I was made redundant about a month ago...

Scottish_Gent

I see you are a web designer - then may I suggest you setup some websites.
You can make some dosh setting up INFO sites (not too much work involved) and have ads on them (eg: Google ads).
Initial startup
> cost of the domain name . . .I currently have two on the go and they cost me £3.50 each for two years
> You need webspace - there are alot of providers offering free space and tools (trying to temp customers) - for info sites the restricted packages will not be too restrictive
> You obviously need subject matter. search the net and library for such info
> Once setup you will need to submit your site to search engines and join forums that allow you to promo your site

Anyhow thats the gist there is more to it than just that BUT it is possible to get things going and start earning for very very little outlay. this of course is all dependant on the wuality of your info.

Anyhow just thought I'd post this as food for thought

cheers

GrammarGirl

There's a brilliant online tutorial site - lynda.com. Try that if you're wanting to learn programming languages. There's a monthly fee but you get 15 days free when you sign up.

I agree that companies expect so much more from web designers now. Are you up to speed on W3C and all that stuff? Would be worth researching and taking time to learn more.

DireEmblem

what about the matched betting thread on here along with your freelancing?

KrazyKel

I finished uni in september where i did Interactive Media and i am also finding it hard finding web design jobs.
The jobs i have seen require a lot more skills and experience, which i dont have.
At uni we did a bit of everything so i dont feel i know certain areas well enough to be able to get a job doing.
Im still applying for what i can but I have bad knees at the moment so im not pushing it until i feel im well enough.
seems to hard to find decent jobs around at the moment. I just need to do what i can at home to improve my skills, i buy regular web design magazines, do tutorials and research online too.

Good luck with the job hunt

briona

mikem1986 wrote: »

Ive signed up with several agencies which speacialise in creative jobs but one lady told me that its really bad at the moment and nobody is putting jobs out there...

I'm a qualified Graphic Designer with over 10 years experience in the industry and I'm currently freelancing. I'm registered with several agencies and I know how hard it is to find work at the moment. That said, there are jobs out there for those who meet the criteria. To convince an agency to place you anywhere you need to have solid experience and a varied portfolio, and, if you are chasing roles in print design, it's essential to be able to demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of print...

Without meaning to be rude, although no doubt being exactly that, there is NO WAY an agency worth its salt would place you in a graphic design role. Your design is sub-standard at best – much of the work looks as though it began life as a cheap internet-bought template and it doesn't help that many items have been designed in inappropriate programmes – logos and stationery (note the correct spelling!) should NEVER be designed in Photoshop! There aren't enough samples of work, i.e., why have a whole section for catalogues when you have just one catalogue design?! Add to that the fact that the site is poorly designed, difficult to navigate and full of typos – none of which would be acceptable to a high-end client.

If you are serious about freelancing, you will need to upskill, and present your work better. I apologise if all of this sounds unduly harsh but there are so many freelancers in the industry at the moment chasing a handful of jobs and if you can't be competitive, you won't stand a chance.