For young designers, finding the first job can be a major challenge especially for those with no prior experience in the industry. Before starting to seek for a job opening, it is important to identify your strength and weaknesses, the nature of your work, and the job market. There are many specialized design firms in the US and it is always good to know which ones motivates you and deals with the skills that you possess.
Before embarking on entry-level design jobs searching, it is recommended that the individual should have some design portfolio in order to increase his chances of employment. A portfolio should contain only the best works of the designer in order to impress the prospective employer. One should be prepared to answer questions about his portfolio on the techniques used in making them, the motivation, what they stand for, etc in case these questions are posed to him during the interview. A portfolio is not an instant ticket to employment; proper preparation must be done in order to increase your chances of employment. One should first search for the prospective employers, know where their offices are located, get their contacts, know what types of designer jobs they undertake and be familiar with some of their finished works. Then, the entry-level jobs applicant should come up with a good cover letter to introduce his portfolio. One should include your resume in your portfolio. The resume can be one of your selling points and should have nice typographical patterns that show your ability. A nice business card sent along with your portfolio and cover letter can be a plus for entry-level design jobs seekers.
Education And Qualification
Most hiring employers require one to have a degree in graphic design or related disciplines. Some technical positions may however also require an associate degree. Designers also find courses in history, literature, foreign languages, computerized design, printing techniques, fine arts graphics, business, marketing, and other art programs useful in their careers. Many employers prefer entry-level design jobs applicants who are familiar with graphic design software, and multimedia firms may require one to be at par with the current and emerging graphic design technologies.
Other useful skills desirable to graphic designers include good communication skills, creativity, problem solving skills and ability to work independently and under minimum supervision. Because of the fast changing consumer trends and preferences, entry level design jobs require applicants who are in touch with the current society trends in a variety of areas including fashion, entertainment, and consumer goods.
Advancement
Graphic designers who are fresh from college usually require around three years of work experience before they can be promoted to higher ranks. There are many opportunities for growth in the design industry. Entry-level designers with years of experience are usually promoted to higher ranks in the firm as art directors, chief animators, website strategist managers, chief designers, creative directors, and other titles. Consequently, the rise in ranks, come with less hands-on responsibilities as their works may mainly be advisory and supervisory. They usually head a team of young designers and are in charge of creative strategy implementation in products or projects pursued by the company.
Job Outlook
Demand for entry-level designers in major cities is expected to continue on an upward trend. Cities like New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, Miami, and others have large potential for entry-level designers. The entertainment hubs like Hollywood and others in major cities provide numerous opportunities for freelance work or career advancement for designers employed in media firms. Graphic designers in major cities usually receive larger remuneration than those working in smaller cities.
Entry-level design jobs opportunities will continue to grow in the coming years. Persons with a degree in various disciplines of graphic design stand better chances of employment then other entry-level design job applicants. Competition is stiff and is expected to continue being stiff as many people enter the industry and simple graphic design user-friendly software continues to be researched on. This software enables people knowledgeable in computer and who do not have graphic design training, to produce superb graphic works from their desktops. As entry-level design jobs increase, the video and entertainment industry is projected to expand, and further opportunities will be available to designers with skills in web design and animation. Interactive media as well as advertising and printing firms will continue to increase the demand for entry-level designers.
Graphic designers are well compensated for their services. Earnings for entry-level design jobs differ depending on the area of specialization as well as experience in the industry. Web designers and animators usually receive higher wages than computer graphics design, although this is determined by the firm employing or contracting the designer. Average earnings for graphic designers are between $30,000 and $70,000, although the type of work done will mostly determine the pay. Graphic designers who are partners in advertising or media firms receive up to averages of $103,000 annually, while those employed in–house in large corporations receive figures averaging $98,000. Web designers and animators receive comparably higher compensations than computer graphics designers.
Conclusion
The market for entry-level design jobs will continue to grow and offer many opportunities for both freelancers and employed designers. It is easy to start design jobs because of the low start up costs and affordable cost working equipment. Most designers in corporate organizations run private design or media firms on a part-time basis, and some work as art directors or advisors to the corporate firms in matters dealing with art or design. The entertainment and media industry will continue to offer the most opportunities of entry-level design jobs, and web designers and animators may find lucrative deals with entertainment companies.
