u/Nintendoismycity

So for the last year I've been trying to get into advertising which is massive in Chicago. but in a market and industry like this, it's hard to breakthrough. So I wanted to take matters in my own hands and move to Chicago on minimum wage work, roommates, and some support from family.

I've been applying for a bunch of jobs on Culinary agents and saying I'm available whenever. However, even when I get a message back, they clearly don't want me since I'm out of state.

Does anyone have any advice on what I could do? I have friends in Chicago but I can't crash at their places indefinitely like that. I've honestly been considering picking up part time work here and saving up for a month or two worth of rent and get an apartment before I find a job.

I spent the last year applying for advertising, media, video editing, anything related to my field and it's been rough as for everyone else. Chicago is my dream city, I have a good amount of connections there, and it's where I see myself building a career and life.

My new plan is to find some part time service job whether it's retail, food, whatever. I could work 20 hours a week just to make rent, and have my family help with food. Public transit would keep me from spending on gas. Then the rest of the week I'd spend studying, networking, etc.

With summer hitting, does anyone know what places are actually hiring? Any local restaurants you've seen with a for hire sign I can call?

I graduated from college a year ago now, and while I'm on the job hunt, I'm going to spending time increasing my skillset. I've been taking certification courses and doing independent portfolio work along with personal creative projects and freelance. As looking for part time work in Chicago so I can move there to eventually find full time work at an agency

My question is it better to be a generalist or specialist? At ad agencies at least, the brief time I interned a small firm it helped to have a little bit of everything even if I had a primary role. As well with roles in general being merged and expecting more. But sometimes it feels like it dilutes you. Like you can't be a copywriter AND an art director, or a creative AND some with more analytical skills. It feels like on a resume and portfolio you have to choose one and stick with it.

I'm looking to get some part time work JUST to cover rent. Not even food just a basic living situation in a safe neighborhood. This is because I aim to spend the rest of my time working activities to further my long term career goals. I'm thinking I can at least cover rent if I work minimum wage 20 hours a week.

so main thing is where would or should I apply?

I’ve been trying to find some entry points into advertising, media, and entertainment in general. I’ve had some solid internships and experience. Mainly my skills lean pretty great for video editing, content creation, and social media.

I’m trying to get certifications for the more analytical marketing jobs, however I’ve been wanting to pursue art director roles as a possibility. I have some niche graphic design experience but I’ve been getting pretty good at actual art and illustration! I have my art on my portfolio and I want to revamp my website in general but my main question is does actual artistic experience as in illustration and sketching or digital art have any merit in the advertising, media, or entertainment leaning world? Outside of just straight animation/art jobs?