Hi Bushra,

Sorry to hear about your frustration. Even though it can be tough, just remind yourself that you are not the only one. Design can be a very subjective field, so sometimes you will not be chosen due to the personal preferences of the hiring manager. That said, I have some suggestions that I have given to other Jobcase members when looking for a job in the arts. I have cut and pasted them below:

First: create an online portfolio if you don't have one. There are many free websites to help you build it. Your portfolio means a lot in the arts business, and making it easily accessible is just as important. Be very selective about what you choose to highlight. Ask friends and coworkers to help you decide which ten pieces are your best and start with those. AND DON'T FORGET – make sure you include a link to your portfolio in your Jobcase profile!

Second: flesh out your Jobcase profile. Even if you don't have tons of work experience in the arts, include the work and volunteer experience you do have. Sometimes it's hard to think about how your limited experience applies. But adding any responsibilities around any art-related projects or positions can help.

Third: Look for pro-bono opportunities to provide art work, or help at a community-based arts center. If you can contribute your talents to organizations that need help, they can often introduce you to people who are looking to hire AND you'll be building your portfolio!

Fourth: There are also valuable things to do on your own – like giving yourself projects to build your portfolio, and contacting any local freelance organizations near to you. Critique your own work in relation to other designers you admire. Try to determine what made them successful, and apply that to what you are creating.

Fifth: If you are freelancing and considering working in commercial art or advertising, reach out directly to companies and agencies. Talk to them about how you would love to learn the ropes. Would they be willing to let you start at ground level in order to learn from them? You won't make a lot of money this way, but it could give you the experience you need to be more successful.

Sixth: Consider all paths. Many types of companies have internal creative/marketing groups. There may be opportunities out there in places that you have not considered.

Seventh: Connect with people you know, or friends and family know. Sometimes the best opportunities might be right under your nose.

I hope this helps. Best of luck and let us know how it's going.

Hi Bushra: Thanks for posting to Jobcase! How's your job search going? Any updates? If you're still searching for a graphic design job, I'd definitely check out sites like Upwork.com and Guru.com; you can find a lot of great graphic design projects there. It's a good way to get paid while you're waiting for a full-time offer to come in - or you just may discover that the freelancing life is best for you!