What's it like being a Graphic Designer?

Question

What exactly do you do?

Requirements?

Is the pay fairly well or is it always up and down?



Any extra additional information about being a Graphic Designer would be wonderful!

Answer 1

As a freelancer, I find it to be a very hard grind. My business ends up being over 50% SALES, about 20% other business matters like taxes, accounting, collections etc. That leaves only about 1/3 of my time devoted to creating artwork.

I don't have a LOT of clients with large budgets, so, I spend a lot of time on creating flyers, small newspaper display ads, cartoons and charicatures and doing the party circuit. Some photo work and designing educational curriculum, which is mosty page layouts and placing of clip art. When times are lean, I take on assignments like technical writing, editing and even envelope stuffing.

A couple of times a year, I have to create an expensive self-promotional campaign, which would include brochures, flyers, postcards and mailings. There are a LOT of designers out there, and I want my potential clients to have me fresh on their minds.

My fees, (which are almost always based on an hourly rate) range from $25 an hour, (for a simple single page layout) to over $90 an hour for a complex and detailed illustration. I have also done Tee shirt airbrushing at craft fairs, with some stenciled designs selling for $25 and some going for over $50. Most of those fairs are profitable, but awfully HARD work with long hours.

Income varies from over $100 K per year, to under 30. It is a rare year where I don't have to get a job to supplement my income.

What keeps me going is a passion for my work, and a curiosity about the newest technologies in the field. There have been days when I get out of bed and straight to my studio/computer room, still practially nakies, and find myself, ten hour later, realizing that I worked nonstop, without eating.

I ask myself if I'd rather work in someone else's studio. The answer is "almost" alway an unhesitant, "No!" (except when money's tight)

Answer 2

It's competitive.

You'll have a lot of competition to get a job, and when you get a job, you'll have to remain fresh and focused on your designs.

You can't rest on your laurels. Ever!

Just like being a pro-athlete in some sense. If you ever listen to any pro, they'll tell you that they practice like crazy.

You'll have to do the same to stay employed.

As you get older and more experienced, you'll have to compete with kids fresh out of design school who can do what you do at half the cost.

The pay varies. It can pay well, or it can suck.

Your best bet is to get into a company that really needs an on-hand graphic designer. Make sure the company is stable, and you feel comfortable working there.

You'll also need a means to keep your creativity charged.

Oh, and you'll have to sell your imagination for profit. Many clients aren't terribly imaginative. You will do things you consider crap just so you can pay the rent.

OK, that's the bad news.

The good news is you'll be able to do things that few people get to do. Have fun at work. It's great to see how your designs come to fruition.

So, it's not sunshine and roses.

It's work. You'll have to be thick skinned, focused on your game, and tenacious.

Good luck.

Answer 3

All of the answers to your questions can be found in the U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook.

It's great to have a career that is like a hobby. It's fun and challenging. I've gotten to work with some of the most creative, intelligent and interesting people. But it can be hectic and stressful because of deadlines, having to try to accomplish many things at the same time, etc.

Answer 4

my lovely and talented wife is a graphic designer and she is crazy, as are all the other graphic designers i know...but then all the artists in general that i know and i include myself in that gang...are quite beside ourselves.
the pay can be o.k. sometimes and sometimes it can really be a downer.
to get a job as such one must learn how to kiss hiney (like anyother job)
it helps to have a sense of artistic ballance.