Hi Chuck

I saw your portfolio. I really like it. I am not an artist. I am an English teacher. I have been thinking about trying to break in to copy writing. I am also trying to put together a non profit organization which would help promote literacy and job creation. I have some ideas. I have a sketch of kind of what I would like our logo to look like.

I would like to send you the sketch. If you can help me clean it up, I would be happy to write a good recommendation for you.

I think if it were me, I would add more copy to your site. a person should be able to tell exactly what it is that you do on the first page. To change yours perhaps you could just add some copy. Come up with a mission statement. ( you can research those on your own online or at a library) come up with a meme that clearly defines you. By looking at some of your work I would try something like

Tedesco Tapping Bright Bold Design

Brainy and Zany

or Topple Mundane

or Tedesco A Torrent of Tempting Designs

I liked the quote about an artist painting with his mind... but it is too small. It is hard to read you could use that or a portion of that to improve the first page.

Well, I would live to hear from you. Please let me know if you are interested.

Hey I originally sent this to your email on your portfolio. Do you still have access to that? Maybe you need to update it.

Thanks

When I first opened your page I did not understand what it was all about. Perhaps you may want to think of it as a resume, with a cover letter attached. I would start with your "about me" section with your self portrait. It is a great picture and tells me right off you have something to do with graphic arts. Leave the "about me part off. That would be your cover letter. Then you could follow with your body of work and that would become your "resume". Perhaps you could also list some of the people or companies who have commissioned you...those would be your references. You are BTW very good. Peg

I would say think small to prove big. Find a small publication in your area like a weekly newspaper or magazine that has a demographic that matches your end goal. Work there for little to no cost. Our small town newspaper just reopened it doors. I have been writing there for several weeks as a freelance reporter -- trading for ad space. While the my ad as not generated a lead, my name and stories are a demand in the paper. Trust has the highest value in any industry. My peak season is September to November. I am earning trust today for value tomorrow.

Additionally, use an email that provides your whole name and does not mask your identity. Your name is your brand until your brand is your brand.

Hi Chuck.. Sorry to hear that you're having a tough time lining up a design job. I'm a designer and I've been in the industry for about 12 years so I know it can be tough, especially when first trying to jump-start your career.

Here is some constructive feedback from my perspective... Overall, I think your work is a great considering you're just starting out. With that said, your examples show a very broad range and don't exactly show a focused strength in any one area. Would you like to be a web designer, package designer, print designer or are you looking for a gig that runs the full gamut? Many companies (in-house and advertising firms) that hire designers are looking for focused strengths for one particular role like a web designer or package designer etc. This could account for a large portion of the lack of responses.

Another thing I noticed is that you have some spelling and grammar errors. Potential employers are looking at your website as an example of your potential value to them and errors like this are often iterpreted as careless and or clumsy. I would correct those as soon as you can.

Aside from your portfolio, your experience also matters. You may have to start low before you get to the position you really want.

Keep moving forward Chuck. You have some real potential! Good luck!

I think that looks pretty cool Chuck!! You're stuff looks awesome!