Dominique Buffaloe
February 20, 2019
Topics in Graphic Design
Reflection # 3
The key word in today’s class session was visibility. Social media sites nowadays are excellent resources for promoting one’s work to become more visible. In class, the professor advised us, those who did not already, to create and share our work on various sites such as Twitter, Instagram, Reddit, Facebook, Tumblr, Linkedin, Behance, and Dribble. More often than not, creative directors and other executives are constantly searching for hard-working individuals who seek employment and recognition through their creative work on an online platform.
For over the past several years now, I have been consistently sharing my work on various platforms, freelancing mainly through my illustrations. However, as of recently, I have been showcasing my graphic design work to demonstrate my skill set not only as an illustrator, but rather as a graphic designer in order to attract more clients in need of fulfilling their creative vision. Thanks to my existing following, my art & design work can reach other potential followers and clients through the site’s online sharing system.
The second way to become more visible as young designers in the creative industry, which recommended by the professor, is to enter and win design competitions hosted by creative corporations and magazines such as Adobe, AIGA, Communication Arts, HowDesign, and so forth. These companies do annual competition made exclusively for students and their work. The winner candidate will not only have their work featured, but it is an excellent representation for their college.
Personally, for me, to win and have my work published through a prestigious, well-known or local design competition would definitely open up new opportunities. Many designers, inexperienced and experienced, have received interviews, freelance work, awards, grants and scholarships, long-term employment, and exposure (fame) by winning competitions specifically designed for their area of expertise. For the year of 2020, I will be officially entering the competition for Communication Arts, 3×3, and the MTA Art & Design contest as an illustrator and graphic designer. These will give me the chance to refine my craft and design work specifically made to win.
