Any graphic designers here?

Hi Caitlin,

Great choice of careers! I have a BFA in Studio Art (Visual Communications), and I've been a working design professional for over 30 years. The best thing about graphic design for me is coming up with interesting visual solutions to various problems. It's kind of like solving a puzzle where you're given certain pieces (eg., job parameters), and you get to make the final picture (with input from others).

Over the course of my career, I've worked in different capacities as a designer (production artist, graphic designer, art director, creative director, etc.), so there's a wide variety of projects and skill sets involved. I've created just about everything that can be printed, from stationery systems and direct mail, to billboards and environmental graphics. I've also done a lot of interactive media work. I've created countless banner ads, e-cards, websites, and similar items.

The main thing I do, however, is to interact with other people. Whether it's an outside vendor or a coworker, a big part of my job has always involved communication. One of the most valuable assets you can cultivate is to learn to be a great listener, and try not to have too many fixed ideas about anything. Be flexible, stay curious, and you'll do fine. Best of luck to you!

Hi Caitlin! 20+ years on and I love the versatility of graphic design; it can ensure an app is enjoyable to use, invigorate retail spaces, tell a product story, and improve ways we navigate the world.

Like many jobs, the "fun" design part may actually occupy the least of your time...much of what you'll do will also require many thoughtful interactions with others, conducting research, exercising business acumen, mastering production and learning salesmanship. With time, like me, you might find those to be the most enjoyable parts!

Hi Caitlin! I have been working as a "graphic designer" for almost 20 years. (and I love it!) Currently I work as a presentation designer (think making powerpoint slides pretty), but in the past I have held many different roles as a design, sometimes designing for print, or apparel, advertising. I think the best thing about being a designer is that the opportunities are endless, it can change daily and you can work with many different people from all different industries. For me what I love about it most is that I get to work with people and bring their ideas to life through my designs.

Hey Caitlin,

Glad you're thinking about pursuing a degree in graphic design or visual arts, most universities call graphic design today as Visual Design or Visual Communication Design. I have just graduated recently with a Visual Communication Design degree. I focus my emphasis upon web design and motion graphics.

If I have say the great thing about being a designer is, creating a visual view for solving problems, and it feels really good when you finished/completed a project. What I love about being a designer is, I can do pretty much any freelance/contract work since I have skills in writing HTML and CSS, creating motion graphics on After Effects, and creating promotional work on Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign. Currently and actively, I am still job hunting in San Francisco, it's a very competitive job when looking somewhere to start at a firm.

But I do a lot of contract work for various clients to build my portfolio and relationships with people.