There are many obstacles in the path of a budding graphic designer. Maybe you went to formal education to learn your craft, or maybe you are self taught. Regardless of how you got there, you now have a portfolio and a desire to start working. But how? Here is a great article from just creative that helps to answer just that.
http://justcreative.com/2012/11/06/7-ways-designers-can-get-their-foot-in-the-door/
Here are two tips that really inspired me:
Get Your Work or Portfolio Reviewed
Sharing your portfolio with seasoned professionals and asking for a review can help you gain new insights on the execution of your creative ideas. Constructive criticism is encouraged and you should always aim to take away new ideas and possibilities. Follow the motto; seek criticism, not praise.
Sharing your work will also allow other designers to observe your style, thought process, and results. This will allow others to lend you advice, which may lead into a steady stream of communication.
Maybe you show a company your portfolio and they reject it, it would be a good idea to ask them why. Finding out what made someone decide not to hire you, will make it easier to get work next time. It is a simple way to stop carrying the same mistake to every potential job.
Start a Blog & Guest Author
Don’t overlook the benefits of starting a blog. In conjunction with social media sites, a blog can help establish your online presence, as well as be the frontier of your voice and portfolio.
While some authors write on their own blog, others will contribute their articles elsewhere as a guest author. Guest authoring is a great way to share your voice with audiences elsewhere and connect with others on an international scale.
This is a simple and very effective way to get your name out there. It also exposes you to people who would otherwise never see you or your work.
I hope you found this article as helpful as I did!
Nicki Sanchez 