Aspies For Freedom

OK, so I've been told by several people, both in the past and in the present, that my artwork is apparently good enough for me to attempt to find some kind of professional job as an illustrator/cartoonist/whatever. I'm very fed up with my current lot in life, so this sounds like a good idea. And now I've finally roused myself out of my inertia long enough to at least make an active attempt at finding some kind of artistic employment. Question is: how do I best go about doing this?

I have no work experience of any kind whatsoever. Like many (most?) of my fellow Aspies, I have never held down a steady job in my life. Mainly this has been because I'm so bad at socializing with people and have no "drive", "motivation" or "people skills". As such, I really have no idea how to properly "sell myself" and my talents to any potential employer or customer. I really don't know whom to approach or even where to  start. So I thought I'd make a post here about it.

Does anyone here work as an artist, freelance or otherwise? If so, how did you find employment? Whom did you approach, why, and in what manner? What is your resumé supposed to look like? Are you even supposed to send in a resume for this kind of employment? If so, what's supposed to be in it and why?

I have no idea what could possibly be going through the mind of an NT boss of some company, or what s/he might "look for" in people seeking employment. Should I mention having AS in my letter/resumé, or just "pretend" to be a normie? Which (if any) of these options did/would you choose when looking for a job?

I tend to have an almost hyperfocus -like fixation on any projects I'm currently working on, thanks to my AS. This usually makes me very efficient. I also have a very good memory for all forms of words, books and documents, as well as for pictures. Should I mention that and any other "special skills" I might have? Or would that just serve to make an NT uncomfortable?

I thought I'd mainly approach people via email, since I really have no "people skills" at all whatsoever. My original plan was just to send out emails to people and/or companies and ask them if they'd need an illustrator or cartoonist. Problem is, I really don't know what to even write in such an email, or even if the tone is meant to be formal or informal! I truly am clueless when it comes to approaching people.

So, any and all help would be very welcome. I honestly don't know what I'm supposed to be doing. Anyone who has been in a similar situation, please feel free to post any answers or tips you might have! The same goes for anyone else who has any advice whatsoever! I'd be truly grateful for any and all help.

Thanks very much in advance! I truly lack knowledge about things like these.

Try emailing weebls-stuff and asking them to view your work, or if there are any opportunities for you there.

Ah yes, you mentioned this before. I'll be sure to look into it!

Anyone have any clue on what should actually be in an email of this kind? Are there any specific things I should mention, etc?

Give a link to your work, and describe what you do.
There are forums for graphic designers and artists that should have more details on this kind of thing.

For work in graphics and art field, your portfolio with examples of your work is more important than any work experience.  People might want to know that you are reliable and can get work done of a certain quality to meet a deadline.  (that is particularly important)  

If you know some graphic programmes that will help.  You can download a  free trial version of Corel Draw.  Otherwise you will have to know some computer graphics since paper and ink are just not enough.  

You might offer your art services for some project as a volunteer to a charity to do a brochure/poster/wall mural.  That would count as work experience.  

If you do want to show or send examples of your work over the internet, use a small size graphic at a low resolution.  You could also make some little blown ups of certain areas to show details.  This is will help prevent people from stealing your work and using it without paying you.  

If you know of any publications:  magazines, newsletters, etc that might use your work could could send them a letter or email.  If there are certain products that you think might look good with your art on it you could try to find some design companies that solicit work from manufacturers.  Do not send your samples to the manufacturers directly.    Most likely you will get work on a free-lance basis, that is per project.  Unless you are very flexible and can work with  a variety of styles and media you will not be hired as a regular type employee.  

How to write the letter/emails  exactly:  the format, what to write etc.  Go to your local library.  Find books on writing business forms, letters.  Get some example letters.  Use the same formats and just insert your own details into them.  I will dig up a few websites and examples for you.

Something like this:




Your Name
Address
Phone number
e-mail

Date:

Person's name and position
company name
address
email
(I might put phone number and fax for my future reference)

Dear Mr./Ms/Sir or Madam:


In May of this year I will receive my B.A. degree in Fine Arts with a major in Graphic Design. Since I am interested in the Xerox Corporation, I am inquiring about career opportunities which may exist in your design or advertising departments.  (list your purpose for the letter)  

I am very interested and involved in the activity of designing various kinds of items, including industrial products and packing material. My enclosed resume provides a more detailed description of my education, interests, and work experience.   (tell them what you can do and your qualitifications and any relevant experience.  Even if it is redundant as you have all most of this in your resume Nt's often do not bother to read CV's.  Change this to what the company does particularly or match the job ad and keep it brief.)

I am particularly interested in the X Corporation because of its reputation, the products X produces, and the designs used in your products and advertisements. I feel my qualifications are competitive and my skills would prove to be an asset. I see this company as being progressive, and I look forward to the opportunity of being able to contribute to the company's continued success.   (Say how great you think their company is because NT's like to hear it.  If it is a really crap company but you're desparate for work just lie.)

I would appreciate your consideration of my credentials. I am available for a personal interview at your convenience, and I will be in contact with you to arrange for a time to meet with you.  (Tell them again how to contact you and retype your e-mail or phone number here since most Nt's are so stupid they don't know it is at the top of the page)

Sincerely,

(Signature)   (I never use my signature over the net for security reasons)

Your Name

Enclosure  (you put your resume/cv on next page of letter or email)



Does this help?  Find more examples.

Another thing.  Do not give any work or do any work for anyone without a written contract.

Thank you very much for your help! I'll be sure to take all this into consideration when I'm writing potential employers! :smile:

As for the written contracts; yeah, I've found out the neccessity of those the hard way. Many people have, in my past, used me as a source of free labor (artistic or otherwise) without thinking they have had to pay me. So I will absolutely ask for a written contract if I'm offered a job.

M that's really good adivce.