Design and the Importance of Marketing for Post Collegiate ArtistsJoin now to read essay Design and the Importance of Marketing for Post Collegiate ArtistsDesign and the Importance of Marketing for Post Collegiate ArtistsThe discussions conducted at the Graphic Design seminars along with the readings about current artists working in the field have led me to comprehend the importance of marketing one’s self as a brand to acquire both freelance jobs or to set one’s self from the masses competing for the very few jobs. The class has led me to conclude that in this field of graphic design, one cannot be educated enough as self improvement is a must.
The influx of graduates and self taught artists competing for the very few design jobs has made it necessary for artist to become marketers. Like the hot “young guns” currently setting the bar up for the rest of us, the key to success is coming up with your own style, or brand. Being known for a particular style, or expertise makes one become a commodity and is set apart from the homogeneous designs consequential of the institutionalized mentoring. Because of this, one might question the importance of art education in a collegiate institution. In my opinion, education is as much part of the maturity process because the more a student knows the more confident one becomes. Confidence makes all the difference in coming up with a style that one can brand oneself with. However, the confined simulation of pretend real world experience provided by an institution can also lead to hypocrisy and delusion. As the readings have confirmed, in real life, one cannot expect to land the dream job right after college. That piece of paper that we wait for so eagerly right after graduation is nothing but a token of years spent to mature. In our industry, it is not a qualification to get a job, but more of a medal of achievement to boost one’s confidence. The battle goes uphill after college as one is thrown into the real world to fend for oneself against the young gun prodigies and the once colleagues now competitor artists. An exemplary portfolio is the weapon of choice, not the degree. This means that after college, one must continue to educate ones self with the latest technologies, processes, and trends to continually revamp ones folio.
I have been blessed to have the time to work and attend the university at the same time. My part time work at a small studio has put experience under my belt as well as hone my Photoshop skills as an assistant photographer and post production graphic artist. Most of my income however comes from my own freelance work. The self confidence that I have gained from school and work experience gave me the ability to be able to sales talk my clients into commissioning me to do their commercial art works. They never ask for my degree or work experience. However, they care about how confident I am that my designs will sell. I admit that I do not consider myself as one of the best designers from my class.
Drake: “Now it’s time for you to go to the University of North Carolina. What is your experience like graduating (or starting up a college)?”
Wendy: Well I have done my best to graduate with an amazing degree and I have seen a lot of things but when the opportunity comes along it is hard to let go of your hopes and dreams. When I started earning I noticed what an average college student doesn’t have. As a result of all the challenges we face, I decided I would leave the education to others. If we want to be able to pursue our dream of becoming a writer and have our own home of work, then I just need to be able to find a job. If I want to make the ultimate goal of making a career in the industry, I am going to have to deal with some tough challenges. This post is a little bit of an attempt at a bit of fun, and I hope that you find the post amusing and engaging.
Drake: I really enjoy the idea of doing something in college so the idea of traveling out to America for work got me thinking. I like college to be a fun, community building program not something for a student to make their OWN. I’ve spent hours attending events that helped get me into college and it had a positive effect for me. I hope that those of you who aren’t like me feel the same way as me and can learn from the experiences of working here, not only on your own merits. I’m especially excited by what this whole endeavor would mean for yourself and my many other writers of all stripes: your support and love.
Drake: You have all been nice and caring to me. One of your first emails to me was from a freshman in high school. What role do you have in life?
Wendy: I am passionate about creative work and I have been very lucky to have been blessed to experience so many positive things that made me a better person through it all. I know that those of you who do not make the cover on your own personal website will be completely disappointed by the results of my interview. I will be writing posts for the future where I will be doing the interviews for people all over America. I am thankful for your support and also your personal experience here on the site. My blog will help us continue this journey. Don’t make the jump off this journey. Stay tuned. It is coming !!
Drake: Was there a chance that you had to step down as a writer or an associate editor?
Wendy: That would be fun! My first role was a part-time freelance editor for Creative