Creative Business: A Message to Young Artists and Designers

Searching for your first job might seem to be an arduous task. When you begin your journey, you will instantly see that competition in the creative field is fierce. Don’t allow this to intimidate you. There is no better time then RIGHT NOW to learn and apply the essentials of self-promotion and marketing to yourself as a creative services provider, just as you would with any other product or service.

To begin a career in design and art direction, you will need to show your portfolio and resume to prospective employers and potential clients. You, as Designer, must make contact with the right people: agencies, studios, schools, galleries, TV studios, offices, etc. Before you embark upon this serious journey, there are several facts and attitudes that you must embrace to succeed. In this message, we will try to outline basic facts and tips that will point you in the right direction. The key to achieving your goal will be in how quickly you act on these suggestions and all other worthy advice you obtain along the way. You must develop a definite plan that works for you, and then takeimmediate action. Merely reviewing this or any other information isn’t enough you must act immediately! These suggestions will help you to move forward in the direction of your goal.

The format of this message is direct and presents the bottom line. Keep this as a resource. You’ll be able to refer to the list below from time to time quickly and easily. By the way, this particular combination of attitudes and suggestions works. Many designers have found that these steps lead to success. With this preface in place, let’s begin.

Component One: The Staff Artist

Attitudes Needed And Things Of Which To Be Aware

• The beginning of your journey is the most difficult time of your career. You don’t have experience, so you can’t get a job. You can’t get a job because you don’t have experience. This is your typical “Catch 22.”

• You must take complete responsibility for your success and make it happen. No one will give you an opportunity; you must create your opportunity. You must also be prepared for the opportunity when it comes.

• This journey is EXTREMELY DIFFICULT. Don’t expect it to be easy. IT’S NOT!

• It takes an extreme amount of commitment. It takes an extreme amount of discipline.

• Try to keep a positive mental attitude at all times. Believe in yourself with all of your heart.

• Move on your ideas as they come. Trust your senses. You must search deep within for your answers.

• Adapt a degree of confidence and aggressiveness; don’t accept “No” for an answer. Ask questions of everyone you meet who could be of help to you.

• If you encounter closed doors, merely look at them as a suggestion that this situation isn’t right. Trust that the right opportunity (with the right money, with the right people, in the right direction) will appear.

• Exercise patience. You will get frustrated and discouraged, but merely wait on the right answer. Remember that getting your first job in the creative field is hard work.

• Be your own best friend. Go the extra mile for yourself. Take personal initiative. No one is going to do this for you. At this early stage of your career, you have to put yourself as number one (and look out for number one).

What To Expect And What You Must Understand

• You need to have a thorough understanding of Graphic Design, Art Direction and ‘Commerce Design.’ Do the necessary research to help you to understand the creative industry. Become aware of what it is and what it is all about.

• This takes research. Ask questions, read books, look at lots of trade publications, annuals and magazines. Don’t be afraid to imitate the masters.

• Realize that you’ve grown out of being “artsy” merely for sake of art itself. You’re now in business and all art production has a distinct purpose. The world of business is cold and full of bottom lines, products, service, sales, deadlines and money. Learn to balance business with creativity.

• Don’t proceed until you’re good and clear about what being a Designer really is. This will save you disappointments, heartaches and headaches.

• EXPECT REJECTION! LOTS OF IT! Nobody will think you’re good enough. On the other hand, some may think you’re too good. Don’t worry. It will eventually all fall into place, so expect rejection but also expect to succeed.

• You may feel sad and want to cry. It hurts, but remember, you’re beginning to pay dues. This is a long walk on a short path so expect to give what you don’t have.

• It may take a lot of time to get your first (and possibly any) Design job. Why? Everyone else wants one too! This is a very sought after industry. You’ll have to wait for your turn in line maybe six months to a year. Maybe your time NOW!

• You must exhaust all of your resources for employment. You will get to a point when you’ve done all that you can do. When you get to this point, stop and relax. You have just completed the planting and seeding period. Now you must wait. Do things you like to do. Leave the situation alone. Walk away from it, and while you’re not looking, a plant will sprout out of the ground a job!

*Note: Before the above statement happens, you’ll have symptoms: depression, desperation, exhaustion, frustration, confusion and doubt. You’ll feel like giving up and that you have nowhere to turn. You’ll want to smack yourself. When these signs appear, it’s almost over. You are probably on the verge of a major break through.