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?
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?
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?
4. Where are all the designers over 35?
5. What was your worst day as a designer?
6. What was your best day as a designer?

Design Skills

1. What traits should a graphic designer have to succeed?
2. Is it going to become pretty mandatory for graphic designers to have web skills?
3. I am currently a print designer. How do I get into web design? Can I transfer my skills from print to web?

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?
2. What do you look for in a junior graphic designer?
3. What do you immediately dismiss in a junior graphic designer?
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?
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?
   
   

Design Careers

1. I would like to make a career change to graphic design. What is the best way of doing this?
2. Do you know of any periodicals or web sites that list ad agencies in the cities?
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?
4. What are the steps in a creative department from junior graphic designer to the creative director?

Education & Design

1. I know Photoshop, Illustrator and Quark. What other classes should I take?
2. How important is a masters degree in the graphic design field?
3. What is a graphic designer's job, and what kind of schooling do you need to become one?
4. How much importance is placed on where one attended university?