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For graphic designers, what exactly propelled you to take the job?

Just curious as to what exactly made you want to take this job. A family member or a friend, or just because of a hobby? Just curious.

art graphic-design graphic-designer
Thank you comment icon As a graphic designer, what really propelled me to take the job was my passion for visual storytelling and creating designs that communicate effectively. I’ve always been drawn to the idea of combining creativity with purpose. Enrolling in the graphic design course at TOPS Technologies played a huge role in shaping my skills and boosting my confidence. Their hands-on training and industry-relevant curriculum helped me understand real-world design needs, which made the transition into a professional role much smoother. It was that solid foundation and inspiration from the course that truly motivated me to pursue this career path. brijesh
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James’s Answer

I kind of fell into the career many years ago after I left teaching (science). A local advertising firm was hiring for a graphic designer and a recruitment agency set me up to interview. They were impressed with my portfolio of work that I had created on my own for my classes...without any formal training (Photoshop and Illustrator) and decided to give me a chance.

I became their senior graphic designer shortly thereafter and received formal training from Adobe themselves in both programs, as well as InDesign and Dreamweaver.

It was a great gig that lasted over a decade. I worked with some very high-end clients and helped create branding and advertising for hundreds of businesses over those years. The others I worked with were, for the most part, incredible individuals who went on to be directors and self-owned companies themselves.
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Gishan’s Answer

Hello Jonny,

I pursued graphic design because, I saw it as a very fun and interesting major in college. At first I was a computer science major but saw that was very difficult for me. Then I looked into GD and it turned out to be very good for me. Many opportunities to gain experience in this field. You just have to put yourself out there and go for every opportunity that comes at you, weather it be from internships, volunteering, or just helping someone out. A little can make a big difference. Hope that helped.

Best,
Gishan
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Kim’s Answer

Hi Jonny,

I studied studio art and art history at a small-town university in my home state, then dropped out after sophomore year to move to Minneapolis because there were more opportunities. After several years of working in retail, I decided I'd better get back to school, but rather than finishing my undergrad, I went to a tech school for commercial art while working full time. Once I got there, I realized that I really enjoyed layout and typography. Back then, we did everything by hand, and desktop publishing courses were just being introduced as I was halfway through my program.

Anyway, back then were lots of jobs that paid pretty well: for department store advertising, newspapers, 3M, General Mills, Honeywell, and lots of other Minnesota-based companies, so I thought that being a graphic designer would be a way to earn a good living. Also, I loved the design that was everywhere when I was a kid: Milton Glaser and his colleagues at Pushpin Graphics, Peter Max, type designer Herb Lubalin, and so many others who still inspire me as a graphic designer and a sculptor.

I'm not sure if all of this will be useful to you, other than as an illustration of how someone might make such decisions. But times have really changed and the field is far more competitive than it was in the '90s. I'm not a rock star creative designer, but I enjoy the work I do as a production designer, writer, and editor for educators, nonprofits, and causes I believe in. I've been lucky enough to apply almost everything I learned in tech school and art school for most of my career, even when I'm not doing strictly graphic design jobs.

It will be interesting to see what younger designers say.
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Jessica’s Answer

Hi Jonny!

I discovered graphic design while pursuing my Associate’s degree in Marketing. Originally, I had planned to study architecture, but I found that the program wasn’t quite the right fit for me. It was during one of my marketing classes that I was introduced to graphic design—and that moment changed everything. I became curious and started exploring the field more deeply. I quickly fell in love with the idea of combining creativity with the ability to make a meaningful impact on people’s lives.

Once I began taking art and design courses at university, everything clicked. I genuinely enjoyed the programs we used and the projects we tackled. Now, after 12 years in the field, I can confidently say that choosing graphic design was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.
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Lilliana’s Answer

Hey Jonny!

I stumbled into graphic design because I initially wanted to study interior design. I've loved drawing ever since I was a kid, so I always thought of myself as pretty creative. While looking into universities for interior design, I stumbled upon graphic design. I realized it was a perfect fit for using my creativity and design skills, so I chose graphic design instead. It's an awesome choice if you want a creative career. For me, it's been the best decision, and I'm excited about what the future will bring.

Hope my story brought you joy,

Lilliana
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