foot in the door

Hi Paul

I can't really give any advice on placements as I have always been freelance but one thing I would suggest is getting your own website. The thing that hits me is your portfolio is on a site with 15 other designers probably in the same situation as yourself. I'm sure they are your friends but they are now your competition!

Hope that helps.

Yeah I know I was thinking the same to be honest, I wouldn't be referring potential employers to the site right enough.

Thanks for the reply.

I like much of your work, my favourites are sorrow of socks/little red riding hood/calender pages...

Looks like you need a little more experience though, your work shows you are still at the start of your career, but have lots of potential.

Get ready for a hard few years as a freelancer, Paul - it is more difficult than you might think, and tests the mettle of the most enthusiastic designer.

Keep up the good work - try to check DAILY on sites such as this one for any work.

Thanks very much, glad you like my work.

I know I have a lot more to learn, and my primary goal is to get into a good, creative agency to continue my learning, with freelance being on the side.

I think you're right to aim for a permanent job initially - you will learn a huge amount from working alongside more experienced designers that you may struggle to do otherwise.

I think your best route is to look on the various business listing sites on the internet and search on Google for agencies in your area and then get ringing! Your approach may need to be different depending on the size of the agency but for I would initially ask to speak to the creative director (or perhaps studio manager) and just briefly explain where you're up to. If they're not available ask for their name and an email address to contact them. Ask if you can come in and show them your portfolio and a placement of even a job may follow from there if they're impressed. The main thing is to get in through the door and see someone face to face.

You may get a few people who don't have time for a meeting but from my experience enough designers and senior agency staff remember what it was like to be in your position and will be interested to see you. As well as your portfolio it will be your proactivity in getting in touch and a willingness to learn that will be important.

Good luck!
Dave