Breaking into Commercial Design: How Hard is It to Land Your First Job?

Commercial design is a highly competitive field that involves creating visual and graphic designs for businesses and organizations. With the increasing demand for eye-catching and effective marketing materials, the job market for commercial designers is constantly growing. However, the path to landing your first job in this field can be challenging. In this article, we will explore the challenges of breaking into commercial design and provide strategies to increase your chances of landing your first job.

Challenges in Getting Hired as a Commercial Designer

The job market for commercial designers is highly competitive. Many talented designers are competing for a limited number of jobs, making it difficult for new designers to stand out. To make matters worse, many employers require designers to have experience, which can be difficult to obtain when you're just starting out.

Another challenge is the need for relevant skills and experience. Employers are looking for designers who can create effective designs that align with their brand and business goals. To meet this need, designers must have skills in areas such as layout, typography, color theory, and branding. Additionally, they need experience using design software such as Adobe Creative Suite or Sketch.

Lastly, it can be difficult to build a strong portfolio that showcases your skills and creativity. Many employers request a portfolio when considering a candidate for a job. A portfolio should demonstrate your ability to create effective designs and showcase your style and creativity. Building a portfolio can be challenging when you're just starting out and have limited professional experience.

Strategies for Landing Your First Job in Commercial Design

There are several strategies that can increase your chances of landing your first job in commercial design. One strategy is to gain experience through internships or freelance work. Even if it's not a full-time job, getting experience in the field can help you build your portfolio and develop relevant skills.

Another strategy is to build a strong online presence through social media and a personal website. Social media platforms like Instagram and Behance can be used to showcase your work and attract potential clients and employers. A personal website can be used to provide more information about your skills, experience, and portfolio.

Networking is also an effective strategy for landing your first job. Attend industry events and conferences to meet other designers and potential employers. Be sure to have a strong elevator pitch and business cards to exchange with new contacts. You can also join design groups or organizations to connect with other designers in your area.

Lastly, it's important to craft a standout resume and cover letter that highlights your skills and experience. Customize your resume and cover letter for each job application and include specific examples of your work that relate to the job description.

What Employers Look for When Hiring Commercial Designers

To increase your chances of landing a job in commercial design, it's important to understand what employers look for in a candidate. Employers typically look for designers who have technical skills and proficiency in relevant software, such as Adobe Creative Suite or Sketch. They also look for designers who have a strong design aesthetic and creativity, and can work collaboratively and take constructive criticism.

Good communication skills are also essential in commercial design, as designers often work closely with clients and team members. Employers look for designers who are able to explain their design decisions and take feedback from clients and team members.

Experience working on real-world projects is also valuable to employers. If you have worked on projects for clients or in a professional environment, be sure to include those examples in your portfolio and resume.

Photo: Studio Republic/Unsplash

It's important to remember that breaking into commercial design may take time and patience. Don't get discouraged if you don't land your dream job right away. Keep working on developing your skills and building your portfolio, and be open to gaining experience through internships or freelance work. With persistence and hard work, you can build a successful career in commercial design.

In conclusion, the road to landing your first job in commercial design is not impossible. By understanding the challenges and implementing effective strategies, you can increase your chances of standing out to potential employers and breaking into the field. Keep honing your skills, building your portfolio, and networking with other designers to open up more opportunities in the future.