I graduated with a degree in ID in 2008 and for the past 3 years I’ve been working as a CAD designer for various jewelry companies to pay the bills. So far, the only full-fledged design project I worked on was the Miss USA crown a couple years ago.
Since then, I’ve only really been making ugly designs that other people come up with. My question is this: am I going to be able to get an industrial design job if I my only experience in the last few years has been only CAD and Jewelry work? Do you guys have any suggestions for what I can take away from jewelry design?
I have been able to work on a few independent design projects, outside of work. I have a good sampling of the last couple years on my coroflot page: www.coroflot.com/jrynkie
I think that you are on the right track with the independent projects. If there is a particular field you want to jump in to, then you should target your projects in that direction. Keep reaching out to companies that do what you want to do, and you will get there. Unfortunately it can take a while but you will be that much better when you get there. Good Luck!
Find your passion and then go at it with 110%. Work you butt off on weekends and nights until you get there.
After nearly 2 years since graduating, doing a lot of cad like yourself, I’m set on becoming a furniture designer and went to see one of the best furniture designers in my city. She said to get a scrapbook and print off, cut out and take photos of what I like and get to know my own style. She also said to build scale models at home.
I am setting up a small workshop in my shed and hope to build my first original piece in the next few months. If I get there in 2 years, 5 years or even 10 years I’ll be happy
I think the hardest part is discovering what you want to do.
My question is this: am I going to be able to get an industrial design job if I my only experience in the last few years has been only CAD and Jewelry work?
Only if you don’t look for it… . skill-wise, nothing in your coroflot portfolio, that I see, is limiting you to “jewelry”; if you can do the finicky details of jewelry work, you can do the “rest”.
Marc Newson majored in jewelry design and he did quite well for himself as an industrial designer. No designer should have any reason to limit themselves to one particular field.
Of course you can move into ID, it just depends on how badly you want it.
I completely agree with CH, no designer should have any reason to limit themselves to one particular field.
Although I think you should demonstrate focus. If you want to change careers and move more into ID then don’t let anybody or anything stop you. Focus on it and plan your attack, what do you need to do? Who do you need to talk to? What do you need to improve on? Start improving on your portfolio and post it up in the forums for feedback.
One of my friends just graduated in jewellery design, cant find a job and isn’t wanting to go freelance. I think if you are passionate about the industry then you should be out trying to make a name for yourself. Its not hard to set up a website and get yourself ranked pretty high on Google. If anyone is wanting a website please contact me and I can help you out for a discounted rate. I like seeing other young entrepreneurs like myself have the same get up and go attitude! My website is http://www.rairdesign.com.
I’ve started looking, but the few companies that responded have wanted to see a more developed portfolio. I decided to revisit my thesis project (which I wasn’t entirely satisfied with) and apply what I’ve learned in the last few years. Would you guys like to see my progress so far?
Of course we’d like to see your stuff Jake! Especially “process” work … rough sketches developing an idea, prototypes, “didn’t-make-its”, etc. Post it, or link it, either one’s fine by us.
My Thesis project was a product for the blind which helps them to identify money. The PDF goes into more detail on my initial development and research, but here are some of the highlights from my more recent developments:
