Today, it requires more than just talent and ambition to succeed as a creative professional. You need an extensive portfolio, a large following, and professional connections who can vouch for your hard work. The Internet has had a major impact on how those in search of design jobs stand out from others and find work. Fortunately, some of the Internet’s impact has been positive. Follow these tips for establishing your creative status both online and offline.
1. Identify your focus
Many creative professionals have a colorful portfolio with a vast array of different themes and products. While it’s important to be able to produce different art depending on the client’s needs, it’s more effective to stick to one focus when promoting your work. For example, if your goal is to become a graphic designer, highlight your best graphic design and design solutions pieces and save your other creative work, like photographs and illustrations, for a deeper discussion. Similarly, if you’re trying to get into copywriting, it might be best to promote your marketing copy and not draw as much attention to your more journalistic pieces. Once you identify a creative focus, you’ll have an easier time getting it in front of the right people.
“Whether you’re a designer, writer, or marketer, it’s essential to showcase your work online.”
2. Create an online portfolio
Whether you’re a designer, writer, or marketer, it’s essential to showcase your work online. Sites like Behance, About Me, and Shown’d were all designed with creative professionals in mind. Since cross promotion is necessary for a surround-sound approach, you can gather all of your most impressive pieces in one spot and include the link in all of your social profiles. LinkedIn even has a feature that allows you to showcase your work directly through your profile, if you’d rather keep external links to a minimum. One of the most important parts of self promotion is establishing a strong online presence across multiple channels when searching for design jobs.
3. Build a following
Dominating the Web is essential to promoting your creative work. It’s not enough to just have an online portfolio that you promote through a personal website or across social media. You also need to become your own brand ambassador. Follow like-minded professionals on Twitter and engage with them regularly. Use relevant hashtags to make sure you’ve seen, and include links to your work when appropriate. Your LinkedIn network should include an array of professionals you’ve worked within the past, as well as recommendations from those you’ve made a good impression on. It’s always beneficial to continuously expand your network of creative professionals since inspiration can come from connecting with other artists. You could also develop important connections with others who may be able to help you out down the road.
4. Take it offline
The Internet is a major source for showcasing your creative work. However, it’s not the only way to promote your art. There’s a lot to be said for individuals who still value the importance of face-to-face promotion. Try attending networking events that bring creative minds together, and have some business cards – and even a small sample of your best work – on hand for those who are interested. If you want to go a step further, you should also consider taking a creative approach to the standard business card. Bored Panda, a source for viral news content, compiled a list of some of the most interesting concepts that some professionals use to promote their business. Sometimes, that’s all you need in order to leave a good impression and turn a prospective client or another artist into a valuable connection. Contract and Direct Hire job openings are updated daily. View all job listings here!
