried about the weather or anything, but need advice as to what part of the city to live in and where I should gravitate towards to get involved in the art community.

I would really appreciate any advice you might have for me.

Thanks. One love.

E3

P.S. Anyone know of a live in art studio for rent?

[kalit]

Why are you moving away from Denver?

[Nell Plotts]

Portland is a great place for graphic designers - NIKE employs many arts majors, for example. The design is what makes a product jump off the self. BUT finding a job will not be easy. Consumer products manufacturers are hesitant to add to staff right now because of the pressure on disposable income.

Be prepared to work outside of what you think is your field until you find your niche.

[ethree]

Originally Posted by kalit

Why are you moving away from Denver?

I have been here my whole life. I need a change. Start a career (just graduated from college). Etc... I hope its a good choice because this is a great city and deserves to be recognized as such. If you ever decide to move here I recommend it, especially if you like to ski.

[Leisesturm]

Originally Posted by ethree

I have been here my whole life. I need a change.

As valid a reason for wanting to move as any. It seems to me that a large majority of posters in this and many other forums on City-Data do not advocate moving to the PNW because it is "very hard to get a job 'here/there'. It is in fact very hard to get a job anywhere, even in areas that aren't targeted as being economic dead zones. Nell's advice is spot on, you might have to adjust your resume and find work options outside your field but your overall success or lack of it won't be because you have chosen Oregon over some other destination. I for one do not advise moving to someplace simply because a job is there. What if you go through all that re-adjustment only to be laid off or worse, fired, months after relocation. OTOH, I wouldn't advise staying someplace you hate simply because you have a job there. Life is too short. Live. Risk. If you are intelligent and/or qualified, experienced, etc. it just has to be possible to find gainful employment where'ere you land. If I am wrong, I just made a major boo-boo because I definitely put my money where my mouth is. Good luck to ... us.

H

P.S. Check Craigslist for artist studio's, I don't know a lot about what a graphic artist would need/not need in a studio but could a garage work as a studio? Assuming you didn't need to keep your Hummer in it?

[EnricoV]

This website has a good listing of studio space for rent. It'd probably be worth looking into, for you.

[kalit]

Originally Posted by ethree

I have been here my whole life. I need a change. Start a career (just graduated from college). Etc... I hope its a good choice because this is a great city and deserves to be recognized as such. If you ever decide to move here I recommend it, especially if you like to ski.

I wanted to move to Denver, but all the schools are $20k+ a year for out of state tuition. Which is why I'm going to Portland, PSU has $15k for out of state tuition. I have visited Denver a couple times and I love it though. The music scene is amazing (I'm into hardcore music).

I have not visited Portland, but I think I will like it, as long as the weather does not bother me. I'm used to midwest winters (Sioux Falls area), so I really doubt I will be bothered because I hate freezing temperatures a lot more than rain and grey skies.