Cam
Can a graphic designer honestly make a good living with a single job?
I am interested in pursuing graphic design as my career. #graphic-design #web-design #graphic-designer #digital-media
3 answers
Vivian Urata
Vivian’s Answer
Hi Cam,
Yes, you will be able to. I want to echo what Karl said. You definitely do need to be on top of your game and know the latest and greatest is in the design world. However, this will come naturally, if you really want to pursue this field. With the boom of technology and the need for more engineers, designers will be needed to create interfaces and user experiences to bring people to those sites, apps, or products. The field isn't young anymore, but there still seems to be a misrepresentation that you won't make anything. I remember being super frustrated with my family, because they kept saying I wouldn't make anything. Now that they see that I am about to provide for myself and then some, they don't say that anymore. So don't give up or think it's not possible, it is definitely possible!
Dream big, Vivian
Ken’s Answer
Short answer is heck yes because I and all my graphic design friends who work one job all make a good living. For the ones who work multiple jobs, guess what, they make even better living.
The thing is that though this sounds cliche, the ones who loves the job makes better money. Why? Because we live and breath graphic design and our bosses see it. When companies spot people like us who are really into what we do, they are more willing to give us opportunities, and we get promoted faster. In business world, people who really love their work shine in a group and get better compensated. However, I have plenty of friends who carve out an area for themselves and not wanting to "climb up the ladder" and they also make good living.
So my advice is put money aside, for now, and find what drive you. Go after that and money will come.
Karl Freund
Karl’s Answer
Well, it can be a tough game. If you can get in with a good solid company that will be around for a while, ie. long term, that likes its employees and values them for what they can "bring to the table", then yes. Also, in my job search myself, I have seen that companies would like to have people who are very current and on top of all kinds of graphic software including web, e-mail and animation. If you are willing to and have the means to keep up financially with buying the latest software so you can be "on top of your game" then, again yes, a single job designer situation could potentially work out. If not, then you may also pursue your other talents along the way.