What would you do?

[Joe]

Thanks lads,

That's what I will do. I'd much rather deal with a working designer who I can respect. Any recommendations on approach? Email, post, phone call, turn up on the doorstep etc? I'm thinking email and post at the moment, but then I suppose they are both easily ignored, maybe try out a few follow up phone calls and see how they go down.

And thats a good idea about the local networking thanks Dave, I do half know a bloke who works for a web design place down there.. that's a start, got a feeling he may become my new best mate

Joe

[JMCDesigner]

I think email followed with phonecall is good. Try to come across as not pestering for work though. Try "I'm a new designer in the area, having researched I found your company (name) particularly knowledgeable local experts. I was hoping you could help me with..." then continue from there. I'm by no means an expert in writing this kind of stuff, but try and give yourself a different angle to all the other hundreds of designers who pester companies for work. Might give you an edge and a foot in the door. Just a thought. Also, try to find out who the head designers are and contact them, no good if you have to deal with a secretary as they are very good at deflecting your efforts! I heard a good approach is to build up some rapport first, then arrange a short informal meeting to show off your portfolio etc. Obviously keep the "desperately looking for work" badge low key. If your really good and you impress them, they should at the very least be able to point you in the right direction.

And yeh, get on to that guy you know. I'm sure there will be a few rounds on you in the local :p

[Joe]

Nice one thanks Jason I really appreciate the advice. Strategic carpet bombing of the south coast is a go!! :icon_thumbup:

[bigdave]

I think approach depends on how well you sell yourself in different situations?

If you tend to get nervous and ramble, dont jump in to a face to face situation. Write an email read it, sleep on it and re-write it to make sure you're to the point. Attach your CV and hit the send button. give it a week and then post a CV and covering letter, highlighting the main points in your email.

If you are a personable person and you can think on your feet without shooting your mouth off (its alot harder than it sounds) then do the whole email thing but Dont post your CV 2nd time, hand deliver it. remember it will be like an interview in casual clothes! lol

[Joe]

Nice one cheers Dave, that makes sense. I think i'm pretty personable and I but at the moment it'll cost £25 in petrol to hand deliver it! Saying that I am due to go down fairly soon so I'll get the emails sent first an take it from there.

thanks!