Is the Graphic design/ Advertising sector affected by the crisis

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Permalink Reply by Richard Michem on January 13, 2009 at 1:20pm

Gannett, the publisher of USA TODAY, and really the first major paper, to use graphic design, threw out the paper, is CUTTING back, and laying off some of their graphic people>

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Permalink Reply by David Cardillo on January 16, 2009 at 2:01pm

how many magazines need to fold before you ask that question? major publishers laying off people by the hundreds - we're not affected by the crisis, we're part of it.

People I used to freelance for are asking me if I know of some steady work. 2-3 years ago I was working at my own discretion. Now, like too many, I'm working at someone else's whim.

Our printer just laid off 500+ people this week.

It's not a ripple, it's a wake.

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Permalink Reply by Christian on January 18, 2009 at 10:11pm

thanks for the replies! however i still want to pursue my dream as a GA. any more tips on what types of design softwares like that of adobe should i immerse and master

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Permalink Reply by David Cardillo on January 19, 2009 at 1:06pm

don't worry so much about mastering software - some very talented people barely know how to use a mouse.

what you need is experience - as in, "the client needs these 47 images retouched in under an hour," or "should you print stochastic to mitigate the moiré you're getting in the dress at that line screen?"

design as many websites as you can - for free if you have to.

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Permalink Reply by Alyssa Lulie on February 4, 2009 at 10:51am

I'd echo what everyone else has said, although I disagree about learning software. Experience is critical - but if you don't have Photoshop, Illustrator and InDesign or Quark knowledge, you WILL have trouble finding jobs in this day and age. I can't imagine hiring a designer for full-time work who did not (maybe freelance? But again, the talent pool is so large right now that I would not..)

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