After the Art and Design Degrees: Preparing your Portfolio for work

Is it not a fact that we have to work hard all the time and seldom do we get time to relax? It is true right from day when we go to school. When you are done with your high school education, the next issue will be to decide on your career. Once you have decided on your career, you will be running around in search of best colleges. After getting a Diploma from any reputed institution, the next and most important one will be to use this Diploma for hunting Jobs.

For the people outside the sector of Arts and Design, the term refers to paintings and other works of art. But those on the inside know it’s a much more diverse field than this, with a myriad of roles, sectors and sub sectors. In reality, very few graduates go into Fine Arts – less than one per cent of art and design graduates according to the latest stats available from UCAS – of which ‘painting’ is only one branch.

The best way to make successful applications for roles in art and design is by showing how your skills, knowledge and experience match the qualities that the potential employer is looking for. Read the job description carefully and give examples of how your skills and experience mean that you would be able to fulfill each responsibility well.

There are many institutions in US guaranteeing valuable Diplomas and good jobs there after. It does not mean that a career in Art and Design is free of challenges. There is always a choice for you between working under an organization and working free lance. As per many experts in this field like Steven Carniol, free lance jobs in arts and design have many advantages. If you establish yourself as a free lancer, then you can mint money!

There are many Art and Design Colleges which update the students about the market trends and this should always be kept in mind while striving to get a good career. If you have a teaching flavor, you can be a teacher in this profession and can have good salary also.

If you are specific on getting blue collar jobs in big MNCs, there are many options available in Design Industry. For this you need to consult an Art and Design expert who has considerable knowledge about the trends in the industry. There are many websites which solely focus on the advertisement of design related jobs. If you go systematic in job hunting, you will never fail. Design jobs are needed in industries which focus on Computer Graphics, Imaging Technology, Film Development consisting of Cartoons, Visual Arts and Digital Media. So, Entertainment Industry which has sustained the wounds of recession can be of great help to you.

Another important thing while preparing the portfolio of your work is that, you should be able to market the reputation of your Alma meter. This would definitely work in your favor. This is how; you will understand the criticality involved in selecting the best Art and Design School.

Other areas guaranteeing good careers in Art and Design are Advertising Agencies, Museums and Art Galleries where you can work as Curator or Exhibition Organizer etc. You would also be required in many firms as a Product Designer.

Although not many, there are options for you, if you want to pursue a career in Art and Design. It must be noted that Salaries vary greatly in the world of Art and Design. Many people start out doing work for free in order to get a foot in the door or gain experience. Rates of pay will vary depending on what work you do and whether you are self-employed (freelancer) or not.