**WELCOME DESIGN FRIEND!**

First things first, give yourself a little pat on the back for attacking the job process like a boss and getting stuck in! We want to help you succeed, and we are really excited that you're reading this! The earlier you do this, the higher the success rate, so well done.

We want to help you work out your own passion, why you wanted to do design in the first place, and the best type of roles for you personally.

One of the biggest problems is a studio-fit mentality, where one size fits all - isn't true, and leaves so many graduates stranded. We have 20 job suggestions for you, and a bunch of other stuff to help boost your career and get your foot in that door. With everything, the more you put in the more you'll get out, so go for gold.

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This is actually the reason I started The Design Kids. As a design lecturer, it broke my heart to see certain students applying for the wrong type of job, or being completely oblivious to their skill set. You studied design because you are passionate about it. The main thing we need to do is drill down to which tiny bit you're passionate about. This isn’t as simple as studying Graphic Design = becoming a Graphic Designer. How do you want to spend you time and what do you want to do?

This is probably your main problem, as a graduate, a little lost and not sure why you aren't getting anywhere. When I graduated it felt like my only option was to work in a studio, and anyone who didn't was a loser.

The problem is there is *so* many design grads you’re competing with, you can’t all be suited to life in a studio and I'm here to tell you its ok!

The best bit; if you find that sweet spot - something you excel at - then you have little to no competition at that level. The more specific it is, the more qualified you are. Win-win!

I worked 7 jobs in different fields within Graphic Design while I was studying (and graduated with 3.5 years experience, which was a bonus!) and I hated each one of them. It was great! Knowing I didn’t want to do something is as powerful as knowing you do want to do something. Then I got a job at Frost*, and after 18 months decided it wasn't the best fit for me either. I loved the people and the standard of the clients, but I felt frustrated sitting at a desk and wanted something else. So I quit - and started The Design Kids. Which works because it plays at my strengths - talking, travelling and building communities. Since then I’ve worked a bunch of other jobs to teach me the skill set I need to do TDK.

Before we dive into job options, I want you to have a long hard look at your skills and what you bring to the table. Think back to group projects at uni, and positive feedback you received from your lecturers. What could you do that your classmates struggled with? It doesn't have to be crafting type, it could be time keeping or organization. Write down what you alone are good at (call a friend if you have to!), and stick that list on the fridge. Start to recognise your personal strengths before moving on.

Some questions to ask yourself:

Do you like working in a team or alone? Do you work well at home or you need to be in a space? Are you self motivated, or need someone to keep you on track? Are you happy being part of a bigger team or do you love the glory? Are you confident in your skill set or do you need a more nurturing environment? Are your skills or style varied or quite specific? Are you organised, good with keeping on top of bills and good at deadlines? Do you love networking and meeting new people, or does that scare you? Are you concerned about job security or would something more casual suit you? Are you a morning person or someone who crams at night? Is type your thing or are you more interested in strategy? Do you love executing a project, or is it more about the idea phase? How are your shortcuts?! Do you love illustrator more than photoshop? Write down your best three things you did at design school…

So, now it gets exciting. You need to match your skills and dreams with what jobs are out there! Below is a list of 20 suggestions about possible jobs and I've even made a few notes so you can appreciate the differences and gain a better understanding into each option. There are so many more!!

1. Junior Designer in a Design Studio

This one is the obvious choice, and will suit some of you. Most design studios are waaaaay smaller than an advertising agency. I worked in one studio that was 4 people, and the vibe was really like you were part of a family. Very supportive, and I was given a wide range of work because that's the joy of a small place. I also made tea but so did everyone else. One of my packaging concepts ended up in the supermarket for 5 years, so it was incredibly varied. The pay is average - like any graduate job, but you'll climb the ladder.

Personality type: Varied portfolio, Nurturing environment, Likes working in a team

2. Junior Designer in an Advertising Agency

This one is completely the opposite of the option above, although it might seem the same. You're a small cog in a big wheel. More money, more glory, less variety. Personally I would say design studios are more craft orientated and advertising more commercial, both are great but very different. If you want to work for BMW, earn good money and have Friday night drinks this is for you!

Personality type: Money orientated, Good at deadlines, Varied portfolio

3. In-house Graphic Designer

These roles used to have a bad rap, but last year we had the In-house Graphic Designer at Frankie Magazine talk as part of our Apple lecture series. Frankie is an amazingly successful and fun brand, and I can't imagine any day would be the same twice. Think of brands you really believe in, because it will show. More specific jobs like this will be on our job board (from our wonderful Job Partners), as well as Seek, and so there'll be a lot of competition, but that's cool, you've got this!

Personality type: Specific portfolio, Likes working in a team, Solid understanding of one brand

"The studio fit mentality has created a stream of emerging designers set up for disappointment. Many students, who haven't fallen into that dream job, message me in their first few years out – distressed, bewildered and unsure. A recent lecture for the Volume Control series developed by Wendy Ellerton got me excited – a panel of trained designers, developing careers outside of the graphic studio. Why shouldn't a creative thinker be relevant in the fields of finance, law, retail to manufacturing. Our world is run by accountants and it is an opportunity begging for new ideas and approaches."

Andrew Ashton, Work Art Life
Read more: thedesignkids.org/work-art-life

4. Graphic Designer (Freelancing in agencies)

These jobs will be tricky to get until you've built your folio and experience and there'll be little or no job security and far less nurturing than being full-time in a creative team. Short or long term freelance contacts, however, tend to be much better paid. Go through a recruitment agent for this option.

Personality type: Money orientated, Not worried about job security, Confidence in your skills

5. Graphic Designer (Freelance)

You've had you own clients through uni and they just keep on coming - so why go work for someone else? This is a great option and one I would encourage if you are business savvy and cash flow safe. Worth checking out small business courses to cover legal, accounts etc. Definitely get a mentor too, to keep you on track if you start freaking out!

Personality type: Confidence in your skills, Likes working alone, Good at deadlines

6. Start your own studio

As above but you'll need to bring on some others (maybe) if you want to be the designer - Project Manager is a good one to start with, a photographer is always good too! Find people who are very silimar to you - or very different! Have clearly defined roles and responsibilities so there is no bickering. Get your legals done properly too, even if it might seen like overkill so early on.

Personality type: Self motivated, Good people person, Good at time management

"The beginnings of Motherbird... Our beginnings date back to high school where the three Creative Directors (Jack, Chris & Dan) met. We followed a shared passion for creativity to university to study Communication Design. For years we had floated the dream of starting a studio together, but it wasn't until our studies drew to a close where we thought to take the chance on it. Midway through our final year of study we conceived the name Motherbird, built a holding page and printed a set of business cards. We found a studio space and toward the start of 2009 we officially opened our doors as Motherbird and haven't looked back since."

Jack Mussett, Motherbird
Read more: thedesignkids.org/motherbird

7. Design Consultant

This might come with experience, but the great thing about being a designer is you are in fact a great problem solver. You can look overall at a brand, and not only see what issues there are visually but from an ideas standpoint also.

Personality type: Good problem solver, Good people person, Self motivated

"The best thing about consulting is that you get exposure to a lot of problems you normally wouldn't have come across which forces you to read and learn. I'm enjoying it. IDEO came about through a mutual friend and ex-IDEOer. They needed a hand on project and I put my hand up to get involved. I've been lucky enough to work on a couple of smaller things with them since which has been great. The major difference between working with IDEO or The Loop compared to working on Positive Posters or Sex Drugs & Helvetica is you're not the boss. You contribute ideas and work on problems, but at the end of the day, the decision making normally lies with someone else. That took a bit of getting used to, but like most things, its a challenge you can design for."

Nick Hallam, Creative
Read more: thedesignkids.org/nickhallam

8. Copywriter

A friend of mine studied a 3 year design course, and then applied for a Junior Copywriter job with no training, only natural talent. She got the role and 3 months later the Senior Copywriter quit. Sink or swim time, but she killed it, and she's had an amazing career so far over the last 5 years and has recently moved to Berlin. Was it a waste to study design for 3 years, to become a writer? Hell no, she can be a copywriter in the design industry because she understands it. Go Lex!

Personality type: Self motivated, Confidence in your skills, Likes working in a team

9. Project Manager

So maybe you're not an HD student, but those Group Projects really excelled with you on board? You might be more suited to a Project Manager role - liaising with the client, and managing the project, leaving the actual designing to someone else. Pretty cool - you get to work in a creative fun environment without the pressure to be creative everyday. Win-win!

Personality type: Good at deadlines, Good at time management, Good people person

10. Digital Design

UX/UI is the fastest growing industry right now. There are so many different platforms and your online presence is more important than ever, so this is a great part of the industry to work in. There are many short courses you can add onto your other design qualifications. We recommend General Assemnly for their awesome 10 week UX/UI course, as they have the same values as us - bridging that gap between students/grads and industry, so they get the professionals into the classroom to teach you! I've had numerous UX/UI requests from studios recently, asking if I know any junior UX/UI designers, and it is slim pickings. If someone asks if I know any junior graphic designers, there are thousands. Work out how to be a big fish in a small pond and you're winning!

Personality type: Good problem solver, Specific portfolio, Likes working in a team

11. Apps

Apps are taking over the world. Just go hangout in any co-working space for an hour! Same as the point above.

Personality type: Likes working alone, Good problem solver, Not worried about job security

12. Illustrator

You can draw for a living? Of course! My only two pointers would be 1 - stick to one style and rock it. 2 - don't give up. This is a whole other course as there's so much to do, but it is possible. Read Malcolm Gladwell's book the Outliers. He suggests that it takes 10,000 hours of practice to become a grandmaster of anything (Chess - drawing - tightrope walking). It's a neat way of saying practice your butt-off and work at it every spare moment you have. Hit that magic 10,000 hours mark. Instagram is your friend - to showcase your work and to connect with peers.

Personality type: Likes working alone, Confidence in your skills, Specific portfolio

"Trust your own intuition and work hard. I think the working hard part comes naturally if what you are doing is exactly what you want to do! Think about what your real passion is, what doesn't feel like work to you, what comes natural and just go for that. I'm not talking about just graphics here, I'm talking about whatever you love MOST, do that thing and stuff the rest! That is where you will be most effective. Don't force yourself to become anything that you're not.

Of course practice makes perfect, but if your heart isn't in it you won't get there. Do exactly what you want to do, think of exactly where you want to be and don't let anything else deter you from that vision or steer you from that course. I think that is the most important thing to say. It's not even about what materials you own, what technical skill you have (although its rad to improve this if you need it to make what you imagine) it's about VISION + PASSION + DEDICATION and that's it."

Jessica Singh
Read more: thedesignkids.org/jessica-singh

"Make sure you're having fun. Don't take yourself too seriously - your work won't cure cancer. Keep high res of everything you do."

Lucas Grogan
Read more: thedesignkids.org/lucasgrogan

13. Typographer

As above. practice, practice, practice.

Personality type: Likes working alone, Confidence in your skills, Specific portfolio

"It may be obvious to everyone else, and I'm aware that it sounds like something from an afternoon special, but I really do think that one of the best things you can do is just be yourself, and stay true to what you enjoy doing. Even though I genuinely loved the years at uni, I spent a lot of my time there trying to pour myself into the mould of what I thought a 'graphic designer' ought to be. Now, one year out, I'm using all of my spare time to instead focus on the areas I love most – illustration and lettering – and I am so much happier for it. Fingers crossed it shows in the work, too!"

Kate Pullen, Typographer
Read more: thedesignkids.com.au/kate-pullen

"A typical day in the life of Luke Lucas? There's not really a typical day as such as it depends on what my kids are doing, what the surf is doing and the specifics around the briefs that are in the studio at the time. On any given day I like to spend time with my family, surf, meditate, responding to enquiries and working with type. Running a sole operator business I unfortunately also have to factor in time for some of the more boring stuff like general administrative tasks but this is a pretty small percentage of my day. The order in which I do those things kind of differs from day to day. A good balance between work and life, commercial and non-commercial creativity, family, social and solo time is important to me so if I have the flexibility to I like to structure my day in as balanced a way as possible. Sometimes this can be a real challenge particularly with the ebs and flows of freelance work but it's something I like to strive for."

Luke Lucas, Typographer
Read more: thedesignkids.org/luke-lucas

14. Magazine/Editorial Design

Similar to the in-house position, see above, point 3.

Personality type: Likes working in a team, Loves the glory, Good at deadlines

"I worked as the art director / graphic designer at Dumbo Feather for two years. I worked on a huge range of projects from the quarterly publication through to a bespoke iPad app. I loved working with a fun, motivated, young and inspiring team who always had a 'can-do' attitude. We always worked at 110%, which created an amazing working energy. I moved on from there to spend some soul-time in the Himalayas."

David Michael, Dumbo Feather
Read more: thedesignkids.com.au/dumbo-feather

15. Designing products.

As a Graphic Designer, you have all the skills to start your new brand and produce products. The best way to fill all the gaps in your knowledge with production, shipping, business or marketing is to find a mentor(s) and learn from there. I really believe Graphic Design is central to the process so you're already half way there.

Personality type: Self motivated, Money orientated, Good problem solver

"After I realised I wanted to be my own boss and came up with the idea of Odd Pears, it all happened pretty quickly and naturally. I scraped some money together and flew over to India to meet with my manufacturer and make sure everything I believed in, they did too. After that, I ordered my first shipment of Odd Pears, threw caution and common sense to the wind, and launched Odd Pears, giving it everything I had. All of a sudden I was my own boss, doing what I loved everyday. It was a one-man team for a while, until I bribed, begged and blackmailed the super-talented Carla McRae into coming on board and joining the team with me. After a year of working our butts off, we find ourselves where we are today, surrounded by amazing supporters and constantly pumping out some of the most beautiful socks that the world has ever seen."

Brock Sykes, Odd Pears
Read more: thedesignkids.org/odd-pears

16. Education

Lecturing is fun. You will need some experience under your belt, and also a short teaching course (varies per country). Your qualification must be one level above what you teach too, so someone with Honours can teach Undergraduate, someone with Undergraduate can teach Cert IV etc. Great money, short hours, work semester to semester, I did it for 4 years and loved it!

Personality type: Loves the glory, Good people person, Confidence in your skills

17. Blogging

Everyone can blog. Fact. The head-start you have over others is that you can position it perfectly to your own target market. You can make it look sexy and you are already visually orientated, but making it commercial is hard, so be prepared to do it for the love to establish yourself before expecting any kind of wage. Again, mentors are key!

Personality type: Likes working alone, Self motivated, Specific portfolio/style

19. Craft

One of my favourite humans, my friend Kit Palaskas makes giant pizza slices out of paper - for work. If Kit had done this course, I'm sure that in her strengths she would have written 'paper craft, making things from felt and being her own boss'. She's built a business on that - doing window displays for Sportsgirl, craft blogging for Frankie magazine, workshops for Mimco and even has a mini tv craft show. What a legend.

Personality type: Likes working alone, Self motivated, Specific portfolio/style

"My days vary a lot depending on the work I'm doing, and could include anything from constructing pinatas, prepping kits for workshops, shooting a new DIY tutorial, Skyping with clients while secretly wearing no pants (the best thing about freelancing…come on don't pretend you've never done it!), or working on personal projects, like my craft book. I'll work solidly until about 6 or 7 and then head home where I will most likely round up the day by catching up on emails whilst watching Law & Order."

Kit Palaskas, Craft Queen
Read more: thedesignkids.org/kit-palaskas/

20. Create your own!

This is what I did! Who would have though you could get paid for roadtripping, hanging out at conferences for free and meeting the best designers in the world?!

Personality type: Self motivated, Good problem solver, Good people person

Activity: Work out which roles resonate with you and why.
Recommended Deadline: 1 week

Still have have questions? We're here to help, email us at [email protected]

All images via thedesingkids.org. Image credits in order of appearance: Billy Blue Brisbane, Studio Brave, Interbrand, Odd Pears, Houston, A Friend of Mine, Subject Studios, Nick Hallam, Interbrand, RE, Mike Dekker, Mike Dekker, Nathan Nankervis, Luke Lucas, Dumbo Feather, Odd Pears, Frankie Ratford, Kit Palaskas, Kit Palaskas, Frankie Ratford.