Submission Policy

For me, downloading multiple assets (which takes up space) feels like such a hassle. I wish there was a drag-and-drop feature directly integrated with the apps I use, so I could access assets seamlessly.

Thank youu

Just wanted to know if my portfolio is good enough to be a called a portfolio or is it lacking

https://jasonleongdesign.carrd.co/

I just submitted a design for social media for an excepted client ( it was like a trial + I have no job experience. I graduated 2 years ago and because of so many things that happened to me I wasn't focusing on design that much. but now that I needed to make money to survive so I don't end up sleeping on the streets)

they told me that I was too slow and that I took +2 days to submit my work. it was just one image post.

I felt like I need to get better and faster, there are no shortcuts for this I know. but how to practice the right way?

have you ever been so slow at designing and how you fixed it?

I'll learn from this experience, it's just that I felt a bit bad...

btw: they couldn't continue working with me. it's okay I guess

I'm an agency owner and adjunct professor. I'm teaching a professional development course for seniors next semester. The goal is to help them prepare their portfolio and themselves for entering the job market. If you had one piece of advice to help them stand out, what would it be? An example might be, follow up via email or handwritten card after an interview, thanking them for their time. Another might be, only include great work--quality is better than quantity (this is something I continue to see when I receive resumes). Thank you!

Fresh graduate here. I had to visit the company I applied at for a graphic designer position and I was called in to do an on-site test. It was so I could prove my skills. There were "two" tests. I say "two", but there were at least eight things that I needed to get done: poster, banner, cover, calendar, shirt, two packagings, and a video ad. I was stuck at their office for so many hours. I came in at 9 o'clock and I ended up not finishing everything because there was too much for me to do in one day and it was getting late. There was no time limit, but it was a one-day exam. I didn't end up getting the job and I felt like crap. Not because I didn't finish everything, but because I felt like I was already working (without a pay). Was I just scammed? I've barely any experience and I felt like I'd been cheated to work for free.

Sorry if this is not the right place or the right way to post this. I'm not a graphic designer at ALL, but I really want to make a present for my little brother this year. He has always used this really weird big cooler mug type thing my dad got decades ago in the US, that has a picture of a polar bear wearing a hawaiian shirt and sunnies, holding a beer and it says "spring time drink time". It's been a family joke for a while, but now the mug has gone, and I'd really like to design a t-shirt for him with this on.

I've looked all over the internet and I can't find the image anywhere, or anything like it. So essentially my question is, how could I make this myself? OR could I pay for someone to design it?

Sorry again if these are really simple/stupid questions, I just have no experience with this at all.

I’ll be honest. If anyone thinks I’m wrong in my opinion, feel free to correct me. I see a lot of portfolios here, and I enjoy looking at them. But to be honest, many of them are quite underwhelming—especially from people who’ve been searching for a job for a long time. The same goes for those who criticize others with high opinions of themselves. Let’s be real here, the design job market is extremely competitive, and nothing is more subjective than design. So, the question is: what does your portfolio bring to the table that sets you apart from the other 80 applicants? Can people see the passion behind your work and understand why you chose design as your career path? What’s your personal style? Do you even have an Instagram where you share your designs? Have you talked to anyone in a higher position who knows how to give constructive feedback? And most importantly, are you keeping up to date? In a time when AI is doing more and more, and tools like Canva make it easier for everyone to create designs, the question is: what do you bring to the table?

My advice for many would be to take a step back for a moment. Look at other portfolios and successful designers, and understand what they’re doing differently. Then, take that and adapt it to your own style. Otherwise, you’ll just be one of many. As harsh as it may sound, the design market is incredibly competitive. When you look around, those who get hired are the ones who bring something extra. It might even be the "fake it till you make it" mentality, but in doing so, you’ll learn something new and walk into conversations with confidence—something that will bring fresh air to recruiters who are constantly meeting new applicants, making you memorable.

https://preview.redd.it/w7yxo810b97e1.png?width=2550&format=png&auto=webp&s=e9aa5f5ad09f008d838819cf446283b2e4df2775

am making Christmas Vacation themed pajamas for my family this year. This is my mom's favorite quote. I really struggled with getting the font to fit into a nice rectangle while being legible. I know Kerning is a thing to be concerned about, and I tried my hand at it, but I just don't know if I have an eye for it. Does it look okay? Are the multiple fonts/font sizes okay? The spacing between lines? Any advice will help!

My sister is just beginning her graphic design journey and I want to get her a graphic-design-y related gift but have no clue where to start.

Doesn’t have to be specifically related i.e. tech/materials and I can’t afford much (max £20).

Any ideas would be fantastic! Thanks :)

Hello! I'm looking to raffle off a gift to a member of a design team for Christmas, I have a budget of $100 and wanted to gift something that would be useful everyday for work as well. Open to all ideas!

Hey!! I have a Music Business degree but for the last 2 years or so I've worked in digital marketing (albeit at a low level, both agency and now freelance) and as a studio art trainee at a museum. I am a wiz at canva, but haven't learned the Adobe Suite yet. I need to pivot in my career and was curious about what sort of online programs I could enroll in to become a graphic designer. I understand portfolio is everything, and I want to learn as much as I can. Which online programs are credible? Which do potential employers tend to respect? Which have you gotten the most out of? Has anyone without a 4 year degree broken into the field successfully, if so, how?

The internship is 6 months long, but the first month is evaluation period, on the basis of my evaluation I may or may not get the internship and the first month is unpaid (I didn't mind this because the first month is work from home). So 2 weeks ago I started this internship to get some experience in the agency side part of the industry, at the start I was excited, but over the weeks I feel really miserable. I am not getting any proper feedback. I don't mind if the employer doesn't like my work if it means I need to improve my work, I will happily make the changes as many times as possible. That's why today, I have specifically asked, "Could you please give me feedback based on what's working for you and what's not.” Today I had to create a flyer for a company they are working with, so I sent the first flyer design and asked to let me know what's working and what's not. So for the 2nd variation, I'll do the necessary changes. The employer told me I am using the design principles totally wrong and sent me a link to Canva tutorials. When I asked to elaborate on what you don't like about the flyer, he said look at the tutorials, and you'll understand, honestly I am so exhausted mentally. Last week I sent almost 15 t-shirt design assignments which the employer didn't like when I sent the 'fun, quirky illustrative & typographic types of designs' he said, it is not good for a corporate setting; when I sent a minimal look, he said they were very basic and anyone can do it when I asked for what they want he says 'use your creativity'. I honestly feel exhausted at this sentence because I keep asking what he wants, and he keeps saying use your creativity, but when I use my creativity he doesn't like it. By the end of the last week, the quality of my work had drastically gone bad. We got on a call he said I need to improve my work and time management (which I agree) but he keeps saying you need to figure out your process. I told him about my process about how I make sketches then start the designing, he said you need to create designs in 5 minutes.… I feel like anything I do or say is wrong. I know I am just a beginner, so there is plenty of room for me to improve, but how can improve, if I don't know what and in which area I need improvement in? I am honestly thinking of applying to other internships. I know I need to have some resilience if I need to survive in this industry, but I am getting a feeling like this person doesn't want me to continue. I was hired by someone else because they liked my illustration style and portfolio, so that's why I was excited to join this internship.

It's my 3rd week and I already feel like I can't do this any more. Do you guys think I'm giving up too easily?

I'm drowning in client management chaos and need your wisdom! As my design business grows, I'm struggling to keep track of everything - from brand assets to feedback rounds to file deliverables.

Current headaches:

• Endless email threads about brand colors/fonts
• Clients sending logos in wrong formats
• Feedback scattered across different platforms
• Design revisions getting lost in communication
• Asset collection taking forever
• Multiple mood boards for different projects

I've tried tools like Dubsado and HoneyBook, but they feel too generic. What I really want is something where I can:

• Create custom design workflows (branding vs social media vs web)
• Build my own brand questionnaires
• Set up automated asset collection
• Organize mood boards and inspiration
• Handle contracts and invoicing
• Give clients a proper way to provide feedback
• Track design revision rounds

Right now I'm jumping between Trello, Google Drive, and endless email threads. Pinterest boards everywhere. Client feedback coming through WhatsApp, email, and random voice notes 😫

Does anyone know of a tool that's actually built for designers? If not, would you use something specifically made for our workflow?

How are you all managing your design clients? Any secret tools I should know about, or are we all just living in chaos? 🎨

PS: If you've figured out a good system, PLEASE share your secrets!

Hey there fellow friends and creatives. I come to you in a moment of well...it's time. It's time I acknowledge how brutally honest I need you guys to rip apart my portfolio.

I'm planning to finally build myself a portfolio website soon, a task I've long neglected because I know how much of a lift my entire portfolio needs. I've used Behance as my crutch as it's been plenty helpful in getting me employment fast. While it's not the most beautiful, I'm at least glad it's done what it needs to. But, as a designer, I often stare at it knowing it could be better. Also as a designer, I'm often too burnt out between my full-time and freelance gigs to truthfully assess what to do to it or even where to start.

I'd love some solid feedback, suggestions, and even see inspo thrown my way. I really REALLY want to gut this thing and turn around a better polished version of myself.

So...let me have it. 🥲

My Ugly Little Portfolio of Chaos: www.behance.net/karsonbree

P.s. If it's helpful to know, I am employed as an Art Director for an agency. So, I'm not looking for work, just working on myself. And also willing to lend an eye to other designers!

Graphic design plays a pivotal role in creating memorable advertisements by combining visual elements that grab attention and convey messages effectively. Elements like strong visuals, strategic use of color, and clear typography are crucial. A well-designed ad can evoke emotions and prompt action. Iconic ads like Nike's "Just Do It" campaign utilize bold imagery and concise messaging to leave a lasting impression.

How do you use graphic design to make your advertisements stand out?

Hi guys,

3rd year gd student here! 6 months ago I've started an unpaid internship. It's very chill environment, perform work in my own pace, I made a good impression, so they started recommending me in the industry, which resulted with some freelance work opportunities. For some reason I feel rather stressed than excited. It just appeared so unexpectedly, from doing some insignificant uni/intern work, now opportunity to do it for real money. Yes I know its the natural order of things and I shouldve expected that sooner or later, but dunno just feel AN EXTREME STRESS when It actually HAPPEND.

Also, yes I know everyone goes through this first paid job, first stress, youd probably tell me. Maybe I just needed to vent, listen to some of your own first paid work, how you got through this, maybe some advice on how to distance myself from it! Any warm words very appriectated:)

I manage a design team for a global retailer. We have up till this point created all signs and graphics manually, even the very repetitive ones. We had a junior artworker who created each of these receptive artworks but she has just resigned. Thinking there must be an automated system out there that allows you to enter in data via a spreadsheet and it populates the sign in your pre designed template. Any advice greatly receieved

As designers, we tend to focus on the creative side of things and shy away from the business aspects -it’s just not our interest. Unfortunately, the reality of working in this field means we have to deal with it. I find it quite hard to separate the value of the offers we receive from the value of the work we create and realize it’s all subjective, depending on how different companies perceive it.
I’m now three months into job hunting for a solid full-time role, and it’s been frustrating. So far, I’ve only gotten low offers from companies that don’t feel worth it. I think my portfolio is strong, but maybe I’m out of touch. Would really appreciate your honest feedback: https://www.behance.net/mhmadghazal1. What do you think?

Hey all, How would you manage giving a client some simple templates for social media use when they can't even center text properly? What are some free, easy to design in tools?

The client bought my services for a wonderful branding but fears he won't be able to make good use of the assets I've given him simply because he only uses a computer for emails.

I watched a replay of Adobe Max 2024 earlier today and CEO mentioned that Adobe NOT scrape images over the internet. Do you believe that? I just don't see how a selection is made and when you give a prompt to replace the selection with 'ex/ an illustration of a vase with bees flying around' that it doesn't just fill the selection, but scrapes the internet based off meta tag and similar images, colors, etc that relate to subject search, and then alters the image a bit. just wanted to get everyone's opinions.

cheers

Hey everyone, so I don't think applying to jobs the traditional way works, how I can possibly get a job if 100 people apply on platforms like LinkedIn.

So instead I'm seeking everywhere else and cold emailing.

I'm not sure how to approach this so my chances are better at getting a job or atleast ongoing projects..

So far, I haven't landed anything.

I don't share my portfolio until people respond to me because I don't want it to be flagged as spam.

Now I need advice on how I can get more ongoing work,

Is it better that I instead share my work around online instead of asking for opportunities?

I'm concerned people don't give me a chance because I don't showcase my work publicly.

I guess because I'm afraid of judgement or online trolls telling me my work sucks.

It makes me feel vulnerable sharing my work for everyone to see.

Is it better to share it privately when someone responds to me, or will I have better luck when posting my work?

I’m inhouse GD for a small but very busy consumer goods brands. I have been deeply struggling with burnout lately, a few weeks ago I collapsed with a panic attack on a tube platform due to a stressful workday.

It’s gotten to the point it’s deeply affecting my health, I have some digestive issues that get really worse with stress, some days it hurts so bad I can’t think about anything else.

I booked myself holiday for this midweek onwards until next year a few months ago, and have been crawling forward to it. But mid last week, I received so many tasks to finish before I leave, and I even tried working on them this weekend but I literally felt like a squeezed out orange.

Does anyone have any advice on how I can bosh out motion design reels, social media assets, ads for late dec and jan, assets for PR, and january emails in three days without getting hospitalised, lol?

Hi All! I’ve been unemployed for a year and a half now.

A short background - I live in Canada. I’ve been a Graphic Designer for 5 yrs. 1-2 yrs at my 1st job, and 3 yrs at my 2nd job (I got laid off mostly bc of finances on their part - but also they were toxic anyway, not rlly relevant though). I was always “exceeding expectations” at my previous jobs, so I know I have the skills, some work experience, and the education (BFA).

However I have found it impossible to find a job the last year and a half, the market is super over-saturated. I’ve applied to 100s of jobs, and have only gotten 3 interviews (made it to the final round in 2, but they chose the other candidate ugh). I could potentially freelance, but I’ve only been able to find 3 clients in 2 years (2 thru word of mouth and 1 through a FB group).

Any tips on getting a job? or getting freelance clients? A few of my friends are in this field and have said my website (portfolio) looks good, but they’ve been at the same job since we graduated (in 2019), so they haven’t experienced how hard the job market is rn. I even took a 6 week session recently on art/business/networking, and it didn’t seem to help.

HELP!!! Should I pivot and go back to school for UX/UI design? I don’t even know if that is easier to get employed. I’m really struggling financially (gov assistance & a barista role helped for a bit) & I want my career back.

I will try to be clear and straight to the point. I am currently 19, and I have been using Photoshop as a hobby since the end of 2020, mostly inspired by YouTube creators. After finishing my exams and graduating from high school, I got into electrical and computer engineering. Whatever I learned about Photoshop was self-taught through YouTube. I also took some classes (most of the things I already knew) funded by the government, for which I only paid around €190 for the certification (which, by the way, I don’t find very useful).

So far, I’ve had some clients through Reddit and Instagram, but not in the way I would really like. How can I persuade someone to hire me? I don’t take a dim view of finding clients on my own through Reddit and Reddit communities, but I want to be able to open my PC and always have something to work on, programming it into my day accordingly.

Do you have any recommendations regarding my portfolio and how I can improve in general? I really enjoy this work, and I would love for it to become a side job or even a full-time job if everything goes well. However, I feel a bit lost right now, to be honest. Here is the page where you can find more About Me and my Portfolio.

Thanks to whoever made it this far, any tips and help would be greatly appreciated!

I was just listing to the "Fonts" episode of the podcast The Economics of Everyday Things and I realised they have covered a few design-related topics I thought you might enjoy.

Please post design episodes of any other non-design podcasts you recommend.

• Fonts. Episode 74
• Stock photos. Episode 65
• Top level domains. Episode 43
• Junk Mail. Episode 38
• Store brand products. Episode 34
• Greeting cards. Episode 29
• Prop money. Episode 16

I'm working on my submissions to TDC and ADC awards. I've never submitted to design awards, though I've won a couple very niche editorial ones for my work. After getting my employer to approve budget for a professional studio and lifestyle shoot, I have some very nice shots of my work. I'm trying to narrow down my photography selects of spreads, and I'm finding it challenging, because it's not clear to me how much I should include.

For a case study I would normally show covers and a few spreads within the broader visual story of a brand, and isolate design elements to show the typographic or art decisions. But for a single magazine as the subject, the project is a contained system, which amounts to a pile of spreads.

If anyone has submitted work to design awards or you work at studio that submits work (Especially if you've submitted magazines or books), I'd love to hear how much photography or slides you think is important to show, and what you've found judges to be looking for.

Thanks!

Please let me know if you do