Moved to Raleigh 3 months ago, having a hard time finding work.

[steve54]

My wife has a bachelor's and three master's degree and hasn't been able to land a job in 9 years.... and it isn't through want of applying

[west raleigh sports guy]

Originally Posted by steve54

My wife has a bachelor's and three master's degree and hasn't been able to land a job in 9 years.... and it isn't through want of applying

Just out of curousity, what are the degrees?

[Crashj007]

Originally Posted by lovebrentwood

Don't join the military. They don't need your graphic design skills.

Yeah, nose art is pretty much a thing of the past.

[Francois]

Originally Posted by Crashj007

Meanwhile, try some of the suggestions here. If your graphics training is where you want to go take a look around at various local company logos and critique them. Do a proposal and try to get the owner to review it with you.

Another suggestion: I volunteer at, and have been on the Board of, numerous local nonprofits. One thing they ALWAYS need is someone to help with logos, ads for events, websites, etc. Most small nonprofits don't have paid staff for that and tend to be penny-pinchers and look for volunteers to do it free.

See if you can VOLUNTEER to work with a nonprofit and do maybe their next ad for free. If they like it, give them a (reasonable, below-market) price for the next time (they probably can't pay market rate). These will give you inroads to local contacts and give you work to show with a local spin, as in "Here's an ad I put together as a volunteer for Nonprofit X". Something local for the portfolio, fresh and local references, and to show you've been keeping busy.

[squazerbeam]

Does anyone have any inside contacts with Nationwide Insurance Company on Creedmoor Road in Raleigh? I have applied to several of their ads, and get a blow off every time. Im eligible for rehire; however, I cant seem to get past the recruiter. I sure could use an influential name...