It has been a while since I've seriously been on the prowl for a job, and I tell you, it takes some tough skin! Portfolio day was beneficial in many ways, but it was also quite humbling to be packed in a line with 100+ design students from around the state, waiting to be assigned our VIP designers with whom we would meet that day. Instead of fulfilling my fantasy of job offers being showered upon me from all directions, in my meetings, I was told my line spacing was too tight, or to not use my own illustrations and photography (that I should hire it out? student work? hmm...), or that I should pick a specialization instead of exhibiting a range of skills. However frustrating, I have to remind myself I went there for feedback and I am grateful for the experience of having to articulate my work over and over again to strangers.
I think that yesterday took the cake, however. As I picked up my portfolio that I had left with a design firm for a week for their review, the receptionist returned it to me and blurted "They didn't like it...". She sort of caught herself, realizing her job was to translate her boss's comments into something more tactful and followed it up with "...it's not quite the style we are looking for right now." Ouch.
As I walked to the car, I tried to suck up the tears and pull myself together for my next meeting with a prospective freelance client. Refreshingly, this encounter was much more positive and I got the job. Phew. It's small but it's something. One step at a time, I suppose.
The image above is a piece in my portfolio that is now online. I'd love some feedback. I promise I can handle it:-)
2 comments:
Congratulations on getting your first design job!!! And sorry to hear about the prickly rejection and tough critiques. With each encounter like that you'll be more prepared and confident, however. And good for you for putting yourself out there! I've got sympathy for you doing the job search. I just resumed my search last week and it's really not fun.
i am so glad to experience your portfolio! it is AMAZING! my favorite, perhaps unsurprisingly, is the "A Night In..." -sign me up! i also love the library bookmarks. keep your chin up, the job search is tough, but you will find the right place. and the more you talk to people you view as successful and who seem to be in a field they love, the more you will see that they had similar struggles at the beginning, and probably still do. and treasure the moments when you get feedback from people on your work (not the "they didn't like it" kind but the constructive meaningful kind) especially when it comes from professionals/firms you admire. it will, as m belle, said make you stronger and better prepared for the next challenge.
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