I am a going to be a junior this year in school, and I am trying to start up my graphic design portfolio. What are some of the different elements that I should display? I was thinking of doing an add for sneakers, water, and showing how two of the same products would be advertised in different magazine (i.e Harper’s Bazaar and National Geographic) I was also thinking of doing an identity package. But what else should I do?? I really want to have it put together by January and I need some helpful tips and opinions. Thanx!
Some general things that most graphic designer have in their portfolios…
1. Several logos and identities
2. A few specific pieces of advertising
3. A campaign of some sort that shows that you design a system, not just singular items
4. A few books and/or magazine to show that you know layouts
5. Packaging and packaging design
6. Illustrations, preferably both digital and illustrative, depending on what strengths you want to showcase
7. One or two pieces that showcases your typography skills, whether that be a book layout, poster, or something else entirely
Also, I’m not sure how you plan on approaching this project, but you should also consider designing the portfolio itself. One of the least interesting things you can do is to tuck everything you have into a standard portfolio binder and bring it to interviews. Consider designing the portfolio itself as a graphic design project. After all, the portfolio itself should also reflect your ideals as a designer, not just the work inside it.
Best of luck to you.
Please feel free to suggest paid methods of getting web design work if nothing rings a bell.
do you want to create Dynamic site for free
you best choice will always be http://www.sitecube.com
Watch here an example : http://svr10.sitecube.com/builder/users/…
If you want simple site then use : http://www.ebizwebpages.com
Watch here an example : http://go.ebizwebpages.com/naveeddil/
If you still want something more change and simple Site then Regsiter on http://www.pkpoint.com
and Apply for Free Hosting
PKpoint sitebuilder is Easy and having plenty of tempelates
PS. Once again try sitecube and you will not move anywhere else – Believe Me 
Here is an Example :
http://naveeddil.pkpoint.com/gardens/
and
http://naveeddil.pkpoint.com
How can I make money as a freelance graphic designer?
Easy, set up your own website, use the website to promote your business.
Set up with either bluehost,lunarpages or (my suggestion) G.D.I because its the cheapest. build your website, promote your biz, and in the meantime, make money from them with there affiliate program.
visit my site for more info http://www.collisonscash.ws
I am a college student doing freelance graphic design work on the side. I just completed a job with a businessman who I hope to turn into a repeat client but – he doesn’t like that he has to pay me in cash and that he cannot write this off on his taxes. How can he continue to pay me in cash, and write off this expense?
I am a freelance graphic artist and business owner. I also coach freelance artists and help them to create a full time income as a freelancer.
Yes he can. All you have to do is write him up an invoice with all your contact info, the project name and the work. This is proof for him of payment, and IRS can contact you if he gets checked as proof of payment.
Another option is to accept checks from him and deposit them in your checking account.
Specifically interested in web design, graphic design, interactive media, and advertising companies. Major cities preferred (such as Buenos Aires). Also interested in Chile, but more interested in Argentina.
You can find them all in these directories:
http://www.designfirms.org/directory/web-design/argentina/
ddir.org/designers/207-graphic-design/custom-graphic-design/AR/
www.marketingtool.com/channel/webfirm/b.435.g.10689.html
These 3 web pages will gice you info on the best firms in Argentina, especially Buenos Aires.
I’m 14 and I’ve been looking for a decent job so I can get myself off the ground. I’m really good at graphics design, and I’d really like to try to find a graphics design job. Where could I find one, and how do I apply?
And what if I’m amazingly talented, then?
-cough-Five pieces in art fair-cough-
Talent alone will not get your foot in the door for a position in graphic design. You also need at least a bachelors degree in art since most employers will not accept anything less. In your case, you are also too young.
You can go to a graphic design firm in person and talk to them. Find out if maybe you can intern there or volunteer during the summer. Your other option is freelancing.
I’m extremely talented myself and have an associates degree in drafting. Wanted to go to art school but couldn’t afford it. Anyway, I did try getting a graphic design position, even had a portfolio of art I created myself. No employer would bother giving me a chance, even in an entry level position all because I don’t have the degree.
I’d like to use a free web design template I found, but the Creative Commons license says I have to leave the designer’s link on the website. If I am tweaking the design (color, size, layout, etc.) is the design still protected under this license?
In other words, how far does the design need to change before it stops being the original copyrighted material? Or does it ever?
Till it becomes unrecognisable. And the changes must also be in the code, not just the face
I’m creating some logos and other graphic designs for a new non-profit organization, but what are some good graphic sofwares that I can use?
I’m a fellow graphic designer. I use the Adobe Creative Suite which includes Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, InDesign. Those are the best! I love Illustrator!
i am an artist and a designer trying to find a graphic designing job for a long time. there are several limitations for me. firstly, i don’t have formal education on designing and secondly, i don’t have commercial experience. but i have achieved high proficiency on graphic designing applications on my own. is there a way out?
My dear lad, initially when I started my career as a graphic designer, I only have a diploma in digital media design. Over the course of time, I have worked with a few agencies. Most of them didn’t even bother to look at my qualifications. Point is, you need to be creative, well-versed in all the design softwares and constantly need to do a lot of research and self-improvement in your targetted field.
A degree is a stepping for someone who wants to progress further as a creative director. Which is achievable while pursuing a design career.
Having a strong portfolio can get you a decent design job. If you want to specialize in web design for example, you need to be proficient with softwares such as flash, dreamweaver, photoshop, html hardcoding and a zest for creativity. Same goes if you want to be a 3D animator, you need to know 3D softwares, storyboarding, photoshop and creativity.
On a light note, there are a lot of websites out there that provides tutorials online. You will also need to read up a lot on principles of design, colour theory, human interaction other than books on design aesthetics.
Nonetheless, it is always good to pursue higher education as subjects taught are more in depth. However, you may wish to consider self-learning if you cannot afford heavy univercity fees. A lot of good designers out there are self-taught. Joining an online design community would certainly help as designers often give contructive criticisms on each other’s work.
So if you think you want to work as a graphic designer, gather a portfolio of you strong works, create demoreels,websites and create an identity of your own. The links provides some clue and inspiration.
I’m a web designer and father who would like advice from other web designers/fathers who make a living doing websites. I’m good at what I do. The question is: What good is being good if customers are not consistently calling? Hopefully, other freelance web designers who have faced the challenge of raising a family and running a successful website design business can shed some light in this area! To visit my website go to http://www.now1technologies.com
Hey,
You can find some work using ScriptLance here; http://www.lmgtfy.com/?q=ScriptLance Once you learn the languages and find a client, you should track all of your expenses and hours worked online using FreshBooks. Grab a free account with this link;
FreshBooks:
http://www.freshbooks.com/?ref=e02e339d200179-1
Good luck!