pro bono as a student

[loudxmouse]

hi all. I'm Meghan. I am about to graduate from Western Wa Uni with a design degree. I have NO freelance experience, NO internship experience and am feeling pretty weak. Good thing is I just got a little freelance job for a logo and maybe some package design for a vendor on my campus. I am willing to do it for free, as I need the portfolio boost

Comments

[the_fragile07]

aren't you on eyeshadowsluts?? I thought I recognized you.
your stuff is awesome, especially the spreads you made.
but I'm a beginning graphic designer, so I don't have any critique to give...

[loudxmouse]

yes I am :)
I am thinking about trying to get into publication, because I really do like doing spreads like that.
mmm grids.

[the_fragile07]

you definitely should, I rarely see spreads that impressive.

and that seven sins of make up caught my interest too...

[loudxmouse]

that was supposed to be a "product comparison" where we took 7 things and had to write up things about them. turns out the less literal approach worked well for me with that one. my teacher adored it, even though it was "a little conceptual"
there is a minor image issue with that piece, but oh well.

thanks!

[loudxmouse]

thank you for your thoughtful reply. In that case, what should I be charging on average? this may be a question you can't really answer, or has been answered elsewhere, but in all truthfulness I am completely new here.

it'll be said a thousand times,

[sashash]

and someone lobbed it at me once last year:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0932102123

Re: it'll be said a thousand times,

[aubuchon]

Yes, the book is worth its weight in gold, gold I say!

[swtcatastrphe]

Besides what has already been mentioned... if you need to build your portfolio consider doing pro-bono work for a non-profit that you feel passionate about.
Also, I'm from UW! *waves*

[loudxmouse]

thanks!

Re: just one opinion

[plasticjsus]

I like that you addressed how many people believe it's "quick and easy" to do it on the computer. Yes, it certainly is quick and easy, after the software troubleshooting, after being on the phone with tech support/techie friend you're bribing to help you/support personnel you're PAYING, after installing all of your software, fonts, installing your software updates, accliminating to the new program/OS, installing printers/scanners, and then, oh yes! there's that getting down to work part.

Point is, quite a bit goes into what most freelancers put into their supplies/working platforms, not to mention the practiced design process that MAKES it appear quick and easy.

The cosmic rule of graphic design: if you believe your process will go perfectly and seamlessly, without a glitch, your printer/scanner/software/anything under the sun will malfunction, and if you brace yourself for all of the inevitables, you should be fine.

Re: just one opinion

[loudxmouse]

true story. thanks

[loudxmouse]

thanks for the input.

[achilles_zephyr]

*high five for FFT*