Great News!

everpress

shack wrote: »

What kind of designer are you?

www.bradyhudkins.com

That's difficult to answer. I started out as a graphic designer.

Technically, I've enough experience in directing and relations to say "Art Director", but one can't be hung up on titles, right?
I mainly work in print with packaging and tradeshow experience coming in a close second. I've designed/directed websites, but the only one I've built is my own. It's not beyond my scope to design, but any advanced function I would rely on a solid programer to put in place.

I've done large-scale multiple-page document layout, magazine ads of all shapes and sizes, one-up internal sales materials for high-end clients, tradeshow booths and materials for international clients, and web-design for non-profit organizations...

Basically, I've not done industrial design work, but I have a good amount of experience in product development, so I hope to be able to work within that scope as well one day.

shack

I ask because my daughter is an interior designer/architect and that field is decimated right now. I have heard from people we know in the industry that the unemployment rate among designers is 40% and well over 50% for architects. It may be years before some of these folks find jobs in their field again. Good luck to you in your job search.

everpress

Most any career path dealing with real estate and relying on the credit from banks for building/remodeling is up a creek. There are those out there that haven't felt that pinch.

It's not the economy that hurt my job; it was poor management and lack of action.
Typically, companies will cut their marketing/advertising budgets in times of trouble, but to completely get rid of advertising is unheard of. When you see a commercial or ad for Hersey, for example, you probably don't really even notice it. But you would most likely notice when all those ads and commercials disappear and maybe wonder what happened to them.

So graphic design and advertising typically weather bad times; it's rough, but they get through. Many of the larger places actually get bigger and busier through those times as they can afford to take on contracts for pennies to the dollar that can turn high profit when the economy begins an upswing by keeping retainers.

I'm hoping that I can find a job soon. But I know there are a lot of people in my shoes. I know I'm in pretty good company. And I know that competition is fierce.

But I'll keep my head down and plug away at self-promotion and cold calls. And asking for prayers.

hearingimpared

everpress wrote: »

And asking for prayers.

You've got our prayer Brother.

treitz3

shack wrote: »

I ask because my daughter is an interior designer/architect and that field is decimated right now. I have heard from people we know in the industry that the unemployment rate among designers is 40% and well over 50% for architects. It may be years before some of these folks find jobs in their field again. Good luck to you in your job search.

That seems to the same case here in North Carolina. My wife is in that field, currently working a temporary gig and the folks that she works with say the same thing. The company she used to work for had an office on the 23rd floor [@Trade and Tryon] at the absolute middle of the dot on the map of Charlotte. 18 employees dwindled down to 3, two of which is the owner and the owner's wife. Some of the folks she's working with on the temp. gig have been unemployed for two years. I wish for her and others there were better news.

That said, indications not noted on the news are looking up.

treitz3

Everpress, where do you live? Not an exact address, but generally?

everpress

Right now? Cincinnati, OH.
But we came up here about 2 years ago from Winston-Salem, NC.

treitz3

My wife and I look all the time for opportunities that may present them self. Are you willing to relocate or travel , if needed? Reason I ask is if we run across something, we'll give a shout out your way. These seem to be important. With a newborn, we will not [don't want to......not willing to] qualify.

everpress

treitz3 wrote: »

My wife and I look all the time for opportunities that may present them self. Are you willing to relocate or travel , if needed? Reason I ask is if we run across something, we'll give a shout out your way. These seem to be important. With a newborn, we will not [don't want to......not willing to] qualify.

We are actually hoping to relocate. Cincinnati isn't exactly a 'great' town, for all the history and charm. The most beautiful places are either high above everybody or so dangerous that police are shot in broad daylight.
Not exactly where we want to put our kid in the public school system. The 'burbs are terribly expensive and sterile of culture. There are many exceptions and small gems, but... they are secrets that no one would want to reveal for fear of them getting pillaged and turned out like a cheap ****.
Besides, I was raised in the Deep South and have a lot of love for any place below the Mason/Dixon.