As the demand for great graphic designers has grown in recent years, so has the number of graduates looking to secure a full-time or freelance position in graphic design. With so much competition, it’s imperative you have a game plan when it comes to paving your way in the graphic design industry.
We spoke to Harvey Hapi, a Graphic Designer from Martin College in Brisbane, about how to make it in the industry.
RESCU: How can someone just starting out in the Graphic Design industry get ahead and stand out from the crowd?
Harvey Hapi: Take advantage of every opportunity that comes your way. You may not get the dream Graphic Design job you are after but you can make an impression with the right pro active, ‘can do’ attitude and the willingness to learn.
Art Directors look through hundreds of portfolios that all look the same after a while, so your positive personality could get you that foot in the door. From there, the creative world is your oyster.
RESCU: Do you have any portfolio building tips?
Harvey Hapi: Your portfolio, whether it is print examples or digital, is an expression of your personality so keep it organised and only show pieces that are relevant to the job you are applying for.
For example, if you are applying for a web design position, it would be better to have two or three good pieces that you can present and discuss rather than a dozen logos you have created.
RESCU: What are some of the lesser known (and perhaps less exciting) parts of being a graphic designer?
Harvey Hapi: If you are just starting out, everything to do with the graphics industry is exciting. Have a positive attitude, even if you are a ‘gofor’.
Learn and master the basics like the graphic design language, for example, ems, ens, points, work-and-turn, work-and-tumble, celloglaze, Heidelberg, etc.
RESCU: Is building a career as a freelance designer a liable option in the beginning, or would you suggest agency or in-house experience first?
Harvey Hapi: Some graduates have started out as freelancers and then worked their way into permanent Graphic Design positions. An advantage of freelancing is you get to work on a variety of Graphic Design projects. A disadvantage is that it is a ‘feast or famine’ lifestyle. You need to be very organised and disciplined to sustain this option.
Working in-house for an Advertising Agency or Graphic Design Studio gives you first-hand experience and mentoring that you can build on to progress up the ladder in the agency or studio. You really need this type of experience before you can consider freelancing.
RESCU: Do you have any tips for working as a freelancer?
Harvey Hapi: Be very organised and always deliver the goods. Never miss a deadline. Build a network of creative friends. Join graphic Design Associations, like AGDA and attend creative design functions to get your name out there. Be positive, friendly and sociable. The next person you have a beer with could be the source of your next project. Winning awards helps matters!
Starting out as a freelancer? Read Anthony Bell’s tips on Superannuation for Freelancers
