Are customers / print-companies interested in your graphic design degree or your works?

Question

Do they accept you to work for them/produce a particular piece of work according to how high your degree is or whether you have it at all. Or do they rather like to see your previous creations? What if you have studied on your own from books and everything possible, but you don't have a diploma, but you are talented enough and know how to handle a given task to create something? Have you got chances? Are they as good as a qualified person has or does it all depend on where you are applying?

Everything and anything is very important for me!!! Thank you for reading.

Answer 1

I work as a freelance designer, and as such, the subject of my degree, almost, never comes up.

On the other hand, were I to try to get a permanent position as a salaried staff member at a professional studio, the level of education would be one of the FIRST things discussed.

As a freelancer, my clients are buying my work. As an employee, the employer is "buying" the entire person, his personality and his history. The employer needs to have some indication that the "person" would be a good "fit" among the other staff. Background, work experience, education and such are indicators that help the employer make a good decision about placement BEFORE a mistake is made. It may not be the fairest way, for the potential employee, but hiring the wrong person, no matter how talented, can be very costly for a studio or a publisher.

Me, I'm a cantankerous old coot, and I don't get along well with, just, anybody. I don't tolerate fools, for instance, very well, and the workplace abounds in fools at every level. For the sake of harmony (and my peace of mind) I'll sacrafice a regular paycheck for the opportunity to offer my talents for a price.

Answer 2

All they care about is proof you are reliable. A portfolio which impresses people is important, and some objective history of completing work, such as a prior employment record or degree.

In other words, the answer is yes. Customers/ print-companies are interested in your graphic design degree and/or your work. It is certainly possible to get work before you get a degree, but trying to get it instead of a degree is not recommended -- at all -- unless you already have a good rep.