The designer's guide to business and careers

Find your niche and be successful. Inside are the tools you need to get your design career off to a strong start—and maintain it for the long haul. In this book, Peg Faimon provides a comprehensive guide to basic business issues in today's competitive marketplace. Whether you just graduated from college, are trying to build a freelance business, or are starting your own firm, this book will give you the confidence and knowledge to create a successful and fulfilling career. You'll learn how to: Research different career paths in design and organize your job search; Craft an effective portfolio and master interview techniques to land the right job for you; Maintain a professional image and network to ensure a consistent stream of paying projects; Collaborate effectively with clients, other designers and experts in other professions (like printers, writers, marketers, and executives); Establish a freelance business, develop your in-house career or kick start your own firm; and stay fresh and move forward in the ever-changing world of graphic design. In addition, real-world advice from working designers and an interactive format will help you apply your new skills right away. The Designer's Guide to Business & Careers will give you everything you need to experience immediate success in your career.