How hard is it to find work as a graphic designer? [edited title]

[curiousgeorgina 52]

Hi,

I have a CR1 visa and now in the US.. I used to be and still is a freelance graphic designer when I was in Asia, but obviously I can't really use the rates I used to give my clients as I won't be making enough if that's the case.

1. How hard is it to find a job as a graphic designer?

2. How much is the minimum for one?

3. Has anyone ever experienced retaining their work as freelancers after moving here?

Thanks you in advance.

[TBoneTX 45,570]

*** Thread moved from Working & Traveling forum to the Finding Work forum; thread title edited to indicate field. ***

[Kumi and Drake 14]

Start with researching how much graphic designers are earning within your area/city/state just to get a rough estimate of what others are getting. I use Payscale to research the pay for related jobs I'm applying to just to see what the range is. IMO, with any first job, pay comes second; at least until you get your first US job experience. I had set my eyes on doing online freelance work as well when I immigrated. But good luck on your job/freelance work search.

[Sandra G. 5,052]

My nephew is a graphic designer and worked as a graphic designer (he is American) for big European companies in the USA for 8 years. He is unemployed almost 5 YEARS! He submitted over 200 resumes and graduated 13 years ago. He lives in NYC.

[Darnell 8,478]

Hi,

I have a CR1 visa and now in the US.. I used to be and still is a freelance graphic designer when I was in Asia, but obviously I can't really use the rates I used to give my clients as I won't be making enough if that's the case.

1. How hard is it to find a job as a graphic designer?

2. How much is the minimum for one?

3. Has anyone ever experienced retaining their work as freelancers after moving here?

Thanks you in advance.

1. it depends, really, on how good you are for making human contact. The majority of graphic design work got outsourced to the PI about 11 years ago, so keep that in mind if you chase after the bigger agencies in the USA.

2. depends on the workpiece, really.

3. usually, these piecemeal assignments are viewed as 'work-for-hire' and the copyright is held by the contract holder (not you).

with all of that said - you should contact:

1. advertising agencies and

2. movie studios

and see what happens.

[curiousgeorgina 52]

Start with researching how much graphic designers are earning within your area/city/state just to get a rough estimate of what others are getting. I use Payscale to research the pay for related jobs I'm applying to just to see what the range is. IMO, with any first job, pay comes second; at least until you get your first US job experience. I had set my eyes on doing online freelance work as well when I immigrated. But good luck on your job/freelance work search.

Thank you for that. I will check the Payscale site. If I really could get away with it, I would like remote work, and not the 8 to 5 one, I am more productive when that is the case. But of course I am open as I just need to earn and have experience.

My nephew is a graphic designer and worked as a graphic designer (he is American) for big European companies in the USA for 8 years. He is unemployed almost 5 YEARS! He submitted over 200 resumes and graduated 13 years ago. He lives in NYC.

oh wow, sounds like there is a lot of competition.. I will have to not expect too much when I look for one.

1. it depends, really, on how good you are for making human contact. The majority of graphic design work got outsourced to the PI about 11 years ago, so keep that in mind if you chase after the bigger agencies in the USA.

2. depends on the workpiece, really.

3. usually, these piecemeal assignments are viewed as 'work-for-hire' and the copyright is held by the contract holder (not you).

with all of that said - you should contact:

1. advertising agencies and

2. movie studios

and see what happens.

thank you Sir Darnell for the answers. I will try to look into those.

Thank you everyone! So far I am doing the freelance site, I get lucky from time to time but with all the new taxes and bills I have to consider, I really need more work or find a regular one.

Again, thank you.