Comments | graphicdesign: your first job

controlandchaos in graphicdesign

your first job

Jun 23, 2008 21:34

Its been a month since I started working. My first job as a graphic designer. :)
Its a small agency with a lot of work. I'm not used to such a fast pace but so far I've been able to keep my head up high and managed to do lots of projects. Most of the things I've done seem to be ok... at least thats the impression I'm getting.

I work with 3 designers ( Read more... )

beginners, employment, client & work frustrations

Comments 13

japes June 24 2008, 08:56:52 UTC

I've been working as a designer for a media company for about 2 years now, and i know what it's like when you first start out, it can be a bit scary. Stick at it though, it's a steep learning curve but you'll find you improve so much over a few months of working full time. I thought my layouts were crap when i first started. Try and get some crit from fellow work mates if you can when they are less busy at work or down the pub on a Friday. Fortunately i had an Art Director when i started who i could go to, but these days i am the Art director of my own magazine! So it does get better with time...

achilles_zephyr June 24 2008, 14:07:44 UTC

That's so odd that you would post this, because I'm in the exact same situation right now. So yeah, I know exactly how you feel. In fact, I talked to my mentor/art director last night about pretty much this same thing. The feeling of being insecure, of having shaken confidence - I feel ya, dudez. Basically he said that he went through the same thing when he was first starting out: taking a long time to come up with a few concepts, which were probably rejected in the end. He said he would fret over the tiniest details and put tons of stress on himself at all times. But that was about 5 years ago for him, and now he's got all kinds of national recognition, awards, clients coming in left and right... so it makes me feel better knowing I can relate to people who are feeling similar things, and I hope you feel better knowing that nearly everyone probably goes through similar experiences.

Last night I asked him for a suggestion and he said, "relax".

pixeldrift June 24 2008, 16:39:01 UTC

I just came across some of my old work and had to be honest with myself. Not so hot.

"Hmmm that's not nearly as good as I remember thinking it was. In fact, didn't that used to be one of my best pieces? Wow. I guess I *have* improved."

So hang in there! But definitely ask for more specific feedback and a bit of direction.

karohi June 24 2008, 18:19:18 UTC

I thought *exactly* the same thing when I flipped through my portfolio the other day. Apparently it's a case of 'everything needs updating' not 'what needs updating?' as i originally thought!!

controlandchaos June 25 2008, 21:55:27 UTC

Thank you guys SO MUCH for all the feedback.
It means the world to me.
I know I'm being a little impatient here.. I want to see myself improve FAST because thats the way it was when I did my internship. I had someone checking all my work and I improved drastically, even in a month.. but now it just seems like my designs are "flat".. nothing gets better.
I'm still going to give it my all and I'll compare my work in 6 months. If I've improved than Im staying at that agency.. if not, its time to find a new job.

monetgypsy July 9 2008, 18:34:49 UTC

This is a much-delayed reply, but I wanted to throw out some warm fuzzies too. Keep in mind that they would not have hired you if they did not like your work or see potential in you to fit right in. Also remember they have all been in your shoes before. They know it takes time ( ... )