If you are a student fresh out of college and would like to get your feet wet into Graphic Arts. Here are a few suggestions from what I gathered through my experience:

• Build a comprehensive portfolio include different types of skills such as drawings, paintings, cartoons, graphic design using various programs, (must have) some web pages design or knowledge of it, logo designs, etc. Most times companies are looking for people that are adaptable and trainable with some skills and lots of creativity and are able be a team player.

• Include actual design projects that have an end product, such as printed (offset) brochures, signage, web sites, etc. Most companies like to see actual printed items because there is always an interesting story behind these projects, even if it’s something that you did for yourself, it still counts.

• Know or read up on prepress terminology and techniques. If you know how to design a beautiful brochure but can’t print it, then it’s no use to the client. One large issue is cost. The harder the job is or the longer it takes to to complete, the more it may cost to you or them.

• Let people take a look at your portfolio and have them give you their opinion or just observe their expressions, it helps if you know a professional who can also look at it. While they are browsing through your portfolio practice explaining to them about your pieces. Get used to harsh criticism.

• Print off a few business cards that you can hand out, wouldn’t it be ironic for a designer not to have any? Helps to have a little marketing skills.

When you get to the point where you feel confident and satisfied about your portfolio and prepress knowledge is when you are ready. Don’t try to be something you are not, don’t ramble on about something you never did or don’t know much about. Believe me, you might get called on it. Also stay focused, the internet may be intimidating because of all those large design companies. DO NOT let it get to you, just keep moving forward and learn. Consistency always equals success.

Hope this helps, Good luck!