Graphic artists have a number of career opportunities available to them, depending upon their talent and their educational background in the arts. Some of these opportunities are available to the self-trained graphic artist, while others require an educational background in the arts. The objectives you choose for your needs will help determine the opportunities you take advantage of on you career into graphic arts.
Career Evaluation
An evaluation of your personal career goals is essential in determining your objectives. The goals you set for yourself will be determined by the objectives you have in your career. If you want to work as a graphic artist for Disney or any other big film company, one of your goals will be to attend a graphics art school. Disney and other companies actively recruit from top graphic arts schools.
Building a Portfolio
Building a portfolio is one of the priority objectives for a graphic artist. This requires taking on clients and doing a job for them that you can use as a reference. Building a portfolio should be ongoing. An updated portfolio is a graphic artist's lifeline to the graphic arts community. Take as many jobs as you can and document samples of the work you do.
Visual Commercial Presence
Developing a visual commercial presence is an objective that will help establish your name to the graphic arts community. A web presence, print advertising you've done and social networking are ways to promote yourself and your portfolio. A visual presence for a graphic artist is one of the most effective ways to market your skills.
Graphic Artist's Guild
Consider making one of your objectives to become a member of the Graphic Artist's Guild. To qualify, you must earn more than half of your income from graphic design or graphic arts. The Graphic Artist's Guild will allow you a place to market yourself, show your portfolio and can put you in touch with opportunities in graphic arts. The Guild will also help with legal issue regarding copyright and runs an advocacy program for graphic artists, acting much like the Writer's Guild for writers. Many companies look favorably upon Guild membership.
