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[ starting out in graphic design ] |
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home > the drawing board > starting out in graphic design
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Dear student or fellow graphic designer:
Graphic design students and other people new to graphic design frequently ask me for information about working in the graphic design field. I unfortunately am not able to give the special attention that I would like to each inquiry. Following are questions that I am commonly asked and my responses. I hope that these answers address the questions you may have. You may only use this information for your reference or as part of your graphic design class assignment. Do not distribute, publish, or sell this information, in whole or in part, for any other purpose. But feel free to refer others to this webpage (http://www.robinsdesign.com/b_starting_out.html) if they are interested in information on becoming a graphic designer, as well as the other graphic design information we provide on our web site. Good luck with your course work or your new career. Sincerely, Vickie Robins Owner, Robins Design recommend this bookmark this Q&A - becoming a graphic designer What advice do you have for someone who is thinking about starting a business at home as a graphic designer? I worked from home during my first year in business, but I quickly moved the operation to a studio in a business complex. If you are serious about starting a business, I recommend that you get a studio as soon as you can. Although there are a few cost-saving advantages to working at home, there are many major disadvantages that will hinder your business. Most importantly, you are in business, and you want the respect and credibility of being an established and professional company. Get a business license and bank account, put your regular workers on payroll, list your business in the telephone directory, etc. Graphic design is all about image and communication. Think about what kind of image you want to communicate about your company to your clients. What classes should I be taking? What skills, qualifications, and experience does an employer look for in a graphic designer? What are the employment opportunities like for graphic designers in your area? Look for classes that cover the area of design that you would like to get into, i.e. multimedia design. In addition to learning skills specific to the area of design that you have decided on, you may also need classes that teach you how to use Quark XPress, PageMaker, InDesign, PhotoShop, Illustrator, Microsoft Word, and email; lessons about trapping and color separation; and how to prepare files for service bureaus and printers (a book on the subject: Getting It Printed: How to Work with Printers and Graphic Imaging Services). There are some online schools and training cd-roms that are beneficial for refresher courses, keeping up with new methods, or supplementing the courses you're already taking. It's also good to know about the Internet. Even if you don't plan to get into Web design, you can do research for projects on the Web. I also believe in knowing how to do things "the old way," before computers. It's knowledge that is useful for understanding the processes better. You will need to be able to conceptualize, be detail-oriented, and be able to easily work with others. The amount of experience that you need depends on whether the companies you approach for employment are willing to train or want someone who can jump right in. Most of the large corporations have in-house design departments that offer junior- and senior-level positions. These companies also use independent contractors for special projects. Several of the small design studios in the San Francisco Bay Area have a lot of work to contract out, but are seeking people who are already very experienced. They want designers who can meet tight deadlines and can handle stress. Design studios and corporations with their own art departments are concentrated in the Bay Area, and I'm sure that there is a need for designers who are just starting out as well as experienced designers. (Also see our "graphic design degrees and qualifications" webpage and employment articles.) If you plan to work independently, your clients will be looking to you for your expertise. Your portfolio and presentation will need to show that you know what you're doing. Your reputation will be very important. When looking for an assistant, I was seeking someone who had the following capabilities: - good design sense and fresh ideas - conceptual skills - basic knowledge of the graphics software that I use - can interact easily with clients and associates, and willing to do so - client-service oriented - can handle stress - pays attention to detail - good vocabulary/spelling skills - good at catching errors - understands the importance of meeting deadlines Although my assistant didn't have much experience with the programs that I use, she is computer-literate and learns very fast. It was more important to me that she is artistic and conceptual, and works well with my clients.  How can I land a graphic design job with a magazine?There is an excellent reference that is published annually that tells you how to get an interview with design studios, art directors, book publishers, magazines, etc., and contains other valuable information. It's called "Artist's & Graphic Designer's Market: Where and How to Sell Your Illustrations, Fine Art, Graphic Designs & Cartoons." I recommend that you go to Amazon.com and order it. You won't regret it. Is your job stressful? Even with all the planning and scheduling, it can be stressful at times. There are often unexpected problems or rush jobs. We try to schedule work to fit within normal business hours, but occasionally we may have to work late or weekends. Do you work alone or with a group? If you work independently, how do you get your clients? Our team consists of the lead designer (myself), a design assistant, and a business development manager. We work with associate designers in teaming arrangements or as a subcontractor. We job out to subcontractors when necessary. I began operating Robins Design in 1992 through referrals from other graphic designers. Our reputation with our existing clients has helped us to continue receiving 75% of our work through referrals. Our telephone directory ad brings 5% of our work, and the rest is through low-key marketing. How many hours per week do you work? My hours vary from 30 to 40 hours per week working on projects, with an additional 5 to 10 hours spent on administrative and marketing tasks. My assistant is part-time, working 10 to 20 hours a week as needed. |
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 download a free PDF file of a shortened version of this graphic design Q&A |
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 FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Please see our FAQ page for answers to general questions asked by our clients and website visitors. Our Graphic Design News and Tips page includes helpful graphic design project tips. Our Graphic Design or Illustration sections also contain useful resources. Also, we list many services and products that may be of interest to students in a section we call the Students Center. For a list of books on a career in graphic design, see our Graphic Design Jobs / Graphic Design Career book page. |
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[ starting out in graphic design ] |
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