22 yr old graphic designer (Seattle, Spokane: living, cost, shop)

[cjb1514]

I'm thinking about heading out to Seattle. Any tips? Info. Cost on living?? I'll be moving with hard earned money and that's it. I lived in Auburn, Washington when I was in 3rd grade for 1 yr and I won't ever forget it. My step dad worked downtown and would take me when I was on my summer break. It's been my dream to go back. I need to get away from the midwest/east coast. Right now I'm currently in pittsburgh. I'm graduating in the Fall. No job lined up and I heard seattle is a great place for designers.

[Hemlock140]

Wit the bad economy, graphic artists were laid off along with the marketing staffs at many companies. That's flooded the market, with many applicants for every opening, and the Art Institute is still cranking out new graduates every year. Most seem to be working through temp agencies, as a lot of companies are using them now rather than having full-time staff.

In my business I hired graphic design students from the Art Institute in Seattle from 1993-2007, that eventually graduated and moved on. I'll tell you what some of them that I kept in touch with are doing now:

1. Designer at screenprinting shop in Spokane
2. Bartender in New Orleans
3. Successful self employed graphic artist in West Seattle, but recently started looking for regular job as work slowed
4. Working at sign shop in Redmond

[cjb1514]

Wow, thanks for the info. Didn't know it was that bad :/