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Sandstorm Student Center: FAQs from Students

Here is a list of the most frequently asked questions from students gathering information about a career in graphic design. If you have a question that you don't see here, ask a designer and we will add your question to our list.

Life as a designer

1. What is a typical day like for a designer?
   First thing every morning is to check email ( I think that is the norm for most office-type jobs nowadays) to see if there is anything pressing that needs to get done immediately. For example, a web site page not working, a proof from the printer that needs to be signed off before going to press, a last minute conference call in 20 minutes, etc.
   
   After "putting out fires" I create my TO DO list. My TO DO list is probably the most important thing I do each day. I easily will have 5-6 projects going at once, and none of them are related. I may be waiting for content for an ad, or need to finish up an illustration, or trouble shoot some html. The challenge is switching from project to project and getting reacquainted each time with the design and what needs to be completed.
   
   I take a good look at my deadlines to create my TO DO list. Those with the shortest deadlines are supposed to come first... but sometimes I can't help it when my creative self is pulling me towards a different project. It's a game of balance. I have to make my deadlines. That's business, and that's how I keep my job and my clients. I can't call in sick and expect the deadline to be excused.
   
   Each day is different. And at the end of each day I somehow can't figure out where the day went. I mean to get so much more work done. And that is when I work late. I often work late. In the design world, it really is feast or famine. You are swamped, then bored.
   
   A "typical" day is a mix of deadlines, diet coke, and consistently pursuing the best creative solution for every type of project, every day. It's fast-paced, and stressful, and wonderful.
   
2. I just started school here and everyone in my small class introduced themselves and said they chose this career path because they love to draw. I was wondering how much drawing is involved in graphic design?
   And I think I will ease your mind and tell you that not all graphic designers can draw. Being able to draw may help from time to time, but it's not necessary to becoming a talented and successful designer. Understanding composition, color theory, typography, and the power of a line is what makes the difference.
   
   Artists tend to gravitate towards graphic design because it's a possible career avenue that utilizes creativity. It's also possible that some of the very talented students (that can draw) may become illustrators in addition to designers.
   
   So fear not -- you don't HAVE to be able to draw, it just might be helpful from time to time. And congrats on your decision to pursue graphic design!
   
3. How do you design for clients that promote beliefs other than your own. For example, if I am a vegetarian how do I design a website for good ol' Micky D?
   This issue has come up two times in my design career.
   
   I was once called to work at an agency on their "cigarette" account. It was great work and even better pay. I don't smoke, nor agree with the advertising directed towards teens. (this was when Joe Cool was still for teens) That day I turned it down and made the decision that I personally couldn't do it.
   
   However, a copywriter I know very well was asked to write the entire web site for a large meat production plant. She is a vegetarian and has been since she was 13. She took the work. When she got to the plant she got the tour of the slaughter house and of the meat production. She then had to spend hours writing about *yummy* meat.
   
   How did she do it? Just like anything else -- she researched her target market, learned about the industry, and took her personal emotion out of the project. When you design for a client, it's for the client, not yourself.
   
   There is a good chance you will be faced with something like this in your design career. There is no right or wrong answer. It's a personal decision. I lost out on a big project and some money, and I have no regrets. And neither does the copywriter I know.
   
4. Where are all the designers over 35?
   Great question! And I have a couple of theories for you:
   
   A) Graphic design has a high burn-out rate. It is fun and exciting work, especially in the beginning. But after awhile, the projects start to feel the same and the deadline is always rush, rush, rush! Imagine designing hundreds of bi-fold brochures in a decade. Or hundreds of logos. Or hundreds of anything for that matter. In addition, the software changes every year and there is always something new to learn. This is what I love about design, but it does get a little exhausting.
   
   B) SO much has changed since the 1980s. The designers that are over 35 used to design without computers. And many of them opted out of the career instead of moving forward in the 1990s. Graphic design has transformed into an entirely different type of career. And think about web design, it wasn’t even a career 10 years ago.
   
   C) Many designers with 20+ years of experience tend to get into middle and upper management. They spend their days in meetings, planning and developing strategies for clients. After a couple of years of management, unless you are self-motivated and keep up your computer skills on your own time, you can quickly discover yourself *out of the market*. Many art directors and creative directors freelance on the side just to keep up with the software and keep their technical skills updated.
   
5. What was your worst day as a designer?
   There is no single worst day, but the worst days are when you notice that your final printed piece, after working on it for a month, has a spelling error that neither you, nor your client, nor your proofreader caught and it's in the headline. Your stomach drops, your heart races, and you realize how human you really are.
   
6. What was your best day as a designer?
   There is no single best day either, but the best days are when your client actually chooses the design concept that you felt was the best solution. It never fails, if you show a concept that you absolutely don't like, your client will be sure to pick it.
   

Design Skills

1. What traits should a graphic designer have to succeed?
   Attention to detail, deadline-oriented, design within budget, sense of humor, inner desire to constantly become a better designer, ability to learn new software as fast as the software changes, professional and positive attitude, ability to take direction and criticism, and natural creative talent...to name a few.
   
2. Is it going to become pretty mandatory for graphic designers to have web skills?
   Web design and print design have a different set of rules, so I hope it never becomes mandatory for print designers to do web design. BUT here's the bottom line. There is fierce competition for design jobs, so employers can pick and choose. The more skills you have under your belt, the more jobs you'll qualify for.
   
   When you add web design skills to your resume, you become more marketable, and a more versatile designer... but notice I didn't say "better" designer. Not all print designers make good web designers, and vise versa.
   
   I definitely believe that you can teach yourself the basics to web design, but web design is much more than photoshop. You must understand how html works, how usability effects navigation, the limits in color and type, etc. Start with this book, "The Non-Designer's Web Book," by Robin Williams. It even has a section on the difference between print and web.
   
   Here's my last thought. If you want to specialize in print, go for it, and understand that you may pass up some jobs now, but will end up with a job that truly interests you that you will excel in.
   
3. I am currently a print designer. How do I get into web design? Can I transfer my skills from print to web?
   I was a print designer many years ago with the same question. I can't tell you how everyone else does it, but this is how I did.
   
   First, I bought a book on basic html and read it maybe 10 times. As I worked full-time, I practiced in the evenings, sometimes until 2 or 3 am. (I got addicted to it). My first animation was this hamburger eating a pickle. I was so thrilled with my baby step, that I became even more motivated to learn more.
   
   I then started buying more books with examples of award winning web sites and studied what common design elements did each site have. The biggest hurdle was learning what my new restrictions were. They are very different than the rules of print. There are good books on basic web design for this.
   
   I know it seems like I just told you to read, but that is what I did, and still do to this day. Just today I bought 2 books, on color. I love to learn and love to read.
   
   It's intimidating at first, but just take it in steps. Don't think you need to learn how to build shopping carts, databases, and secure sites in one week. Once you get comfortable with the basics, take on new challenges.
   

Finding a Design Job

1. How should a student write a resume if they have never had a design job before, especially if they are looking for an internship or entry level position?
   I would make sure you designed the resume, not simply lay it out in word. Use your design skills to make it stand out, and give it some of your personality. In the objective, state that you are looking for an entry level or internship position and that you are very motivated to learn.
   
   Sending out hundreds of resumes is one way to find a job. Another is to network. Get involved in your design community and get to know other local designers in your area. They may be the key to getting you into their company when a position becomes available.
   
   Also, I mention this a lot, but volunteer to do some design work at your favorite non-profit. Non-profits have tons of print and web work that they need help with. This will help you get some real world experience that you can put on your resume. In addition, this really exemplifies your motivation!
   
2. What do you look for in a junior graphic designer?
   Enthusiasm, a solid understanding of basic design principles, and the willingness to learn. The greatest designers with 20+ years experience still recognize that they are constantly learning, and a junior designer should too. I also look for pro-bono work in a portfolio because I like to see that the designer went above and beyond to get some real world work in his/her portfolio.
   
3. What do you immediately dismiss in a junior graphic designer?
   Anyone right out of school that puts on their resume that their title was creative director, when they don't even know what the job responsibilities for a creative director are. If you are freelancing, just say so, it's a great thing. I also always dismiss emailed resumes without a cover letter in the message.
   
4. I feel employers are not giving me the chance to look at my portfolio because of my two year degree. Is there a way I can get in some where with an associates?
   Design jobs are hard to get because there is tons of competition. Thousands of designers are without jobs. You just have to continue to persevere. Just because you don't hear back from an employer doesn't mean that your education is the problem. It could be a ton of different things such as not having the right software skills, or not the right experience in your portfolio.
   
   I would highly recommend an online portfolio if you really want to give yourself a good shot. We rarely meet with candidates to review a portfolio before we have seen something online. Most design firms are under a lot of pressure with a lot of deadlines and they don't have the time to meet everyone.
   
   In addition to an online portfolio, start networking. Join the AIGA, or any other design group and get involved in the design community. That is the #1 way to getting your job and once someone gets to know you personally and sees your enthusiasm and work ethic, your 2 year degree isn't an issue.
   
   Also volunteer to design a direct mail piece or collateral at your favorite non-profit. Get some real world experience and make sure you put your name and contact info on the back of the piece you do for the non-profits. Most of them will gladly let you. This gets you more exposure.
   
5. I wanted to clarify a question regarding e-mailing resumes and cover letters. Is it preferred to put the cover letter inside the e-mail or as an attachment?
   I'd put a shorter version of your cover letter in the body of your email, and the full cover letter in your attachment with your resume. You can never be too professional, and it makes a great first impression.
   

Design Careers

1. I would like to make a career change to graphic design. What is the best way of doing this?
   Making a career change is always a challenge. My best recommendation to start would be to make sure you know the following software programs: Photoshop, Illustrator and Quark (or InDesign - very similar to Quark). These are the basic tools that every graphic designer needs to have in their tool box.
   
   Your next step would be to build a portfolio. A great way to start is to offer to do pro-bono work (which means free) for local charities or non-profits that could really use the help. Most non-profits have tons of print work available such as invitations, brochures, direct mail, etc. In return for your design work, request a few of the final printed samples for your portfolio. This is real world work, and is perfectly acceptable to put in a portfolio. (plus it makes you look good too - for a good cause).
   
   On your resume, I would suggest highlighting skills from your job that could apply to a graphic designer such as project management, time management, multi-tasking abilities, detail oriented, etc.
   
   Lastly, when switching careers, you may have to start at the bottom as a junior designer. This is the hardest part, especially if you have worked for a couple of years and are used to a nice salary. But in the end, if you love what you do, you'll be happier in the long run!
   
2. Do you know of any periodicals or web sites that list ad agencies in the cities?
   In the Midwest, the leading resource for the creative community is definitely The Creative Directory. The Creative Directory lists over 5,000 creative services in the form of a book, and better yet, offers their directory on their website at http://www.creativedir.com/. You may also want to check out: http://www.creativepro.com/
   
3. I am looking to change careers and am wondering what kind of background, education, and training companies such as yours look for in a candidate for employment?
   I can't speak for all design firms, but we look at the individual's portfolio first. If it doesn't exemplify a basic understanding of design principles and *wow* us, then we don't pursue any further than that. We need to see potential in the new designer.
   
   If the portfolio is wow-worthy, then their depth of experience comes next. (and I'm not talking about design experience) I mean work experience, have they worked in healthcare, insurance, retail, etc. Anything that might match a client we already have or an industry we are trying to get into.
   
   We also like to see if they have any project management or people management skills. Anything that would be relevant in a small business. Most design firms are smaller firms, and private, so the type of person we look for is different than what a corporate giant would go after.
   
   If the portfolio is good, they have some good experience, then we look at education. Do they value education? Did they exceed in school? We like over-achievers. Notice we didn't mention software skills. Why? It's assumed you have to have them for graphic design now, no exceptions.
   
4. What are the steps in a creative department from junior graphic designer to the creative director?
   Here are the basic career steps:
   
   Junior Designer
   Senior Designer
   Associate Art Director
   Art Director
   Senior Art Director
   Associate Creative Director
   Creative Director
   Senior Creative Director
   
   However, this largely depends on the company you work for. Some companies have more, and many have less. It is determined based on the overall structure of the organization.

Education & Design

1. I know Photoshop, Illustrator and Quark. What other classes should I take?
   Photoshop, Illustrator and Quark are a great start. Keep in mind that those classes are just the tools to produce the final piece, similar to a hammer, saw and screwdriver. They don’t make you a designer just as I am not a carpenter because I bought a hammer.
   
   I would try to get into some additional classes such as color theory, layout, typography, and basic design principals. I would also recommend getting design magazines such as Big Idea (its free), and HOW magazine (not free, but very good). Get used to looking at professional design for inspiration, and to get your mind used to simply being aware of good design.
   
2. How important is a masters degree in the graphic design field?
   A master's degree will most likely not advance your career as a graphic/web designer, nor ensure that you find a better job. At this time, work experience would expand your overall skills faster than a degree. The general push you feel about obtaining a masters degree is very strong in business, finance, human resources, etc. It isn't in the arts, at least not today. I do forsee it becoming greater in the future, but that is just one prediction of mine.
   
   However, if you have any interest in teaching, a masters degree is a must. My advice to you is to follow your gut. If you want to go to grad school, GO!
   
   Pursuing a masters degree is a personal decision and not everybody pursues one for career reasons. I would like to use myself for an example. I am currently enrolled in an evening program working towards my masters. It's not to find a better job or get a promotion.
   
   I really believe in education and am always looking for ways to improve myself, and had the dream of someday getting my masters degree. Why? Simply put, because I want to. And I have no regrets. Follow your intuition and always strive to do the best you can do.
   
3. What is a graphic designer's job, and what kind of schooling do you need to become one?
   A graphic designer could get a job in multiple areas. Here are a few:
   
   Print design
   Ads, newsletters, logos, business cards, letterhead, brochures, postcards, posters, trade show booth display, sales collateral, etc. (anything printed)
   
   Package design
   Any package from cereal boxes to fruit juices, DVDs and CDs, snowboards, skateboards, surfboards
   
   Web Design
   Web sites, intranets, animated presentations, html emails, programming, development
   
   For education, most companies require a bachelor's degree in graphic design, communication, or fine art. And the basic software applications you need to know are adobe photoshop, illustrator and quark (or adobe indesign). Flash and Dreamweaver are necessary for web design. If you want to go into programming, I would suggest a technical degree.
   
4. How much importance is placed on where one attended university?
   Your portfolio is much more important! If your work is very good, and you picked up all the skills you need to succeed as a designer, then the university you went to did their job.
   
5. I just started school here and everyone in my small class introduced themselves and said they chose this career path because they love to draw. I was wondering how much drawing is involved in graphic design?
   And I think I will ease your mind and tell you that not all graphic designers can draw. Being able to draw may help from time to time, but it's not necessary to becoming a talented and successful designer. Understanding composition, color theory, typography, and the power of a line is what makes the difference.
   
   Artists tend to gravitate towards graphic design because it's a possible career avenue that utilizes creativity. It's also possible that some of the very talented students (that can draw) may become illustrators in addition to designers.
   
   So fear not -- you don't HAVE to be able to draw, it just might be helpful from time to time. And congrats on your decision to pursue graphic design!

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