I am a self-taught graphic designer running a pretty good business creating brochures, logos, websites, etc. for small to midsize businesses in my area.
I enjoy execution but I much prefer conceptual thinking. Conversations have led me to believe that I would enjoy an art director’s position at an agency.
However, my book is weak. It is very strong in terms of execution but conceptually it is workmanlike, due to the limits of the kinds of jobs I do. There are very few actual ads.
I’ve never gone to school for this, and can’t really afford school right now. I have a few questions:
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How do people look upon unproduced work, if it is strong, vs. produced work that is conceptually mediocre?
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Is a portfolio school worth the money, either for the guidance or the contacts? (consider here that I am an outsider).
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Am I wasting my time here, or do people like me get hired by agencies?
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Would you recommend taking a low-level job that is financially below my standard and working up? Or will this isolate me as “the old guy” in the department. (I am 28).
Anyone with opinions is encouraged to reply. If indutry types know of a message board or FAQ that this would be at home in, please let me know. Thanks!
1) How do people look upon unproduced work, if it is strong, vs. produced work that is conceptually mediocre?
Show both. For instance: you get a project and come up with some stellar, out-of-the-box concepts. You show the client some great ideas. Client is conservative and chooses a bland direction (Shocker!). You keep cool concepts and make the bland concept as great as it can be made. You now have a story. When you go in to show your book, you can show (a) your strong creative ability, (b) your ability to be flexible and deliver what the client wants, and © you have brought work through production.
2) Is a portfolio school worth the money, either for the guidance or the contacts? (consider here that I am an outsider).
It depends on the level of your “unschooled” talent and checking account. There are other ways to get contacts. Join AIGA or the Ad Club or any of the other Design and advertising organizations out there. If you want guidance, buy some more books. I went to a four year accredited art school which I am still paying off and I can say that I could have been challenged a whole lot more.
3) Am I wasting my time here, or do people like me get hired by agencies? – 4) Would you recommend taking a low-level job that is financially below my standard and working up? Or will this isolate me as “the old guy” in the department. (I am 28).
Uhh… if you are running a pretty good business creating brochures, logos, websites, etc. for small to midsize businesses in your area, why not expand your services to include art direction? Just partner up with a copywriter and you can farm out media buying. Honestly, the ad/design market is TIGHT right now. There are a lot of “professionally-taught,” experienced art directors with STRONG books who have taken a low-level job that is financially below their standard. I STRONGLY suggest you stick with a good thing (your business) and make it even better. If you managed to start a sustainable business for yourself, you’ve already done the hardest part.
Our agency had over 500 people, now we are down to a little over 300, so you have competition. Alot. And, they are all shopping books around that have published work.
I’m not trying to discourage you, I’m just saying that it’s a tough time to be starting. The portfolio schools can be worth it, but many cities have portfolio workshops where people get together and work and critique as a group. That is helpful and keeps you driven. And it’s a lot cheaper. Plus, just as Hey You!, it’s a good chance to meat up with some writers and good some really good work in your book.
The funny thing about it, is I’m a writer for an agency that is just starting up. It appears (knock on wood) we just won our first client (And we get to do TV!) But I’m not quiting my day job! My day job you ask? I’m the Mac geek for a giant corporate agency. So, for all the doom and gloom I started with, I’m going to again agree with Hey You!, and suggest you expand your services. You can underbid a lot of agencies since you have virtually no overhead. Not only that, but there are tons of freelance (<-----read unemployed) writers out there that you could get for a song.