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How has your experience with being a graphic designer been so far? What process did you have to go through in order to reach this career, and what is the most rewarding thing about it?
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Matt’s Answer
I love my job as a senior product designer.
What process did you have to go through in order to reach this career?
In the beginning, it was just raw curiosity -- I just wanted to make websites and I wanted them to look good.
So I started with side projects and various free work for friends' businesses. I was able to parlay that work to get an entry level job at a start-up. Once you get your foot in the door, it's pretty straight forward.
What is the most rewarding thing about it?
I get to solve problems and collaborate with a bunch of other smart coworkers.
What process did you have to go through in order to reach this career?
In the beginning, it was just raw curiosity -- I just wanted to make websites and I wanted them to look good.
So I started with side projects and various free work for friends' businesses. I was able to parlay that work to get an entry level job at a start-up. Once you get your foot in the door, it's pretty straight forward.
What is the most rewarding thing about it?
I get to solve problems and collaborate with a bunch of other smart coworkers.
Kevin Kohlman
Graphic Designer, Digital Artist and VFX and Motion Designer
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Kevin’s Answer
Hi Michelle, thanks for the question. I am not a graphic designer by trade so I can't speak to how much I enjoy it. I have done a lot of graphic design in my career but it's always been in addition to other tasks. For example, I have done loads of graphic designs for the purposes of using them to create Motion Designs. My skill set is more centered around Motion Design and Post Production Visual Effects work. Often times I create the graphics that I know I want so I can incorporate into final composition. Graphic Design has become SO fragmented in the past 10 years into their own specialties like front end design, social media, print layout work etc. I do love what I do and I think anyone who can obtain a job doing something creative and artistic is way ahead of most people.
My degree isn't in design, it's actually in finance. I got into design after 2008 recession. I am pretty much self taught other than taking a few courses. I have always been somewhat of a computer nerd and learning the software to design came easy for me. I started of designing web content and grew from there. I eventually moved into the motion design side because it peaked my interest. Eventually I started doing only motion design work exclusively and was given some side projects for Warner Bros and Lionsgate for film work. Best advice I could give you is to expose yourself to as many aspects of graphic design as possible so you can get a feel for what you enjoy the most. Once you have enough experience and a portfolio of work under your belt, you can specialize in certain areas. Once you know what type of work you want to do, take in everything you can about that area of design and become a stand out. People that are excellent at what they do are always in demand. Regardless of the area you select remember this.. Sometimes less really is more.. don't be too critical of your own work or try to create perfection because more times than not, you ruin what was already a great design. Additionally, learn to accept criticism with humility because there will always be someone that's overly critical of your work and you need to be able to listen without being too harsh. Lastly, trust your creative vision or gut instinct when it comes to creating a concept for your work.
The most gratifying thing I get from my work has always been the same for me. I get tremendous feeling of accomplishment seeing a finished piece of work that comes out well and obviously, getting positive reactions from others that view my work. The biggest high for me though is seeing completed work on TV and especially in Motion Pictures. That is the ultimate! Good luck to you!
Expose yourself to different types of design
Build a portfolio
Trust your instincts when designing a concept or campaign
Learn to take criticism
My degree isn't in design, it's actually in finance. I got into design after 2008 recession. I am pretty much self taught other than taking a few courses. I have always been somewhat of a computer nerd and learning the software to design came easy for me. I started of designing web content and grew from there. I eventually moved into the motion design side because it peaked my interest. Eventually I started doing only motion design work exclusively and was given some side projects for Warner Bros and Lionsgate for film work. Best advice I could give you is to expose yourself to as many aspects of graphic design as possible so you can get a feel for what you enjoy the most. Once you have enough experience and a portfolio of work under your belt, you can specialize in certain areas. Once you know what type of work you want to do, take in everything you can about that area of design and become a stand out. People that are excellent at what they do are always in demand. Regardless of the area you select remember this.. Sometimes less really is more.. don't be too critical of your own work or try to create perfection because more times than not, you ruin what was already a great design. Additionally, learn to accept criticism with humility because there will always be someone that's overly critical of your work and you need to be able to listen without being too harsh. Lastly, trust your creative vision or gut instinct when it comes to creating a concept for your work.
The most gratifying thing I get from my work has always been the same for me. I get tremendous feeling of accomplishment seeing a finished piece of work that comes out well and obviously, getting positive reactions from others that view my work. The biggest high for me though is seeing completed work on TV and especially in Motion Pictures. That is the ultimate! Good luck to you!
Kevin recommends the following next steps:
Updated
Emily’s Answer
Experience with being a graphic designer:
Hi Michelle! I'm not a graphic designer, but I might be able to add some context around your question from the perspective of a design researcher. I love spending my time working with designers and talking to people to gather feedback on their creations. It's such a great job, and can pay really well, too.
Most rewarding thing:
Working with apps and websites means that user feedback can make a huge difference in the experience of the product, and I feel like I can give a voice to the users when it really helps. (This answers your third question as well. :) )
Process to reach this career:
I believe that working any type of job in the design field requires a strong portfolio that can be accomplished through work both within and outside of formal schooling. If you have the flexibility to start spending time creating designs and art related to areas of interest, I'd really recommend starting sooner rather than later. These early designs can help build your experience and make your portfolio more interesting when you're looking for a job in the future. I'd recommend finding a website or advertisement that you like, and redesigning it for fun! Document your process and share with a few people for feedback. This can really help down the line. IF you decide that college / a degree is worth it to you, then go for it! It won't hurt. There's also the option of a "bootcamp" where you can learn a lot of design skills much quicker than through school.
I personally ended up getting a master's degree in Human-Computer Interaction Design (because my background was completely unrelated to design, and I had a lot that I needed to catch up on). Again, formal schooling isn't necessary for working in this industry - especially if you start practicing now!
Hi Michelle! I'm not a graphic designer, but I might be able to add some context around your question from the perspective of a design researcher. I love spending my time working with designers and talking to people to gather feedback on their creations. It's such a great job, and can pay really well, too.
Most rewarding thing:
Working with apps and websites means that user feedback can make a huge difference in the experience of the product, and I feel like I can give a voice to the users when it really helps. (This answers your third question as well. :) )
Process to reach this career:
I believe that working any type of job in the design field requires a strong portfolio that can be accomplished through work both within and outside of formal schooling. If you have the flexibility to start spending time creating designs and art related to areas of interest, I'd really recommend starting sooner rather than later. These early designs can help build your experience and make your portfolio more interesting when you're looking for a job in the future. I'd recommend finding a website or advertisement that you like, and redesigning it for fun! Document your process and share with a few people for feedback. This can really help down the line. IF you decide that college / a degree is worth it to you, then go for it! It won't hurt. There's also the option of a "bootcamp" where you can learn a lot of design skills much quicker than through school.
I personally ended up getting a master's degree in Human-Computer Interaction Design (because my background was completely unrelated to design, and I had a lot that I needed to catch up on). Again, formal schooling isn't necessary for working in this industry - especially if you start practicing now!
Updated
Taeyoun’s Answer
I am not a graphic designer, but I have work with front-end design and have families and friend that worked in the industry.
The field of graphic design have many sub categories including product designer, front-end developer, game asset creator... etc. Many people branch off from graphic designer to a field of focus their passionate about. So, my suggestion is that you figure out what you want to do specifically and build your portfolio on that topic.
Answer 1) What process did you have to go through:
Many of my friends went through college for art degree (or something similar) to become a graphic designer. However, nowadays it is more important to have a good portfolio as a graphic designer. There are many people who didn't go to college or have a different degree and still get into graphic designing. So, make sure to start building you portfolio early.
Answer 2) What was most rewarding thing:
When I do front-end work, I get excited when my own work get published to the public. I am assuming a lot of people feel excited when they can show their friends and family their hard work. Also, when someone compliments on the design of it.
Create your portfolio (start even if you don't think it is good)
Ask for feedbacks from others and improve on your work
Get experience (start some free work for your people you know)
The field of graphic design have many sub categories including product designer, front-end developer, game asset creator... etc. Many people branch off from graphic designer to a field of focus their passionate about. So, my suggestion is that you figure out what you want to do specifically and build your portfolio on that topic.
Answer 1) What process did you have to go through:
Many of my friends went through college for art degree (or something similar) to become a graphic designer. However, nowadays it is more important to have a good portfolio as a graphic designer. There are many people who didn't go to college or have a different degree and still get into graphic designing. So, make sure to start building you portfolio early.
Answer 2) What was most rewarding thing:
When I do front-end work, I get excited when my own work get published to the public. I am assuming a lot of people feel excited when they can show their friends and family their hard work. Also, when someone compliments on the design of it.
Taeyoun recommends the following next steps: