Graphic Designer who can design it all: PR, Advertising, magazine, newspaper & web!

[Lindsay Ann Puthoff]

Hello,
My name is Lindsay Puthoff. I recently graduated from Ball State University with a Bachelor's Degree in journalism graphics. I recently moved to the Indianapolis area and am looking for full or part time employment in the graphic design field.

I have been job-hunting since April without luck. Most places are not hiring because of economic downtimes OR prefer more experience.

So, I submit this to all those more experienced members in the field and also beg of any advice anyone could offer me when it comes to job-hunting?

Sincerely,
Lindsay Puthoff
[e-mail]

Here is a link to my digital portfolio where you can find my creative work samples. I have also attached a PDF of my resume.

http://laputhoff.iweb.bsu.edu/portfolio_2009/puthoff_portfolio.swf

Want to get to know me even more? Read my cover letter & resume!

[Eric Lindley]

Lindsay Keep pushing your ideas and build a portfolio. Just because you have graduated doesn't mean you have to stop designing and illustrating. Push your self to create something new every week. Build a portfolio of stuff which makes you happy. I've been in the industry for 23 years and I still create things for myself just to fill that creative hunger.

Also look for non profit work, church work. There are many people on smaller looking for design help. Believe me there is always someone looking for free design and if you believe in the cause you get satisfaction and a something to show in your portfolio.

Work the social networks. There are many resources right here on smaller.

As you know it is not the best time to be looking for design employment but make sure you are ready when things turn around. Hope this helps. Good Luck!

Eric

[Lisa Barton]

I agree with what Eric said. Social networking, like on this site and others, seems to be a newer way of making business connections. You might look for other sites to add your profile too, as well. LinkedIn.com is another good one.

Another suggestion would be to find some national and local organizations to join. Of course, with that, you have the added cost of membership but you will get a chance to make some good connections and possibly get the scoop on job opportunities early.

Hang in there! I was ready to give up a year after I graduated and hadn't found anything. I had interviews for a lot of entry level positions at a time when the market was down. None panned out. But finally, in a really serendipitous way, I got a great job as an in-house designer and I've been with the same employer for almost six years now! Just keep your designs fresh, look at magazines like Eye and Communication Arts to keep abreast of the trends and DON'T GIVE UP! :)

[Jon D. Speer]

My advice: Don't try to convince people to hire you because you are lower cost. When it comes to graphic design, I look for experience. I'm willing to pay more for the person who can demonstrate creativity.

[Shawn Neal]

Agreed. Do whatever you can to build a good, solid portfolio- freelance, project, non-profit and don't try to sell yourself based on being low-cost. The old rule "you get what you pay for" comes to mind, and that's not how you want to brand yourself. A strong portfolio will speak better than any sales-pitch you can throw.

[Casey Valiant]

Hi Lindsay, I'm in charge of hiring designers for my company. I do not envy your situation. Eric L's advice on constantly improving your design skills and building and revising your portfolio is perfect. If after several months of graduating you show me your portfolio and all that is in it is school projects, I'm going to wonder about your longevity in this industry.

Some other things I would look at with someone in your situation:
1. What are you doing? Are you simply unemployed albeit actively looking? or are you volunteering part of your day at a museum, summer camp for kids, teaching design for underprivileged kids on Saturday or after school, doing something that gives back to the community? Or do you have a part time job? People will disagree with this one but to me, if you have a part time burger-flipping job, that shows far better responsibility than not being able to proudly state what you did for months on end while you were looking for a job.
2. Online social networking is important but if your claim to fame is 1mil twitter followers since you graduated, you could have probably spent your time a bit more constructively.
3. Potential. I don't expect a recent graduate's portfolio to be a pristine example of heavenly graphic design. But I do expect to see potential both in your portfolio and your personality. I recently looked at my portfolio from graduating almost ten years ago from Purdue and I wanted to cry... it was shocking how pathetic mine was.

I work for a sign company and we never try to be the cheapest. I don't buy the cheapest peanut butter. I definitely don't buy the cheapest toilet paper. I buy things with a good value.

CaseyV

[Lindsay Ann Puthoff]

WOW! I'd just like to thank everyone who replied to my discussion and offered wonderful advice. At the time of posting this, I was stuck in a transition period in Muncie, just job-hunting until my lease ran out. This week I moved to Indy and will start working part-time at a restaurant in Broad Ripple.
I will definitely take all of your advice to heart and stay optimistic, keep designing and strive for quality work.
Thank you all so much for taking the time to help an up & coming designer!
Sincerely,
Lindsay

[Jon D. Speer]

Lindsay,
Be sure to connect to Jill Harding with Boundless Design. She is a successful graphic designer.

[Lindsay Ann Puthoff]

Thank you again, I will definitely get in touch with her!

[Casey Valiant]

Hi Lindsay. One of the most difficult things can be if you run out of ideas of designs to create. In school you are given projects to complete, at work you are given projects and tasks to complete. But now, you kinda have to invent the projects. My wife as a children's book illustrator runs into much the same thing between projects. Illustration Friday is an awesome resource for her because it gives a topic and everyone illustrates something based on that topic. I wonder if there is something similar to that specifically for graphic design.

[Lindsay Ann Puthoff]

Hi Casey,
I've been itching to get my creativity out but I just wasn't sure how. I checked out that site and will definitely make it a weekly ritual! Thank you so much for the tip!

[Kris Davidson]

Lindsay, definitely join AIGA Indy as well, for networking purposes. They also have a group on Smaller Indiana.

http://indianapolis.aiga.org

[Lindsay Ann Puthoff]

Hi Kris,
Actually I am a member of AIGA but unfortunately I have been unable and honestly too shy to attend events alone in Indy. But, since I just moved to Indy last week, I should be much more available to attend. Thanks for the tip!
Do you go to their events often?