Things You'll Need:
- Portfolio
- Resumé
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Step 1
Explore your career options. From graphic design for video games to print graphics for publications and advertisements, there are several avenues for skilled graphic designers to explore in their careers.
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Step 2
Seek out individual clients by putting the word out about your services through a slick marketing campaign or website. You are your best marketer and you should apply your design skills to building your own best brand, yourself.
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Step 3
Connect with small-business owners who may be in need of your graphic design services through small-business networking groups. There are several of these around the country, many of which specialize in specific niches of small business from women entrepreneurs to inventors and artists.
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Step 4
Give away your work for charity. Donate your time and your expertise to your favorite charity by designing a new logo or assisting with an upcoming publication. Non-profits are happy to receive talented assistance and you will be pleased with the number of people who see your by-line attached to this charitable work.
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Step 5
Talk to your school's student advisement center. If you attended a school specifically for the arts or design, chances are they have alumni services including career advice and job hunt assistance. They may even host a job posting website.
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Step 6
Talk to advertising agencies to find out whether they offer graphic designing services in house or if they outsource them. If they operate a department in house, you may find out about available positions and if they outsource, a carefully put together presentation could add you to their list of designers to call.
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Step 7
Find designing jobs and support from your peers by joining a group such as AIGA or the American Institute of Graphic Arts (see Resources below). These professional organizations are built around supporting designers with resources such as job posting boards and ongoing education and lecture series.
