APPLIED ARTS: Job Hunting

Don't be daunted.

In this economy job hunting may seem grim, but I can assure you work is out there. You just need to buckle down, work hard and seek it.

Your best lines of offense:

It's who you know.
People who know you, especially your work style, are the best. If you are on good terms, many will not just recommend places to look for work, they will forward your information along to their network. People love connecting folks - it makes them look good too. Just do yourself a favor: if someone hooks you up, be on your best behavior because it reflects on them. And the "who" that helps you get a job may be someone you didn't expect.

Getting out.
Meet new people with similar interests. Go to conventions, art openings, book signings, free lectures, etc. You may meet people who work for companies you are interested in. Don't be afraid to inquire just because you are new acquaintances. Some think it's taboo to ask about jobs within a company, but as long as you aren't pushy, you should be fine.

Social Media.
I recently joined Twitter and am SO surprised by how many folks just casually post that they are looking for someone and if interested to direct message them. It seems to casual to me, but that is the world we are living in now. TAKE ADVANTAGE!

Online Search.

This can be dangerous just because you are tempted to apply to anything and everything. But it's up to you to decide if filling out some sites long (and usually boring) application is worth it. Also, if there is a certain company you are interested in, make sure to visit their site every once in a while - some places update their sites and don't post to job seeking sites. Here are some of my resources, feel free to add:

New York Foundation for the Arts
Book Jobs
AIGA Design Jobs
Creative Hotlist
Coroflot
Aquent
Creative Circle
Creative Group
The Boss Group
Mediabistro
Creative Network Systems
Career Builder
Monster
Jobster
Craig's List
Art Directors Club
Job Board
ADCNJ
Job Board
Society of Publication Designers
Society for Environmental Graphic Design
The Serif (UK jobs)
Design Observer Job Board
Krop
Simply Hired
Design Related
Authentic Jobs
Freelance Switch
Smashing Magazine
FreshWebJobs
Icograda

Best line of defense:

Here's a quick list of things you should just have because you will be asked for some, if not all, of these. Each place has their own specifications as well so read carefully when applying! Also, I won't get into spec work because that's a whole other discussion…but I as a general rule, just don't do it. Of course, there are exceptions to it and you can decide…just be careful and make sure to protect yourself and your work. You're worth it!!

Designers
- Website URL or pdf sample of your work
- CV/Resumé
- Cover letter

Artists
- CD or slides
- CV/Resumé
- Artist statement
- Proposal for exhibition or project you want to work on
- Bio

Please feel free to add your own list or stories! Special thanks to Jason Alejandro for his list of resources and Maria Doering for artist input!

Fiona Clark (aka Wee Fi) is an artist working and living in New York City. Fiona graduated in 2007 from Hartford Art School with a major in Visual Communication Design and minors in Photography and Art History. After graduation she found herself freelancing with the staffing agency Creative Group, before landing a job as junior designer at the rich media company, Basik Group. If you'd like Fiona to answer your questions about life after art school, please email her at fi@wee-fi.com.

Comments

[Rachel Lewis]

This is really interesting, thank you. I'm a recent graduate and finding it so hard to get a foot in the door; I've had placements and people interested in my work but nothing has come of it yet. Helps to know I'm not alone :)

[Laurence Doyon-Thibeault]

wow THANK YOU so much for all the informations you posted!

[coorain]

This totally is better than what my actual art school is teaching me. It's clear and direct and helpful. (but I do love my school! They're just a little... absent minded)
Thanks!

[Fi]

Also, for any of you designers out there - try a staffing agency. It helped me to build my portfolio, get paid, have benefits and ultimately land something full time.

[Stephen Kissel]

Great info! I definitely agree about using Twitter to your advantage. I've found a few open positions in my area that I would have never known about otherwise.

[Shuang]

That helped a lot for me, thank you so much!

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