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What happens if you don’t meet a deadline? Is it difficult to get a job as a Graphic Designer?
I am in high school and want to become a Graphic Designer. #graphic-designer #high-school #career
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4 answers
Updated
Thomas "TC"’s Answer
Karen,
howdy. These questions are kind of backwards chronologically, as you must get hired first to be in a deadline situation. But no matter.. "graphic designer" is a very broad term. There is a huge market for various types of design. One of the best ways to increase your odds of finding a graphic design-related job is to expand upon the job titles you’re seeking out. There are several career options other than “graphic designer” to consider. Try expanding your search with these design-heavy job titles:
User experience (UX) designer
Have you ever visited a website that just felt clunky? There’s an entire field dedicated to avoiding just that! Even if you like the content of the site, a bad user experience can make you think less of the people who own the site. As a UX designer, your job is to prevent this from happening. You want to ensure that when a user clicks or scrolls through a platform, it is as seamless and on-brand as possible.
This position will include things like interviewing users, creating personas, and testing prototypes, but also involves a fair amount of design. After all, the look and feel of an app or website is vital to its success. It should be noted that many UX design positions will require front-end web development skills—so you’ll likely want to brush up before applying.
Production artist
In some ways, a production artist is like the proofreader of the design world. As the primary executors of design work, their role is to carry out a creative vision while ensuring it fits desired specifications. Is the resolution correct? How about the balance? The file type? While responsibilities may vary depending on the employer, this role is generally focused more on the execution of a design more than the brainstorming and overall setting of creative direction. Even if you have long-term ambitions for developing overall creative concepts, this role provides an excellent opportunity to build experience and connections with other design professionals.
Art director
Though this position will require some years of experience in the field, it is a good option to be aware of moving forward. An art director is in charge of overseeing the entire design process. From the initial creative concept to delegating tasks, this job will allow you to put your hand in a variety of graphic design roles.
Tips for finding a graphic design job
Looking to boost your chances of landing a graphic design job? You’ll want to try the following:
1. Start freelancing
Big or small, freelance work is one of the best ways to build your design portfolio, gain experience and make connections with design professionals. Some benefits of freelancing include:
Exposure to work in a new industry
Freelancing can do a lot for your career. Not only will it bolster your portfolio, but it can also inspire you to pursue graphic design opportunities in an industry you’d never thought of before. How about designing product labels for a health foods store? Whipping up brochures for a local nonprofit? By taking on freelance work, you may run into projects that spark a new passion in your job search—complete with connections to that field.
Making agency connections
Freelancing is a great way for you to make a meaningful impression on advertising or marketing agencies who work with a wide variety of clients. Agency work often runs hot and cold—and freelancers are often called in to help out when client workloads spike.
These employers often turn to freelancers to see what a designer is capable of without the risk of bringing on a new full-time employee.
Though not every freelance project will come with this possibility, don’t be afraid to tell a freelance employer that you are looking for a full-time gig. Remember, employers are not mind readers—for all they know you could be perfectly happy freelancing, so speak up. Even if they don’t have a job opening available right at this moment, they could be looking for help later down the line.
Freelancing could become your full-time job
Once you do a little freelancing, you might find you actually love it—being able to set your own hours, pursue your own clients. It may be unpredictable at first, but some graphic designers choose to go freelance full time.
Looking for a starting point? You can start building your freelance portfolio by visiting these project finder websites:
Fiverr
Awesomeweb
99designs
2. Join a design community
Finding a job is so much more than just combing the internet for listings. There could be thousands of jobs, but if you don’t know where to start, it won’t matter. By getting involved with a design community, you could find the encouragement and direction you need.
These communities can provide a ton of valuable information like job search advice and constructive critiques of your work. They could even help give you an inside track to job opportunities that aren’t advertised publicly. Even if this approach doesn’t lead directly to employment, seeing the work of others and staying connected with a community of designers will help keep you inspired and motivated on your search.
If you want to connect with other designers, start by checking out one of these communities:
The American Institute for Graphic Arts (AIGA): This is one of the largest design communities out there, but they offer local chapters and events to stay connected as well as many helpful resources for designers.
The Graphic Design Subreddit: From inspiring examples to tips and tricks, this is a great place to reach out to other designers about questions you might have. Remember to read the rules and FAQs before asking, though.
Graphic Design GoTo: This private Facebook group is for designers in search of work, community and design resources.
3. Pursue formal education
If you’ve started your job search as a self-taught graphic designer with no college degree, you might be running into issues. No matter whether you think it’s fair or not, employers value candidates with a degree. We used job posting analysis software to review over 53,000 graphic design job postings and found that 78 percent preferred candidates with a Bachelor’s degree at a minimum.1 Remember, employers are risk-averse and are often strapped for time—if two candidates with similar portfolios apply for a job, a degree can be an easy tie-breaker factor for a candidate as it shows they’re invested in the role.
Not only will an education in graphic design increase your skills and provide some proof of your abilities, but it will also provide you with an excellent networking starting point. It’s no secret networking can be pretty awkward. But, if you already have something in common with those connections—like the school you went to—the process can be so much easier.
From your professors to the alumni, a college education can connect you with a community of people that could provide you with an inside track for employment. Many organizations like to lean on their employees for referrals, which means they will often have a few candidates lined up before a job posting is even visible on their site. The more connections you can make, the better your chances of finding these under-the-radar openings.
Start doing what you love
A job search can be tough no matter what profession you’re in. But just remember: You’re on the path to doing something you truly enjoy. Even though you might feel stuck, there are steps you can take to find the job you want—and once you find it, there are steps you can take to get it.
Looking for more advice as you ramp up your graphic design job search? Check out our article “7 Practical Graphic Design Portfolio Tips for Students.”
Deadlines: don't miss them is a good approach, lol. Sometimes you will need input that isn't readily avalibale or comes late, and this is not your fault. Communication is the key with team/boss/client. Move your "deadline" to 2 days before the actual timeframe to give yourself a cushion.
All the best,
Thomas
howdy. These questions are kind of backwards chronologically, as you must get hired first to be in a deadline situation. But no matter.. "graphic designer" is a very broad term. There is a huge market for various types of design. One of the best ways to increase your odds of finding a graphic design-related job is to expand upon the job titles you’re seeking out. There are several career options other than “graphic designer” to consider. Try expanding your search with these design-heavy job titles:
User experience (UX) designer
Have you ever visited a website that just felt clunky? There’s an entire field dedicated to avoiding just that! Even if you like the content of the site, a bad user experience can make you think less of the people who own the site. As a UX designer, your job is to prevent this from happening. You want to ensure that when a user clicks or scrolls through a platform, it is as seamless and on-brand as possible.
This position will include things like interviewing users, creating personas, and testing prototypes, but also involves a fair amount of design. After all, the look and feel of an app or website is vital to its success. It should be noted that many UX design positions will require front-end web development skills—so you’ll likely want to brush up before applying.
Production artist
In some ways, a production artist is like the proofreader of the design world. As the primary executors of design work, their role is to carry out a creative vision while ensuring it fits desired specifications. Is the resolution correct? How about the balance? The file type? While responsibilities may vary depending on the employer, this role is generally focused more on the execution of a design more than the brainstorming and overall setting of creative direction. Even if you have long-term ambitions for developing overall creative concepts, this role provides an excellent opportunity to build experience and connections with other design professionals.
Art director
Though this position will require some years of experience in the field, it is a good option to be aware of moving forward. An art director is in charge of overseeing the entire design process. From the initial creative concept to delegating tasks, this job will allow you to put your hand in a variety of graphic design roles.
Tips for finding a graphic design job
Looking to boost your chances of landing a graphic design job? You’ll want to try the following:
1. Start freelancing
Big or small, freelance work is one of the best ways to build your design portfolio, gain experience and make connections with design professionals. Some benefits of freelancing include:
Exposure to work in a new industry
Freelancing can do a lot for your career. Not only will it bolster your portfolio, but it can also inspire you to pursue graphic design opportunities in an industry you’d never thought of before. How about designing product labels for a health foods store? Whipping up brochures for a local nonprofit? By taking on freelance work, you may run into projects that spark a new passion in your job search—complete with connections to that field.
Making agency connections
Freelancing is a great way for you to make a meaningful impression on advertising or marketing agencies who work with a wide variety of clients. Agency work often runs hot and cold—and freelancers are often called in to help out when client workloads spike.
These employers often turn to freelancers to see what a designer is capable of without the risk of bringing on a new full-time employee.
Though not every freelance project will come with this possibility, don’t be afraid to tell a freelance employer that you are looking for a full-time gig. Remember, employers are not mind readers—for all they know you could be perfectly happy freelancing, so speak up. Even if they don’t have a job opening available right at this moment, they could be looking for help later down the line.
Freelancing could become your full-time job
Once you do a little freelancing, you might find you actually love it—being able to set your own hours, pursue your own clients. It may be unpredictable at first, but some graphic designers choose to go freelance full time.
Looking for a starting point? You can start building your freelance portfolio by visiting these project finder websites:
Fiverr
Awesomeweb
99designs
2. Join a design community
Finding a job is so much more than just combing the internet for listings. There could be thousands of jobs, but if you don’t know where to start, it won’t matter. By getting involved with a design community, you could find the encouragement and direction you need.
These communities can provide a ton of valuable information like job search advice and constructive critiques of your work. They could even help give you an inside track to job opportunities that aren’t advertised publicly. Even if this approach doesn’t lead directly to employment, seeing the work of others and staying connected with a community of designers will help keep you inspired and motivated on your search.
If you want to connect with other designers, start by checking out one of these communities:
The American Institute for Graphic Arts (AIGA): This is one of the largest design communities out there, but they offer local chapters and events to stay connected as well as many helpful resources for designers.
The Graphic Design Subreddit: From inspiring examples to tips and tricks, this is a great place to reach out to other designers about questions you might have. Remember to read the rules and FAQs before asking, though.
Graphic Design GoTo: This private Facebook group is for designers in search of work, community and design resources.
3. Pursue formal education
If you’ve started your job search as a self-taught graphic designer with no college degree, you might be running into issues. No matter whether you think it’s fair or not, employers value candidates with a degree. We used job posting analysis software to review over 53,000 graphic design job postings and found that 78 percent preferred candidates with a Bachelor’s degree at a minimum.1 Remember, employers are risk-averse and are often strapped for time—if two candidates with similar portfolios apply for a job, a degree can be an easy tie-breaker factor for a candidate as it shows they’re invested in the role.
Not only will an education in graphic design increase your skills and provide some proof of your abilities, but it will also provide you with an excellent networking starting point. It’s no secret networking can be pretty awkward. But, if you already have something in common with those connections—like the school you went to—the process can be so much easier.
From your professors to the alumni, a college education can connect you with a community of people that could provide you with an inside track for employment. Many organizations like to lean on their employees for referrals, which means they will often have a few candidates lined up before a job posting is even visible on their site. The more connections you can make, the better your chances of finding these under-the-radar openings.
Start doing what you love
A job search can be tough no matter what profession you’re in. But just remember: You’re on the path to doing something you truly enjoy. Even though you might feel stuck, there are steps you can take to find the job you want—and once you find it, there are steps you can take to get it.
Looking for more advice as you ramp up your graphic design job search? Check out our article “7 Practical Graphic Design Portfolio Tips for Students.”
Deadlines: don't miss them is a good approach, lol. Sometimes you will need input that isn't readily avalibale or comes late, and this is not your fault. Communication is the key with team/boss/client. Move your "deadline" to 2 days before the actual timeframe to give yourself a cushion.
All the best,
Thomas
Updated
Peggy’s Answer
Hi Karen,
I can answer your first question.
I am an experienced project manager who define/negotiate/manage/drive all kinds of deadline. My key responsibility is to make sure no one miss deadline and impact overall schedule.
Be honest, most of time 99.99%, 1 person miss 1 deadline, is not the end of the world. It happens all the time every day, and that’s why we have PM role in all industry nowadays.
There are some things you need to know about miss deadline.
1. Miss deadline impact your reputation. This is about you. How your team/boss/customer see you and think about you.
2. Miss deadline means someone else got to do something extra or shorten their time. This is not only about yourself; your delay impacts the whole team.
There are some tips to prevent and deal with miss deadline.
1. Be honest about your capability and capacity. Don’t take to many jobs at same time.
2. Don’t commit to very aggressive schedule, always negotiate, and talk through the whole plan with team. A lot of time, your delay is not your fault.
Example:
I need A, B, C ready BEFORE my work start. I need to use D, E, F resource DURING my work, please reserve resource. My average working hour is xxx, because this is unique/difficult on yyy area, so I feel there is a chance, working hour will increase to zzz. I’ll do my best to keep on XXX, and I will keep you posted on my status.
3. Call help/Give heads up BEFORE you miss deadline.
THIS IS SUPER IMPORTANT. Once you “feel” your deadline is in risk, call help and inform related team—someone in your downstream team, your peer/boss/customer/PM…etc.
There are few scenarios.
A) they tell you, it’s fine, you can have extra 2 days.
B) they pull more resource to help you.
C) they help to escalate, and let you get you want immediately.
D) they accept the facts, your task will delay, and start to adjust the following task. The goal is not to impact project deliver day, or customer.
If you remember on above 3 points, even you delay, you will be fine. It even won’t impact your reputation. Because everyone understands what take you so long, and what is gating your task, most important of all, team can take action to keep next milestone to mitigate the situation.
Hope it helps.
Peggy
I can answer your first question.
I am an experienced project manager who define/negotiate/manage/drive all kinds of deadline. My key responsibility is to make sure no one miss deadline and impact overall schedule.
Be honest, most of time 99.99%, 1 person miss 1 deadline, is not the end of the world. It happens all the time every day, and that’s why we have PM role in all industry nowadays.
There are some things you need to know about miss deadline.
1. Miss deadline impact your reputation. This is about you. How your team/boss/customer see you and think about you.
2. Miss deadline means someone else got to do something extra or shorten their time. This is not only about yourself; your delay impacts the whole team.
There are some tips to prevent and deal with miss deadline.
1. Be honest about your capability and capacity. Don’t take to many jobs at same time.
2. Don’t commit to very aggressive schedule, always negotiate, and talk through the whole plan with team. A lot of time, your delay is not your fault.
Example:
I need A, B, C ready BEFORE my work start. I need to use D, E, F resource DURING my work, please reserve resource. My average working hour is xxx, because this is unique/difficult on yyy area, so I feel there is a chance, working hour will increase to zzz. I’ll do my best to keep on XXX, and I will keep you posted on my status.
3. Call help/Give heads up BEFORE you miss deadline.
THIS IS SUPER IMPORTANT. Once you “feel” your deadline is in risk, call help and inform related team—someone in your downstream team, your peer/boss/customer/PM…etc.
There are few scenarios.
A) they tell you, it’s fine, you can have extra 2 days.
B) they pull more resource to help you.
C) they help to escalate, and let you get you want immediately.
D) they accept the facts, your task will delay, and start to adjust the following task. The goal is not to impact project deliver day, or customer.
If you remember on above 3 points, even you delay, you will be fine. It even won’t impact your reputation. Because everyone understands what take you so long, and what is gating your task, most important of all, team can take action to keep next milestone to mitigate the situation.
Hope it helps.
Peggy
Updated
Stephen’s Answer
Hi,
1. Don't miss a deadline.
If you agree to a deadline that you later realize you can't meet, you must let the client know as soon as possible. They are relying upon you, and they may suffer serious consequences if you fail to meet the deadline.
* Avoid making promises that you can't keep by pausing to assess the situation before you agree to a deadline.
* If the client changes details of the work after you begin, and they effect the deadline, you must tell the client immediately.
* No one wants to hire someone who doesn't keep their promises.
2. Graphic design is a growing field, especially with the continued growth of online communications. For this reason, learning how to design for online applications would give you many more opportunities than if you don't. Ethan and Thomas gave you great detailed answers, and I'll give you a very condensed approach that I think will be productive for you:
* Do graphic design—everyday if you can. Make up your own assignments.
* Have a portfolio site and let people know about your work.
* Be prepared to do the work, and to say "Yes" when you are given opportunities.
* Every assignment is an opportunity, regardless of what you may think of it.
* Keep your mind open to learn everything that you can in and about the world. The best designers that I have known have also been some of the smartest, most knowledgeable people that I have known.
Because I followed this approach, I did design for Michael Jackson, David Bowie, Prince and literally hundreds of other musicians. I did design for Swatch Watch, The Treasury Department, The IRS and many global pharmaceutical and financial companies. And many more. I don't say this to brag, but to let you know that designing is designing is designing—regardless of the client. Don't modulate your interest in an assignment by what you think of it. You will be known by your work, and you can't blame the client for the quality of the work that you do. That is up to you.
I wish you the best. Graphic design gave me a wonderful life!
1. Don't miss a deadline.
If you agree to a deadline that you later realize you can't meet, you must let the client know as soon as possible. They are relying upon you, and they may suffer serious consequences if you fail to meet the deadline.
* Avoid making promises that you can't keep by pausing to assess the situation before you agree to a deadline.
* If the client changes details of the work after you begin, and they effect the deadline, you must tell the client immediately.
* No one wants to hire someone who doesn't keep their promises.
2. Graphic design is a growing field, especially with the continued growth of online communications. For this reason, learning how to design for online applications would give you many more opportunities than if you don't. Ethan and Thomas gave you great detailed answers, and I'll give you a very condensed approach that I think will be productive for you:
* Do graphic design—everyday if you can. Make up your own assignments.
* Have a portfolio site and let people know about your work.
* Be prepared to do the work, and to say "Yes" when you are given opportunities.
* Every assignment is an opportunity, regardless of what you may think of it.
* Keep your mind open to learn everything that you can in and about the world. The best designers that I have known have also been some of the smartest, most knowledgeable people that I have known.
Because I followed this approach, I did design for Michael Jackson, David Bowie, Prince and literally hundreds of other musicians. I did design for Swatch Watch, The Treasury Department, The IRS and many global pharmaceutical and financial companies. And many more. I don't say this to brag, but to let you know that designing is designing is designing—regardless of the client. Don't modulate your interest in an assignment by what you think of it. You will be known by your work, and you can't blame the client for the quality of the work that you do. That is up to you.
I wish you the best. Graphic design gave me a wonderful life!
Updated
Ethan’s Answer
Hi Karen,
In terms of meeting deadlines, you have to ask yourself if you can even get the graphic done in the time that the clients wishes to get the graphic by. If you don't meet a deadline, then it will definitely not be the greatest look for you (for anyone who doesn't meet deadlines it's not a good look), but it is assumed you won't meet the deadlines if either something comes up, or you might have just given yourself a full plate. If you think you will not be able to complete a graphic by a specific deadline, reach out to the client to see if there is any possibility to receive an extension, or you might have to let them know that you cannot get it done in time. Another tip would be to go ahead and practice your time management so you can make sure that you are slowly making process on your designs gradually.
In terms of becoming a graphic designer, go ahead and start developing your portfolio! Volunteer to create graphics for any clubs you are in, or if you are part of any local organizations, volunteer to make advertising for events and programs to have work under your belt. Also get your practice in graphic design applications (adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, or ProCreate) and YouTube has so many tutorials to really let you hone your craft.
I hope this helps!
In terms of meeting deadlines, you have to ask yourself if you can even get the graphic done in the time that the clients wishes to get the graphic by. If you don't meet a deadline, then it will definitely not be the greatest look for you (for anyone who doesn't meet deadlines it's not a good look), but it is assumed you won't meet the deadlines if either something comes up, or you might have just given yourself a full plate. If you think you will not be able to complete a graphic by a specific deadline, reach out to the client to see if there is any possibility to receive an extension, or you might have to let them know that you cannot get it done in time. Another tip would be to go ahead and practice your time management so you can make sure that you are slowly making process on your designs gradually.
In terms of becoming a graphic designer, go ahead and start developing your portfolio! Volunteer to create graphics for any clubs you are in, or if you are part of any local organizations, volunteer to make advertising for events and programs to have work under your belt. Also get your practice in graphic design applications (adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, or ProCreate) and YouTube has so many tutorials to really let you hone your craft.
I hope this helps!