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Step Six: Networking for Designers
Valerie Atkisson / ArtBistro
Careers are built on networks.
Your network consists of your classmates, your teachers, your family, friends, and mentors. These are people that support you and want you to succeed. Ask them if they know of any opportunities for you. Build your network.
Who is Doing What You Want to Do?
Again, like suggestion number two, do your research. Meet people who are doing what you want to be doing. Meet them at a recommendation of a friend, at ArtBistro, at a social or networking event (openings, conferences etc.), and parties.
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Be Sociable
Spend time getting to know people and telling people about yourself. Have a short statement, no longer than 30 seconds to tell them something about your work and yourself. Experiment with these and find the most effective ways of presenting yourself in different situations. Some networking opportunities are more casual some are more formal.
Networking and Cards
Ask people how they got where they are. Express your interest in their work ask if you can see more. Keep in touch by asking them for a card. Give them a card with your website on it, if they seem interested, invite them for a studio visit or a time to show them your portfolio. Or you can follow up with an invitation via email.
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9 months ago
it is important to ourself and our work to be exposed. Artbistro is a get tool to keep a portfolio so any prospect can see what talent we share.People can see the history of your life.
mportis
10 months ago
2 comments
I am happy to mentor and share my knowledge probably because I I actually had two female mentors when I got my first coupleof jobs
out of design school. They were both my bosses, they helped me to see what I was good at and direct and guide me to where the next level I was capable of acheiving.
Try not to become needy but do surround yourself by people who are positve role figues in the areana you want to be in, join organizations, volunteer, and meet others who are successful, happy in their jobs, learn to take criticism without it offending you, learn from your mistakes and move on.
Always thank people for their contact help with a written letter--e-mail is okay but some of the older mature individuals who have been out there in the position of authority and are in a position to mentor will appreciate the note and will recognize that you were taught the full realm of ettiquitte not just the what is happening in this century
Good luck
molliejake1
10 months ago
2 comments
I find everyone is very guarded about their jobs and are a lot less charitable about giving up info.
thisby
10 months ago
34 comments
hmm... I need to work on this one.