https://www.linkedin.com/in/ethandavis95
I just lately graduated with my design BA again in December after working within the trade for three years. These years consisted of internships and part-time work whereas I used to be in class, however I’ve but to search out something entry-level that might settle for my ability stage and portfolio. I’m feeling a bit misplaced and would love some suggestions from extra skilled individuals on this discipline. Perhaps some strategies on how I can pivot? Open to anybody’s recommendation.
Hey I got free time as we speak.
You definitely need to tighten things up a bit visually. I’m in Northern California also, grew up in the Bay Area and things are competitive for as long as I can remember. You live in a feeder market like I do where multiple surrounding colleges go to the same place you go to to look for jobs. Your first impression at the least will have to be on the same tier.
There’s nothing really creative with your ED logo. It’s just an italic sans serif with a little overlap. But yet you have 12 of them on your LinkedIn profile. The red, orange and slant is quite overwhelming like a fast food joint or gas station convenience or something. The creativity in your mark could’ve been explored a bit more, where the E and D better interact, have better form contrast, or have colors that don’t quite convey something so fast, hot, speed, tense. The pattern is way too structured of someone I think is looking for a creative position. For that cover image, if you aren’t redoing your logo, you should explore various sizes and color for contrast and visual variation… give it a little design attitude so to speak, like we’d be able to gather on first impression what your creativity with form is.
Your portfolio is something I prefer when I review portfolios for an open position. It’s very simple, clear structure, and easy to click through to get to what I want to see.
The issue I suppose depends on what type of job you want or what you’re applying for. Your portfolio contents are very narrow, and you in fact tell us that… “specializing in flyers, social media content and motion graphic editing”. If I see your application and portfolio appear on my desk for a graphic design job at an agency I’ll probably move on from it rather quickly.
First, remove that sentence of *”A Graphic Designer specializing in Flyers, Social Media Content, and Motion Graphics Editing”.* Your skills sound too narrow. If you want something there, change it to Print, Digital, and Motion Graphics.
Next you can probably benefit from broadening your portfolio some. Like a branding project or two. I think it might be vital to expand your current items too. Even if it wasn’t part of your project, you can still create it and add it to your portfolio to communicate your skill.
LIke that DemandGen Social Posts. In my opinion a porfolio with social posts only is quite boring but you can elevate by expanding it to full digital media like a full screen TV Jpeg, a digital billboard, a full size graphic on a smartphone… keep in mind this can be done with a mock up. Instead of a square jpeg on a white background like you have, show it on a TV that’s located in a store front. Or a billboard on an attractive street. Then change the name of the portfolio piece to “DemandGen Studio Digital Media & Advertising”. You’d include social posts in it.
Your resume can be simplified, starting with your intro paragraphs. That’s called a resume objective, not an “about you”. You don’t even mention what type of job you want. Trim that to one sentence or delete it completely. If you really want something that long where you talk about yourself, put it on your website about page or LinkedIn. For now, consider this: *Diligent and enthusiastic graphic designer who works smart and designs smarter with 3 years experience producing print and digital media to error-free standards.*
I’d recommend you remove the excess graphics, icons and flood of orange color. It heavily overpowers your content which is what I’m trying to read. Remove the QR code. No one is going to scan it. When we review portfolios we’re in our office, at our computer.
You need to list some skills on your resume. Which you’ll have room for once you remove the excess graphics. Consider adding Communication, Motion Graphics, Visual Problem Solving, Creativity, Print Design, Typography, Color Theory…
Remove your LinkedIn page url. I say this just so things get even simpler. Provide a link to your LinkedIn profile on your portfolio site.
I’m confused. Your LinkedIn says you’re currently employed at two different places.
I’d say… Lean into your motion graphics do some sick work… personal if need be… study some inspiration and get the motion moving in your portfolio… hit up agencies and let the portfolio speak… right now it needs work.
I’ve been graphic designing for nearly 3 decades. No degree, completely overlooked by any serious company that knows what they are looking for. Honestly a degree is a waste of money and time. All you need is a solid portfolio, experience, and most importantly, connections with people. My best jobs reached out to me when I wasn’t looking.
I see many people coming to Reddit completely shocked they can’t score a job right out of college. My best recommendation is to snag any job right now and design on your own time, design what your want, develop your own style, get your name out, snag any freelance job, but don’t stop the job hunt. Eventually you will snag a job you want because you built an amazing portfolio and polished up your skills, you will be irresistible.