Advice For Graphic Design Students
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 30 ก.ย. 2024
- Advice For Graphic Design Students • Advice For Graphic Des... Graphic Design Students entering the job market often struggle and don't understand why it is so challenging to find a job as a Graphic Designer. In this video I talk about what expectations you should have as a Design Student entering the market and what employers are thinking about when it comes to hiring a Graphic Designer.
The tone of this video is a bit harsher than I usually go with but it is something to be taken that seriously.
Checkout More Graphic Design Videos: goo.gl/1yqkNK
Like My Content? Subscribe for More Awesome!
th-cam.com/users/su...
Get CREATE AWESOME Shirts!: goo.gl/lsr8uY
My TH-cam Camera Gear and Setup
amazon.com/sho...
Follow Me Online!
My Website robertoblake.com
Read My Blog: robertoblake.c...
Follow Me on Twitter: / robertoblake
Like Me on Facebook: / robertoblake2
Checkout My Instagram / robertoblake
Flickr Photos: flickr.com/pho...
I wish I had watched a video like this like...2 years ago. I'm starting my 4th year in college and I'm currently in the process of refining my student work for my portfolio. However, it has come to my attention that I've nearly zero personal works that can be put into my portfolio. This video was very insightful and I'm looking forward to seeing more like this.
Aquaneos1193 Thanks for watching, let me know if you need me to cover something in a future video!
You are not being harsh you are simply speaking the truth I've learned so much watching this video alone thank you very much you speak the truth like I said keep them coming. what you are talking about is very real thank you again. You inspire me so much I just need to get started and just do it I watch so much of your videos but never get anything done but hope that I would just do it I've learned a lot from you and there's no excuses like you said in your other videos as to why not do the work. You the man bro. God bless
Thank you for the wake up call :)
+Joesph Garcia No problem.
"You are an adult now, you do not need someone to tell you when to start your futute" This is definitely one of the best things you can pull out of this video. Freelance, freelance, feelance! Never too early to start getting your foot in the door. Great motivational video. Not too harsh at all.
Thanks! that was the effect i wanted.
This is exactly what I needed to hear. I always had this this thought in the back of my mind but hearing it from someone else makes it more real. I am a first year graphic design student and I haven't been doing any self motivated projects at home. Im always telling myself that oh yea after college, but at the end of the day I do not know what i'm waiting for. I guess I was too scared to just start and try experimenting on my own and I felt like i needed permission to start. I think lack of motivation also has a little to do with it. Also you said that we should have a lot of personal pieces to go in our portfolios, so could that just be any project that you made at home for fun? Thanks for the video!
For personal projects try to tell a story and use your maximum level of skill. Remember when you put something in your portfolio you have to be able to tell a story behind it.
Dude you have really great insight. It's cool to hear your perspective on having the experience interviewing Graphic Designers and what you were truly looking for in them. I also agree 100% about the permission thing. You don't need permission from a college degree to be successful. Starting early will at least set you up for greater things down the road. Thumbs up bro!
Stephen Looney Thanks man! Yeah, I think permission is one of the biggest things hurting people of all ages in our industry. I feel like Crush It by ***** should be required reading for everyone once they hit age 16 at this point. There is no reason in 2015 not to pursue your passion, you just have to align it to some real goals and have a strategy.I think this is also the thing, people don't have a strategy and plan for their careers. They don't have a roadmap for what success means to them and so they don't know what they need to be doing.I don't claim to know it all, but what I do know is that if you're at least creating something that has the potential to demonstrate your skills, teach you something new by experimenting, and add to your body of work, then you're at least having a positive impact on your future!You know first hand how important the EARLY START is and how just going for it makes a difference. I really think you should do a video one day just talking about your journey and what you've accomplished. I think your story is one of the more inspiring ones in our profession and would resonate with a lot of people.
Roberto you inspire, inspire, inspire!!!!
One question, why dont you make a something like 30 days test?
Like a competition where you can view what CreateAwesome comunity is making and that way people can share reviews on other people's designs.
I saw stuff like this at dribble.com where they make 100day competition to make 1 design per day.
Great Advice! After viewing this, I had to really step back and look at my own space. Working for 20 years prior and being laid off brought me to school and I am a year from graduating.I am older so that in itself is a challenge trying to compete with a younger generation. I got into Graphic Design a little bit before school, and school has taught me a lot but I still felt like I had no real direction. I do watch a lot of graphic design videos. I was one of those wait for permission, wait until I get my degree people. I say was, because as of right now, I am no longer that person. I know several people who need logos, websites and I never spoke up because I was still in school.....Don't wait to try! Thank you again Roberto!
I'm so glad this video helped push you!
Great tips, Much appreciated
Famous Hitz Thanks for watching!
Wow.. this opened my eyes, thanks Roberto =)
Luke Argentius Thanks, what part do you think was the most helpful and I'm hoping that I didn't come off too harshly?
thanks so much for this amazing video! :D (y) hope someone told me all this a couple of years ago :( but all you said still woks for me :D so I'm gonna do it and thanks because you really shake my mind and make me want to be better :D
i just work alot man. when i come home im already burnt out. get ready for school tomorrow. rinse, repeat. pay rent. just stuck in a matrix. icing my legs every night. etc etc.
I hear you, but you gotta make the time. I realized at some point that I didn't need to slay a dragon to get what I want I life, I had to sleep an hour less, stop spending money on hobbies like MTG and give up live television unless it's Game of Thrones. :)
Hi Roberto which is better for graphics design: Intuos Graphics Pad or Wacom Tablet.
intuos is from Wacom
Your videos are so amazing and insightful! I've been a computer science student for about 2 years, but i've recently been debating on finishing a comp sci minor and switching my major to graphic design and following my passion. You have made everything clear to me on what i would need to do as i switch and it just makes me want to work and grow even harder :)
Lenny Lam glad to help!
Awesome video Roberto, words of wisdom as always & I have to say, I agree with you 100% & wish they would tell it to you straight in design schools! I'm also going through some hard times, & got to pay a student loan but I'm just trying to keep myself busy and do my personal work & some business proposal quotes, you know just trying to get it out there, doing some products & services presentations every now & then, just waiting for the next big break!
Your doing exactly what you're supposed to. from a cash flow standpoint try freelancer sites and craigslist, not great money but a good place to start, wish it existed back I my day. Keep pushing and Stay Awesome.
Thanks Roberto!
So glad i watched this. I mean i knew it but this really kicked my mindset into shape lol
Honey Bunnies glad to hear it!
Spot-on advice, and great bit about the amount of things in a portfolio.
It's good to see this perspective - people rarely think about the hiring person's point of view.
EposVox Exactly. Empathy is the singular greatest key to success. People are convinced that being a sociopath is but I feel the opposite about it. If you put yourself in the other person's shoes and figure out how to be their champion and what you need to deliver for them and how to make them feel less anxious and like they can trust you to do a great job, you'll find things go so much easier.
not harsh at all ! needed this thanks! #motivation lol
shadyjd87 Glad you took it that way!
Oh man I love these videos, so need to have a marathon eventually of these. Really the harsh alert so felt like a inspirational mode for me. Although in my 2nd semester I'm still not sure what I want to do and I'm in Film Media currently, these videos and the digital art class I'm taking so are making me gain major interest in graphic design.
***** If you're in film then graphic design is a great side gig for you to pickup for freelance income but also will help you to market and promote your projects, storyboard looks for your video editing style and help you with motion graphics, logos and titles. I like to dabble in film and visual effects (I'll be posting more of my reel stuff soon) and I think that this advice transfers to anyone in a creative field. But you should also make sure you check out some of my DSLR videos which I usually do on Wednesdays.
Roberto Blake Awesome, sure will check those out, thanks.
Greta tips man.
Love all the tips, pass them on to my friends.
Bob coolshoes Thanks!
So your saying "get clients while developing and a piece of paper doesn't mean anything" Just the advice that can boost my confidence
Magan Issa What I'm saying is to think about it from the view point of an employer. If you doubt the reasoning I invite you to pitch me on the value of the paper and the degree and directly tie it to how you will help me in bringing in 300K revenue over a 5 year period.If you have clients, people who may be small business owners, I can question them as to what the experience of working with you as. As an employer that is going to ease the anxiety of how you deal with someone who is running a business. I'm more likely to feel comfortable putting my brand and reputation in your hands if I'm not the first one to do it. Just think about the wonderful stats for the last 4 years of how great that piece of paper has been in delivering value for everyone... (he said sarcastically).College as an experience, and as a networking opportunity has value. The knowledge and access to resources has value.Me knowing that you went, doesn't make me feel any better about putting my clients in your hands is what I'm saying. I will put that work in the hands of someone who has proof they can deliver and not let me down. It's just like getting a lone at from the bank.If you've not had a checking account with a banking institution you're a higher risk. If nobody of value can vouch for you, they don't want to be the first. If you don't have assets to put up, they don't want to deal with you because there is no guarantee they can recoup a loss.There is literally a formula very similar to a Credit Score that business people run in the back of their head to decide if someone is worthwhile as an employee, a vendor, a partner etc. And it all comes down to risk, and a gut feeling about the person.This is why I always say it's portfolio, personality and preparation that will get you a job or gig, not paperwork.
thanks.
Yeah i agree, merely a school document is just not enough but rather an "extra thing" as a sort of backup for your foundation as a designer.. Good video :D
+Michael Trier-hofby Thanks. Yeah I agree. It's all about what you can deliver on!
Thank you for the advice. This is what I needed right now. I start my graphic design course next week. :) You're awesome :D :D
let me know if there is anything else you want me to cover, and remember, there are over 100 videos in my Graphic Design playlist to help you!
Every time I watch a video of yours, I am so inspired.
Emily Nadira Glad to hear it Emily. If you ever have questions feel free to ask.
I'm a Graphic and Web design student and I've been struggling with feeling that I might not be ready for the real world after graduation so watching this video has really set me straight and inspired me. Thank you and keep making videos!
Martin Cabungcal I will, I'm putting out content everyday this year if I can and there are over 100 Graphic Design videos in my playlist for that currently and then about 60 Photoshop tutorials and more stuff coming every week for other apps.
I really wish I saw this video 3 years ago. I waited in class to learn all the skills I thought I was going to learn when in fact I didnt learn much from my school. Now I'm graduated in desperate need of any type of experience to build up a portfolio.
I did the exact thing you did. I also sort of assumed that if I had a degree, I would get a job. It took about 4 years of non-industry-related jobs to make a decision to completely redo my school portfolio and focus on getting a graphics-related job. If you pour all your focus into that, I do think things will happen for you. But it's a LOT of work!! Good luck!
Hey Roberto want to get into graphic designing and was wondering if you know of any free decent programs to use as I am not sure if I want to spend $50 a month the adobe software. Any suggestions from anyone would be great. Thanks
I've got a video on the channel listing free graphic design software for all the Adobe equivalents. Short version :gimp, inkscape, scribus and komposer
It's not harsh it's reality and thank you for the advice and help. This is what school doesn't teach you.
exactly
snopym3x thanks. Let me know if there is specific advice or topics I should address like this.
Herve Shango Thanks.
I came across your videos and all I gotta say, its one of the few things that I have seen that can create a spark, not just creatively but as a confidence booster. I am a graphic designer at a print shop and your videos let me see that I am going towards the right direction. Keep up the great work!
Orejon Cabron No problem! What was the most helpful advice in this video for you?
Hey this is brilliant advice! I'm still debating if ur American or English but if English then you'll know what a levels are I'm hoping. I'm in my first year studying graphics as one of my subjects. I can see what you mean about work being set in class etc not showing ur own work. I'm not saying I should start doing this just yet but for example for our personal project I did a logo and poster for our table tennis club. Whilst it was done in school is that the sort of work I should push to show others since it was something I was passionate about. I sometimes feel school limits you by making you work in the style of a designer (but I can see the benefits). So is it a case of perhaps as an example, choose a youtuber create channel art and send it to them or create video game covers and send it to companies? In the sense it shows skills etc. But not just worked u were forced to do but stuff you wanted to?
Plus out of curiosity how much of the developing would u show in a portfolio? I understand u may show this to a client but in a portfolio would it just be the final product?
JackoGinge Great questions. I understand levels even though I'm from the states, I have a lot of friends overseas and we've had conversations about difference in the education system and University vs College etc. I love the example of your Tennis Club because it is exactly the type of thing you should push towards as it shows you choosing to solve a problem that you uniquely understand and executing.As to showing the developing of projects, it is very valuable to clients to see the evolution, just be calculated about what yous how and how you demonstrate it.
Roberto Blake thanks for replying. Currently we have a theme of relationships for our final exam bit of our coursework. I am now really stuck on what to do. I quite like the idea of doing some sort of youtube channel perhaps or a film poster (focus on relationship between them and characters or relationships within film). But my fear on doing this is being questioned who did you use to influence your work? Cos even though I look at quite a few and can see the similarities its difficult to pinpoint it to just one designer and I just don't know how examiners will mark it. Or there is graphics novels, video game covers, or even a simple poster. Trouble is finding something I can do in the allotted time and something that isn't to simple. Considering we have 8 hours at end to make the final thing. I seem to like the print/ illustration side of things? Do you have any suggestions? I even considered doing some sort of jokey campaign about being ginger.
Actually I've got a good idea now. Film poster for Star Wars episode 7. Can do fans relationship with franchise, character relationships and between dark and light side of the force. First idea (obviously will come up with other ideas) is vector/silouette images, black and white. Lot more to think about but I can picture that idea.
JackoGinge
Maybe just Star Wars Fan poster in general so they can use original characters or favorite characters if they want.
I have a friend that uses Craigslist to get clients, he is an accountant. Could that be a good route for a freelance graphic designer?
it could go either way, just be cautious
Good advice, but these day people are quick to sue and try to rip you off, is there a way i can get a contract before i start freelancing
There are free contract templates and you could have a lawyer draw one up for you. lAlso consider freelancer insurance
Especially that 'Permission' thing that you are talking about, is what some people have misperception about being 'Professional', (even your boss can be this kind of person)
You don't need permission to do something, just show that you want to do it, because of .... (in this case, show your own portfolio, your style, your creations ...)
If I may add something... DON'T GIVE UP, and SHOW YOURSELF ...
Thank you Roberto!
this is the best video for me as this is my situation right now and u really hit to heart great video great advise thank u
Glad it helped. I barely edited this aside from water breaks. I felt I had to go deep I this video and tell it like it is. But I am a sensitive person by nature and was concerned about the harsher tone, but at the end of the day I hope it helped people understand how serious these things are when you enter the field.
Wow, great tips and I'm going to keep these tips in mind even though I'm not a college student. This channel has help me a lot.
I have done lots of personal projects on my deviantart page, thanks to youtube videos like this and books you have recommended.
Keep creating Awesome videos, they aren't harsh, just the truth!
Lilflako502 Thanks for watching and for a great comment. Even at the high school level, which someone has asked me to go into, it is important to keep doing as much work as possible and keep creating something awesome each day. Learn as much as you can an do as much as you can for as long as you can and you won't regret it.
Roberto Blake Yeah, thats exactly what I'm trying to do now. I already graduated HS and might start college on August, meanwhile I'm learning as much as possible about graphic design, photography, and some video production.
This is an awesome video and I really appreciate your honesty. This is definitely some valuable information. Thank you!!
+Keeping It Kristy thanks. Yeah I try not to sugar coat it while not being soul crushing... LOL
+Keeping It Kristy No problem.
Omg I love your vids they make so much sense and really make me want to do graphic designing when I'm in high school and college , but can u make a video on - how to start your graphic design career in high school PLZ I haven't seen a vid about this and I don't know where to start but thx👍👊
So I am a college student in New York, and Thank You so much to completely wake me up from the struggle.( like what should i do right now) After you saying that show your value is the most important thing when you try to get a job i think this is absolutely correct. And i have a request ,can you show any graphic design website or online community, because i want get in to this environment and try to find out where can i get the internship about this kind of job now.
Thank you! Great advice. And I will take them whole heartily when I go to college and start working.
Glad I can help. What advice helped yoy most?
Roberto Blake that I don't have to wait to start working. Start freelancing now. Build my connection with people and don't be afraid to my pitch Ideas
Gotta say I really appreciate this. You addressed a lot of the issues I've been running through in my head as a design student.
Bjørn Harlson glad it was was helpful for you. What advice was the most helpful and what else would you like to see me cover in a future video?
Just that you can do freelance work as a student and even if you get rejected it never hurts to try. You can carry that message through with a lit of stuff but I watched your video when I was feeling stressed/confused about how and when I could start building my portfolio more/if I even chose the right major. But your video definitely restored my confidence
kinda harsh but it is the reality. try to be more positive dude
I am in 99% of my content, sometimes kid gloves do more harm than good. 😉
Absolutely amazing. I'm a Graphic Design student at the moment and I'm also trying to get my freelance business off the ground. This was the exact pep talk that is needed for those in and out of college.
Joshua Robinson Glad it helped. What specific advice did you find the most helpful? And should I do a video guide for Graphic Design students even if it has to be an hour long video?
The point that hit home with me in particular was Permission. I'll never expect to get permission to make a living. Nor will I look for it. I think it's something many college students and even maybe high school students should consider when it comes to making a living. Yes please! Your videos are the backbone to what every Graphic Design student is missing in there school teachings. I definitely think it would be a great service to those in Graphic Design and even those who aren't.
Joshua Robinson The permission thing seems to be what is hitting home for everyone. I will find a way to incorporate that more later into the career videos for design and even the video editing and photography stuff. Trying to add some coverage to my other creative skills throughout the channel.I want to balance putting out content for anyone who can't get to Graphic Design college and needs to leave, people in the industry who are struggling, people going to freelancing and still hit the core in terms of executing for clients and employers.
Man i wish you was me lecturer honestly, you give awesome advices and some great tutorials and stuff, i'm a graphic design student in uk and i have been following up on your videos etc.
Thanks for the honest advice, I needed to hear this.
remyjacobs221 glad to help!
Great video wish I had this when I was in school. I was one of those waiting till I graduate to start. But I quickly got over that and thank goodness.
This is one of my favorite inspirational videos. thank you Roberto!
Hai Roberto, i want to ask if photography work can be put in my portfolio, and is the student work book important to the employer ?
If the student work is really good, if it's your best then show it, other than that employers are dismissive of student work. If Photography is a bonus skill you want to offer i recommended including before and after retouching shots.
Roberto Blake So what you're saying in the video is that personal work and client work is superior than student work ?
Muhd Thaqif from the point of view of the interviewer yes, but again if your student work looks better put it in, but have a compelling story beyond "this was classwork". Salesmanship or lack of it is what really keeps designers from getting hired
Most youtubers don’t say this things. Thank you Roberto
thank god for your insight
Bobby B You're welcome!
Hello Roberto,
I just bought a ASUS ROG GL551JW-DS74 15.6-Inch IPS FHD Gaming Laptop, NVIDIA GeForce GTX 960M Discrete Graphics. One of the features I was exciting to use on this laptop was the bluetooth pairing system. Unfortunately every time I turn on the wifi to sync my laptop with the bluetooth speaker the sound system crashes. Do you have any suggestions or idea about what is happening? The speaker model I use is a JBL if that helps.
Best regards,
Jose
Jose U I would recommend updating the drivers and doing basic troubleshooting.
I am late to the game coming from college. I had a placement for 3 months only while studying, I try to get freelance stuff. Sometimes more than others but like you say, the portfolio is lacking.
Unfortunately my parents became severely ill when i graduated which required me to be a 24/7 carer for 3 years I still tried to do freelance work and I have done a few projects but not alot, it really put my career on the side. Sadly they are deceased now but I have the time now again to focus on myself and a career, I work in retail part time and actually do sales flyers for the store on occasion, they a basic clean stuff.
I am guilty of not doing enough of my own stuff for fun but I am working on that now.
I wanted to know is it ever too late, I don't think it is for me but I know I am 2 or 3 years away from getting a proper paid job in a design studio and I am going to work on my portfolio and work experience now while working my regular job.
Are there any videos you have done that you could point me to, for someone who maybe is having a rough start and advice, this video helped abit with giving my a kick up the backside. I don't want to give up on my goal to someday have a job in design and I am willing to climb the mountain ahead of me.
Also what printing websites are best for freelancers who need to provide the design printed for clients.
LPTOL13 My initial career was rough too. I worked my way through college and even though I took all the graphic design classes the school offered and many other classes in marketing, art, business, psychology and history, with more than enough credits, I never bothered to finish the English credits to graduate. That didn't deter me, and I kept at it. My advice to you would be to execute on design related things everyday and to try to learn something new everyday, and also look at how to market yourself more effectively outside your local area. But also at the same time use some of that free time to connect with other people and let them know you're a designer, not your retail job. Make some business cards, make some stuff to encourage you. Set up a desktop wallpaper with your goals written on it to encourage you, and really set a plan for something you want to achieve in the next 90 days and also by the end of the year and you will see that your actions will start aligning to those goals. This channel is full of videos to help you and encourage you. For printing I did a review and showed off the free samples from GotPrint.com and Moo.com you should check those out if you want to outsource your printing like me and other people do. I will be reviewing more print sites here on the channel as 3 new sample packs from printers have arrived. If you read the comments of some of my videos you will find plenty of people who had a rough start, its usually the story most designers have honestly. If you want to connect with designers and ask for advice, Join the Graphic Designers Tip Lounge Stephen Looney has started on Facebook.
Roberto Blake Thank you so much for the reply. Now with my head cleared and my personal life not clouding my thoughts and getting me down I am really going to try and kickstart myself. College was useless and really should have tried harder to get more real work experience. My graphic design "teacher" was only in the working industry for 3 months and then went straight into teaching. It is great that there are people like yourself making these videos and free lessons. I have went about my career backwards and things got in the way aswell, but I am going to try and build myself back up. But I would strongly encourage people to get themselves a work placement while they are at college because some teachers just are not evolving with the ever changing industry they are meant to be teaching. My teacher couldn't even use indesign. You will learn more at work than ever in school. School is just to get that certificate that you may or may not be asked for when trying to get a job. Again thankyou for the reply and il be using your videos as the lectures I only wish I had while at college.
Also one last thing, do those printing sites you mentioned do international shipping? I am actually from the UK.
You are a hero, thanks for this channel.
LPTOL13 GotPrint does for the UK and I believe a few of the others do as well.
Just looked it up now. On the UK site looking at pricing and options. Thank you so much.
Superb insight with reachable goals!
Thank you so much!
+Alise Thanks for watching.
So if I have a portfolio showing actual proficient work such as leaflets, posters, web designs, UI designs, magazine pages, understanding of typography, anime work, original illustrations, logo designs, product redesigns, mixed media work ( I come from a art background ) and more intriguing work ( That's what I intend to do and be ambitious because I have a passion for what I do). As well as having all the company requirements. Would that be ok. Recently our class participated in the London Design Museum competition. If I win or become on of the top 10 student designer of the year. Would I at least stand out?
Accomplishments always stand out
Great Video Man! Roberto Blake *Very true!*
Would it be a good idea to put artwork into your portfolio?
Just Thanks!
You're welcome!
I would like to know where can I purchase your services. Also I would like to know your prices .
LORD TAVISH You'd need to contact me directly through my website (it's in the about section of my TH-cam channel) prices are dependent on the individual project, deadlines, requirements etc.
Just want to ask something...which laptop is best for gaming and graphic design....Alienware 17 inch or MacBook Pro 15...Please give a correct choice...
Muhammad Shafiq Alienware
Thanks for the reply...
Muhammad Shafiq
You're welcome!
I start school next year so thank you for this!
+LEXIEPEDIA You're welcome.
HOW YEAR IS THE DEGREE OF GRAPHIC DESINING
+Sporty boy I don't understand the question.
This really helped thanks!
your welcome. What advice helped the most?