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nobody will f-in' hire me! please help!!!

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PONE1PESOS

unread,
Jan 27, 2000, 3:00:00 AM1/27/00
to
Hey ADG! Yup it's me back again with yet another dramatic sob story.
I was doensized AGAIN from my last job waaaaaaay back in September. I've been
surviving on sporadic freelance work which has kept me afloat for a while but I
haven't had any work in over 2 months, all my money is just about gone & I'm
ready to light my head on fire & jump off the roof because nobody is fuckin'
giving me a chance! I'm talented, experienced in big agency high end work. I'm
a seasoned pro-long since wet behind the ears. I've tried 3 staffing agencies,
send out recume/cover letter/samples packages out every week & no dice. Before
I'm forced to move back in with dad and/or work at the drive thru window at Mc
D's - will somebody please cririque through my cover letter resume & tell me if
something is wrong or give me a job, whatever comes natural. HELP! I'm
drowning!

cover letter:

Hello, my name is Martin Fallivene, I would like to apply for a position as a
graphic artist. I have over four years experience working professionally as
both a graphic artist and illustrator.

My design experience includes positions as a graphic designer, art director,
and illustrator. I have designed for advertising agencies, magazines and many
types of private clients on a freelance basis. I feel that my traditional
training as an artist along with my experience as a computer graphic designer
makes for a strong and
unique style of visual art.

My technical experience includes expert knowledge of Macintosh operating
systems and advanced ability with Quark, Photoshop and Illustrator design
capabilities. As it comes with the territory, I am also very familiar with
pre-press procedures and troubleshooting situations on Macintosh computers.

As well as experience with computer graphics I am also an accomplished
illustrator with solid abilities with painting materials such as oils,
acrylics, ink and just about every drawing medium known to man.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,

Martin Fallivene


Resume:

Martin Fallivene
65 First Ave. Manasquan, NJ 08736
732-528-3846

education
Monmouth University - West Long Branch, New Jersey (Sep 93-May 96)
Bachelor of Arts in Art, specialty in graphic design & illustration.

The Art Institute of Boston - Boston, Massachusetts (Sep 91-May 93)
Major BFA courses in illustration, graphic design, fine art and art history.

James Caldwell High School - West Caldwell, New Jersey (Sep 87-May 91)
College prep and illustration / fine art courses.

professional
The Cherenson Group Livingston, New Jersey (Sep 97-Sep 99)
Art director for advertising and public relations agency. Experienced in
advertising design and conceptual thinking under tight deadlines. Designed
print ads and campaigns for clients such as Hard Rock Cafe, Bausch & Lomb, Ray
Ban and Trump Taj Mahal Casino Resorts. Also experienced in website design.

Rare Breed Magazine
Bradley Beach, New Jersey (Jun 95-May 97)
Senior art director / graphic designer for international extreme sports
magazine. Other responsibilities included photo editor, copy editor, and
traveling journalist.
Full magazine experience from concept and design to pre-press.

MGraphics
Manasquan, New Jersey (Sep 93- )
Graphic designer / illustrator / fine art consultant for own freelance design
business. Experienced in designing logos, letterheads, brochures, promotional
pieces and fine arts.Client list available upon request.

Technical Knowledge and Experience
Expert knowledge on Macintosh OS including advanced ability with programs such
as Quark, Photoshop and Illustrator. Also experienced in technical
troubleshooting situations with Macintosh OS and pre-press procedures.

References
Tom Marguccio - Vice President / Creative Director, The Cherenson Group
Russ Zaborowski - Senior Art Director, The Cherenson Group
Matt Timney - Creative Director, Success Advertising
Patrick Flanagan - Senior Art Director, Success Advertising
Vincent Di Mattio - Department Chair, Art Department, Monmouth University

"I've got just wutcha need when you're down in
the dumps, I'm one half hillbilly & one half punk."
-Tha Cramps

Matthew Williams

unread,
Jan 27, 2000, 3:00:00 AM1/27/00
to pone1...@aol.com
Well your cover letter is really cold. Here's my Evil Cynical Reply.


>
> cover letter:
>
> Hello, my name is Martin Fallivene,

Wow he can spell his name, I think that's apparent from your letterhead.

> I would like to apply for a position as a
> graphic artist.

Duh.

> I have over four years experience working professionally as
> both a graphic artist and illustrator.

Makes you between 24 and 28. Low end of the pay scale... could be promising.



> My design experience includes positions as a graphic designer, art director,
> and illustrator.

if you were such a great art director, why are you applying for a job the next
level down?

> I have designed for advertising agencies, magazines and many
> types of private clients on a freelance basis.

Hmm can't keep a job... Designed his mom's Avon business cards.

> I feel that my traditional
> training as an artist along with my experience as a computer graphic designer
> makes for a strong and
> unique style of visual art.

AND doesn't even have a design degree. I'm thinking mid 20's now.

> My technical experience includes expert knowledge of Macintosh operating
> systems

duh.

> and advanced ability with Quark, Photoshop and Illustrator design
> capabilities.

duh

> As it comes with the territory, I am also very familiar with
> pre-press procedures and troubleshooting situations on Macintosh computers.

duh

But can he do web?

> As well as experience with computer graphics I am also an accomplished
> illustrator with solid abilities with painting materials such as oils,
> acrylics, ink and just about every drawing medium known to man.

But can you draw on chinchillas? (BTW this is the only interesting part.) Most
"Deigners" can put type on pages in boxes, but actually being able to draw
something is rare and draw something interesting is AWESOME. Now I'm thinking,
I can get icons for that cd-rom project, I can get illustrations for that
annual report. For the money I pay in a year for dumb stock illutrations,
this dude could pay for himself.



> Thank you for your time and consideration.

blah blah blah


Wow, you're 26! Damn I'm good!

If I were you, which I am not, this is what I would say:

Hi! I'm Mart. And I like to design stuff. I feel that design <insert personal
mission statement (you've been thinking about design since about age 8, so
you're probably fairly dedicated, but it doesn't come through immediately)>,
and it's just plain cool.

In the last couple of years, I've had some pretty interesting projects.

<INSERT Project, type, your role, and your personal impact.> EXAMPLE, "In
1993 'Joe's NJ turnpike chik-n-shack' came to me saying they needed a
corporate id. Since joe is my uncle, i had to do it. As part of the program of
I put the new logo <describe logo> on packets of handi-wipes, and their wash
room maintainance costs went down 25%. (shows attention to detail, foresight,
and contrete personal impact). As greasy as old Uncle Joes chicken is, you'd
think people want to wash their hands, but with 2,500 people through there a
day <shows level of client profile> they're all in a rush, and it costs a lot
to maintain bathrooms.

REPEAT <INSERT Project, type, your role, and your personal impact.>

REPEAT <INSERT Project, type, your role, and your personal impact.>

Hey, if you've read this far, then thanks! Give me a ring and I'll tell you
about my band... and about my qualifications for this job.

-----------------

Now, I warn you!!!!! I'm certifiably insane and my idea of a good day is a day
that I don't check myself into a metal ward, BUT, the resume and cover letter
you had didn't really speak to what type or style of artist you are, and
certainly didn't do you justice as a creative individual. If you listen to the
cramps, and illustrate, and did a zine, and you're knowledable with print, I
would be thinking:

- Can hold his head above water.
- Creative thinker in general.
- Won't play kenny G in my studio...


Like I said, I'm crazy and not a design guru, but I shouldn't have to read
between the lines this much to realize you're probably a pretty cool person.
Maybe a PDF resume with Thumbnails... Talk more about your art, and less
about "technical skillsets."

ri...@mediaone.net

unread,
Jan 27, 2000, 3:00:00 AM1/27/00
to
Your qualifications are good. How's your portfolio?

PONE1PESOS wrote:

> Hey ADG! Yup it's me back again with yet another dramatic sob story.
> I was doensized AGAIN from my last job waaaaaaay back in September. I've been
> surviving on sporadic freelance work which has kept me afloat for a while but I
> haven't had any work in over 2 months, all my money is just about gone & I'm
> ready to light my head on fire & jump off the roof because nobody is fuckin'
> giving me a chance! I'm talented, experienced in big agency high end work. I'm
> a seasoned pro-long since wet behind the ears. I've tried 3 staffing agencies,
> send out recume/cover letter/samples packages out every week & no dice. Before
> I'm forced to move back in with dad and/or work at the drive thru window at Mc
> D's - will somebody please cririque through my cover letter resume & tell me if
> something is wrong or give me a job, whatever comes natural. HELP! I'm
> drowning!
>

> cover letter:
>
> Hello, my name is Martin Fallivene, I would like to apply for a position as a
> graphic artist. I have over four years experience working professionally as


> both a graphic artist and illustrator.
>

> My design experience includes positions as a graphic designer, art director,

> and illustrator. I have designed for advertising agencies, magazines and many
> types of private clients on a freelance basis. I feel that my traditional


> training as an artist along with my experience as a computer graphic designer
> makes for a strong and
> unique style of visual art.
>

> My technical experience includes expert knowledge of Macintosh operating

> systems and advanced ability with Quark, Photoshop and Illustrator design
> capabilities. As it comes with the territory, I am also very familiar with


> pre-press procedures and troubleshooting situations on Macintosh computers.
>

> As well as experience with computer graphics I am also an accomplished
> illustrator with solid abilities with painting materials such as oils,
> acrylics, ink and just about every drawing medium known to man.
>

> Thank you for your time and consideration.
>

dimitri

unread,
Jan 27, 2000, 3:00:00 AM1/27/00
to

PONE1PESOS wrote:
>
> Hey ADG! Yup it's me back again with yet another dramatic sob story.
> I was doensized AGAIN from my last job waaaaaaay back in September. I've been
> surviving on sporadic freelance work which has kept me afloat for a while but I
> haven't had any work in over 2 months, all my money is just about gone & I'm
> ready to light my head on fire & jump off the roof because nobody is fuckin'
> giving me a chance! I'm talented, experienced in big agency high end work. I'm
> a seasoned pro-long since wet behind the ears. I've tried 3 staffing agencies,
> send out recume/cover letter/samples packages out every week & no dice. Before
> I'm forced to move back in with dad and/or work at the drive thru window at Mc
> D's - will somebody please cririque through my cover letter resume & tell me if
> something is wrong or give me a job, whatever comes natural. HELP! I'm
> drowning!
>
> cover letter:
>

REVISED:

> Hello, my name is Martin Fallivene,

I am an accomplished graphic artist and illustrator applying for a
position in your firm.



I have designed for advertising agencies, magazines and many

> private clients on a freelance basis. I strongly feel that my traditional
> training as an artist, my formal education, and my experience as a computer graphic designer


> makes for a strong and unique style of visual art.
>
> My technical experience includes expert knowledge of Macintosh operating

> systems and advanced expertise in Quark, Photoshop and Illustrator design
> software.

I like quality control. My pre-press knowledge and troubleshooting skill
on Macintosh computers
has minimized downtime and scheduling difficulties in the past and
proven to be a valuable asset
for my clients and employers. My willingness to learn new technologies,
methods, and skills keeps
me up to date with today's business and culture. I consider this
'quality control' as well.


How does this all fit into your plan?

I'd like to find out.

Feel free to call me at ###-##### . I would appreciate an opportunity
to meet you,
and discuss any follow-up questions you may have concerning my
qualifications.


Thank you

this is a draft.. open it up- too stuffy. Cut out ambiguities- compress
it. Features and benefits.
What can you do for them?- otherwise it's just a biography.

Mike Senna

unread,
Jan 27, 2000, 3:00:00 AM1/27/00
to
PONE1PESOS wrote in message <20000127023849...@ng-fg1.aol.com>...
<snip>Hey ADG! Yup it's me back again with yet another dramatic sob
story........

Hi Marty,
Good to see you back. First, get a job to feed yourself and support your art
habit. When your money is all gone, it's going to get a lot tougher. You may
have to light your head on fire to keep warm.
Your qualifications are fine. Resume's can always be tweaked here and there for
style, etc. It's personal preference after you get past the basics.
A portfolio will help you most. A resume' just gets your foot in the door for
an interview. The interview is where you really sell yourself, and you want to
have an impressive portfolio for that.
For now the best advice is get a job to help until you get past this.
Good luck.
Mike


cpg

unread,
Jan 27, 2000, 3:00:00 AM1/27/00
to
Online portfolio -- good for any graphics job, essential for web jobs.
Many people don't do online stuff -- those are the people I beat out
for my current job.

I also agree with Matthew -- who is much more of a wiseass than I
realized.. Make it more personal. Let them know you and how you'll
contribute to their well-being. You will do that -- telll 'em about
it.

hang loose, brah....cpg

Reva Diana

unread,
Jan 27, 2000, 3:00:00 AM1/27/00
to
yeah... I agree.. I got hired for my scripting ability and HTML and
javascript knowledge first, then my graphic skills second.

--
==========================
Reva Diana - Graphic Designer
Graphos Design Studios
phone: 780.990.1991
email: grap...@powersurfr.com
website: http://www.graphos.ab.ca

Matthew Williams

unread,
Jan 27, 2000, 3:00:00 AM1/27/00
to
I was in a weird mood. So I'm sorry if I came off as pissy. BUT honestly
here, Commercial Design is about marketing, and if you can't market yourself,
then what are you going to do for a client? I have art directors all over DC
calling my house and begging me for interviews, which is actually really
annoying since they're thinking that "this must be a cool person to talk to"
and I don't really enjoy talking to strangers, but something is better then nothing?

BUT ANYWAY, sorry I was being pissy, I mean you sound like your situation is
getting serious, but yeah , make it more personal.

cpg schrieb:


>
> Online portfolio -- good for any graphics job, essential for web jobs.
> Many people don't do online stuff -- those are the people I beat out
> for my current job.
>
> I also agree with Matthew -- who is much more of a wiseass than I
> realized..

Gotta keep en geussing bro!

cpg

unread,
Jan 27, 2000, 3:00:00 AM1/27/00
to
I meant it as a compliment ;-)

cpg

>> I also agree with Matthew -- who is much more of a wiseass than I

>> realized...

Matthew Williams

unread,
Jan 27, 2000, 3:00:00 AM1/27/00
to
Yeah but dude was really mad at me. I thought that saying "Well your cover
letter is really cold. Here's my Evil Cynical Reply." Would be enough to know
I was kidding, but I think he took it seriously.

cpg schrieb:

--
--------------------------------------
Matthew Williams
Information Designer, Interactive.
Visia Interactive
http://www.visia9.com/
Interactive design and information architecture specialists: We make websites work

PONE1PESOS

unread,
Jan 28, 2000, 3:00:00 AM1/28/00
to
dimitri dia...@the-spa.com wrote:

REVISED:


Thank you

Thanks dimitri diablo.
I appreciate your advice-very helpful!

marty

PONE1PESOS

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Jan 28, 2000, 3:00:00 AM1/28/00
to
ri...@mediaone.net wrote:

<<Your qualifications are good. How's your portfolio?>>

I wish I had a url to show, but I don't.
I feel my portfolio is very strong
& diversified.

I could send jpgs

PONE1PESOS

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Jan 28, 2000, 3:00:00 AM1/28/00
to
Dude, i had just gotten up to read your message
first thing this morning. I'm usually hip to that
stuff but you did deserve to be flamed 'cause you
seemed to be pretty specific & thorough with the
venomous sarcasm. And if you read my resume
again I DO HAVE A DEGREE (bachelors in art with
a minor in art history) & my income at the last
two agencies I've worked at has been a minimum
of 45K.

Matthew Williams mw4...@mindspring.com wrote:

"I've got just wutcha need when you're down in

sistercarol

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Jan 28, 2000, 3:00:00 AM1/28/00
to
Or you could send a nice interactive CD with everything in PDF.

--Carol

PONE1PESOS <pone1...@aol.com> wrote in message
news:20000128010713...@ng-co1.aol.com...


> ri...@mediaone.net wrote:
>
> <<Your qualifications are good. How's your portfolio?>>
>
> I wish I had a url to show, but I don't.
> I feel my portfolio is very strong
> & diversified.
>
> I could send jpgs
>
> marty

IIII666IIIi

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Jan 29, 2000, 3:00:00 AM1/29/00
to
>you're down in
> the dumps, I'm one half hillbilly & one half punk."
> -Tha Cramps

The cramps rock!!!!!!!!!!!!!
-kitty
KITTY's WEBSITE
http://members.aol.com/iiii666iiii/index.html

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