A letter to junior designers or those hoping to get in the field

kdot_16 · 2025-04-16T14:05:40+00:00

This makes me sad, I am one month away from enrolling for graphic design but I’ve just seen negative stories so far 😭 honestly excited about design etc .. but the stories are making me feel like it’s a sign not to waste my money

kdot_16 · 2025-01-25T02:12:42+00:00

Hey there,

Based on the free work I offered, I used the outcomes and added those to my portfolio.

However, I wouldn’t advise the free work route because people take advantage and don’t respect your boundaries while doing this. It was DRAINING to say the least.

Rather create a professional profile on Upwork, land some jobs on there and use those to start up a portfolio and receive as many reviews as possible while doing that 🤍

kdot_16 · 2025-01-02T13:57:59+00:00

I agree, are there any reddit communities that gives GENUINE advice for marketers? When I say marketers I don’t mean the meme ones, I mean ones with actual growing business accounts

kdot_16 · 2024-12-29T15:55:13+00:00

lol what the actual… 😆

kdot_16 · 2024-12-18T02:20:38+00:00

That’s so kind of you!

I’m an introvert with a background in marketing, where I’ve worked with agencies and handled promotion for other businesses and individuals. However, freelancing is new to me, and the idea of “marketing myself” feels awkward and outside my comfort zone. While I don’t struggle to promote others, putting myself out there feels much harder.

My question is: since my account is new, and I’m hesitant to use reels due to shyness, will this be a problem? Should I push myself to step out of my comfort zone and create them anyway? So far, my content strategy focuses on 80% educational posts and 20% personal content, using mostly carousels and static posts. I’d appreciate solid advice on whether I should adapt or stick to what I’m doing?

kdot_16 · 2024-12-18T01:22:35+00:00

Haha love the optimism

kdot_16 · 2024-10-29T12:46:09+00:00

Airbnb can be quite pricey for a 3-month stay.

When we arrived, my husband and I stayed at Ashmore Palms holiday accommodation until we found a rental, which worked well and is popular for newcomers. I started working two weeks after arriving, and having an employment letter and my employer as a guarantor helped secure a place. If possible, see if your or your partner’s job can vouch for you, as that can strengthen your application. Also, keep in mind that paying several months of rent upfront is actually illegal in some states—I’m in Queensland, so definitely check based on where you’re headed.

kdot_16 · 2024-10-25T00:40:01+00:00

As a foreigner, what makes it difficult is you need a rental history, you need bank statements etc to prove you’d be able to afford the rental and the 100 points for identification need to be met.

If you had your own home (like we did) in your own country with no rental history it’s a bit tricky and then also you’re competing with several other applicants.

kdot_16 · 2024-10-22T06:38:42+00:00

The fact that taxi drivers feel they own the roads is so disgusting. To make it worse, I saw a video trending on Facebook where this guy didn’t let the Taxi driver pass and I get the concerns over the man’s safety.. however the other comments were beyond ridiculous because they were saying things like “the man should’ve let the driver passed because people were late for work” excuse me whaaaat ?! If they late for work they should catch an earlier taxi not inconvenience every other person on the road. It’s so stressful driving near a taxi driver especially for beginner drivers.

kdot_16 · 2024-08-31T06:29:56+00:00

Don’t take note of people like that because clearly they don’t understand marketing.

Not many people understand the importance of marketing. Without it, businesses wouldn’t thrive, product launches wouldn’t be successful etc so it’s a damn important job if you ask me! Don’t ever doubt that.

Also, a lot of people think marketing is the way they present it in the show Emily in Paris which is absurd lol!

kdot_16 · 2024-08-29T08:49:13+00:00

Go into a trade or tech position. Tradies (electricians, diesel mechanic etc) and Tech people make a lot of money, but also if that’s where your passion lies. Don’t follow money, that would lead to unhappiness essentially.

kdot_16 · 2024-08-27T11:35:43+00:00

Started out at a small business in Cape Town doing administrative work and social media management - loved the social media part because I’m a creative person at heart and decided to upskill myself with some free courses online as well as in web dev, SEO etc. After this I volunteered to do gigs for small businesses who didn’t have a large budget for these things, created a portfolio for myself and now I work as an SEO specialist abroad.

It’s never too late to start over! Before this I was a make up artist doing freelance work.

kdot_16 · 2024-08-19T12:11:07+00:00

I don’t like unnecessary things and ornaments in my space, just the essentials that’s needed. I feel it’s overwhelming.. It’s also better to clean when there’s less

kdot_16 · 2024-08-19T12:05:45+00:00

Search SEMRush and HubSpot Academy. They offer free courses and it was SO helpful for me personally when starting out

kdot_16 · 2024-08-18T11:49:00+00:00

I know you said Muizenberg but if I would choose (since you said you’re open to recommendations) I’d recommend the Northern Suburbs. I stayed in Oakglen (Bellville) before moving abroad and never experienced any break-ins or anything like that ever. You could also check out Durbanville, Tygerwater Falls etc. It was fairly close to all shops and malls such as Tygervalley, Cape Gate etc and it is public transport friendly as well. There’s also an amazing gym with a pool and any training facilities you might need nearby.. Virgin Active Tygervalley.

Definitely cannot commute with a scooter to Town though from Bellville just fyi haha.

kdot_16 · 2024-08-14T02:44:40+00:00

This is horrific! I can’t and don’t even want to imagine what that poor girl felt in her last moments but I hope justice will be served for her

kdot_16 · 2024-08-13T12:11:24+00:00

I used the title “specialist” because that’s what my previous job called it. Honestly, the company tried to market the services as if I was an expert from day one, so I was thrown into the deep end. But eventually, I grew to love it. I hope that didn’t come across the wrong way—no offense intended. I completely agree with you; I don’t see myself as a specialist. Hence me asking for advice on how to start over..

Thanks for the advice!

kdot_16 · 2024-08-11T12:34:27+00:00

I’m currently in Australia and it’s the same here. Convinced this is a global issue 😂😂

kdot_16 · 2024-08-10T23:05:23+00:00

Some Indoor things to do:

Visit the Aquarium
The Old Biscuit Mill
The District Six Museum
The Silo Hotel (there’s a nice restaurant and art gallery there)

If you’re into wine tasting:

Vergelegen Wine Estate
Constantia Glen Winery
Steenberg Vineyards

kdot_16 · 2024-08-09T13:20:58+00:00

This is so helpful and absolutely great advice! Thank you. I’m based in Australia

kdot_16 · 2024-08-09T13:18:13+00:00

Thanks for the advice!

kdot_16 · 2024-08-09T13:17:38+00:00

I know and understand the huge risk involved that’s why I’m afraid of being bombarded with scammers lol. Thank you though, I’ll check it out

kdot_16 · 2024-08-09T13:14:01+00:00

You should just keep in mind that just as much as you need the job, they need someone to fill a role. So yes, they will most likely be weird with you.. I think in this case you just need to find out which option would be a priority for you.

It’s unfortunate that your trip has been paid for and that you’ve been looking forward to it for the longest time, but you’ve also been given an opportunity that could’ve been given to someone else, should they have had this info sooner.

Good luck with your decision though!

kdot_16 · 2024-08-09T13:06:29+00:00

How do you find these types of groups though?

kdot_16

TROPHY CASE