I received my BA in Graphic Design over 2 years ago from the Art Institute of Ph

Question:

I received my BA in Graphic Design over 2 years ago from the Art Institute of Phoenix.?

I have many friends who make the same amount if not more money than I do with no education or degree. Is graphic design a dead trade nowadays in Phoenix. What am I doing wrong?

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker: Well, lets qualify and quantify your talents first. Ask yourself the following questions and then see if they can answer yes to more of them.

1. Pre-press: Do you use Adobe InDesign instead of quark for your primary layout software? InDesign is replacing quark.

2. Web: Even if the job doesnt require it for your possition, are you proficient in multiple script languages? PHP, JavaScript, Perl, XML... Todays job market is high paced and often requires individuals to be an 'All Around' person. Having web experience mean that you can insert your graphics to web pages without someone holding your hand.

3. Design: Does your style translate between vector and rastor art without much change? Consistancy in your work portfolio is as important as diversity.

4. Self: Can you show a potential employer proof that you get things done on multiple levels on your own? And, how do you carry yourself? When asked about what you offer to the company, can you say you do things above and beyond the call of duty. And when you tell them that, do you sound and act like you can.

5. Last but not least. How much work Experience you got? Not projects done for school, I mean projects that youve done ond aquired on your own.

These are more like the questions that if you dont answer positivly to, your almost guarenteed to loose out to someone else with.