Design Career Guide: Questions from a design-curious student

Recently, a student reached out to me with some thoughtful questions about what it’s like to be a graphic designer. While these questions came from someone just starting to explore the field, I realized they touch on topics that could be helpful to anyone considering a career in design—whether you’re a student, a career-changer, or simply curious about the profession.

Career Basics

What is your job title?

I am a Professor of Graphic Design at Shawnee State University and an occasional freelance graphic designer. For this Q&A, I’ll focus on my experiences as a graphic designer. Although I now work part-time as a freelance designer, I have at times been employed as a full-time designer and, for a short time, ran a small agency where I worked as a designer/manager full time.

If you go on to research graphic design, you should broaden the search to other commercial arts including illustration, art direction, digital design, web design, and others.

What are the duties and responsibilities of your job?

As a graphic designer, my main job is to make ideas and information more accessible through the use of visual design. Practically speaking, this means creating things like logos, websites, brochures, posters, and more. It also involves managing projects, meeting with clients to understand their needs, and making sure the final design matches their vision. Collaboration is a big part of the job — I often work with writers, photographers, animators, and developers.

How many hours per day or week do you work? Do you work shifts?

Graphic design, in my experience, doesn’t follow a typical shift schedule. A full-time designer usually works around 40 hours a week, though this can go up considerably during busy times or big deadlines and slow down between projects. When I worked as an employee, I worked a typical 9 to 5 shift like most information workers. Freelance designers have more flexible hours, which is great if you enjoy setting your own schedule, but it can also mean an unpredictable workload. While freelancing offers freedom and higher earning potential, full-time employment provides stability, especially early in your career.

Key Takeaways

Professional Journey

Can you tell me about your background and how you got into this field?

I’ve always loved art and creativity — drawing was one of my favorite activities as a kid. I still draw though I don’t usually incorporate that into my profession. My interest in drawing led me in a crooked line to study graphic design in college, where I gained foundational skills. I started building experience through internships and freelance projects, which helped me land my first full-time job not long after graduation as a designer for a hospital. Later, I returned to freelancing for the flexibility and opportunities to earn more. Over time, I built a stronger portfolio and a broader network, which opened doors to bigger projects and clients.

What training have you completed since starting the job?

Graphic design is always evolving, so staying current is important. I’ve taken workshops, learned new tools, and kept up with trends like social media design. When I graduated college, the internet was a relatively new field for designers so I taught myself HTML and CSS, the building blocks of web design, through books and practice, which has been useful as that is where a lot of my projects are now. Most of my post-graduate training has been informal, through online resources and work experience.

What education or training is needed for this occupation?

Most graphic designers have a degree in graphic design or a related field, which I think is a great starting point. Learning industry-standard software like Figma, Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign is crucial. Beyond education, internships and freelance projects are excellent for building real-world experience and creating a portfolio to showcase your work.

Key Takeaways

Job Realities

What do you like the most about your work?

The best part is the creativity and flexibility. Every project is unique, and it’s so rewarding to make something that not only looks great but also serves a purpose. I love problem-solving and figuring out how to visually communicate ideas in interesting ways. Seeing my work out in the world is incredibly satisfying. I also really enjoy the time flexibility I have now, though that’s something that usually comes later in your career. That doesn’t mean I work less necessarily, just that I work at the times it suites me best.

What do you like the least about your work?

Managing client expectations can be challenging. Some clients aren’t sure what they want, which can lead to extra back-and-forth. It can also be tough when clients undervalue the time and effort that goes into design. I’ve mostly learned how to guide clients through the process, which makes these challenges easier to manage.

What personal characteristics are required for someone to be successful in this job?

As a graphic designer honestly the only skill you really need is an interest in dealing with the problems that graphic design solves. That may sound a little dismissive but there are all types of designers. Some of the most talented designers I know are not the most financially successful designers I know. There are all types. What has been useful to me has been creativity, attention to detail, and adaptability. Problem-solving has been a big part of my experience with the job, so curiosity and a willingness to experiment have been helpful.

Key Takeaways

Future Outlook

Is there a steady demand for workers in this field?

Yes, there’s steady demand, especially for designers who focus on digital and web design. While tools and trends evolve, the need for creative visual communication remains constant. Freelancers may experience ups and downs in workload, but a strong reputation and good networking can help ensure stability.

Current Industry Statistics (BLS)

The distinction between these roles is becoming increasingly blurred, as most designers work digitally regardless of final output. While print design remains important, particularly in publishing, the best opportunities typically involve designing for screens.

How might this job change in the future?

AI and automation are already changing parts of the design process. In the future, designers may focus more on strategy, creativity, and managing these tools instead of relying solely on technical skills. Digital and interactive design will likely grow to be even more important.

What other jobs could you do with the skills/education you have gained in this field?

Graphic design skills can lead to careers in marketing, user experience (UX) design, web development, or art direction. Further abroad, many designers move into leadership roles or start their own businesses. The combination of communication and problem-solving skills you develop as a designer opens doors to a wide range of opportunities.

Key Takeaways

Getting Started

What should people do to get started in this career?

Start with a good foundation in design principles and software. A college program can help set you up for success. Build a portfolio that highlights your best work, even if it’s from personal or school projects. Internships and freelance opportunities are great for gaining experience and meeting people in the industry.

How are new employees hired for this position?

Most designers are hired based on their portfolio, resume, and an interview. Networking and having a professional online presence, like a portfolio website or LinkedIn profile, can help. For corporate positions, having a degree is usually a requirement, while freelancers rely more on their portfolio and ability to market their services.

Is there any information that you would’ve wanted when you first started?

I wish I had known more about the business side of design, like how to price projects, write contracts, and handle clients effectively. I also didn’t fully realize the importance of building a professional network and staying adaptable to new trends. These are things I’ve learned over time but would have been helpful to know from the start.

Key Takeaways

Further Resources

Industry Organizations

Portfolio Building Tools