Freelance Graphic Designer
Career review from a person working in the job
How I Got The Job
My Education: BFA in Graphic Design, Virginia Commonwealth University
My Prior Experience: I worked as a digital scanner at Virginia Commonwealth University before I graduated.
My Job Profile
My Company: I work with clients to design print or web materials for their business or personal use.
Job/Career Overview: I am a graphic designer. Everything around you was designed by somebody. I primarily work in print design, making business cards, flyers and posters, and invitations for people all around Richmond, VA. Occasionally I'll design websites, and I'm always working on personal projects. It's a lot of fun to get paid for something you love to do!
One personal project I'm working on right now is a website for artists all around Richmond. There's a huge art scene in Richmond, and I wanted to find a way to connect artists with potential buyers and art galleries who are looking for new art.
Since I work from home, I typically wake up around 9, check my email, and make a to-do list for the day which includes:
-projects that are due soon
-emails I need to reply to
-any additional errands that I need to run during my break in the middle of the day.
-any meetings I have with clients or potential clients
I like to change it up a bit each day so I don't get burned out on one particular project, so that's another thing I enjoy about my job.
More Insights: You have to be willing to take criticism.
Love It? Hate It?
I rate this career 8 out of 10.
What I Love or Hate
The best thing I enjoy about my job is the flexibility in schedule. I'm able work from home, but occasionally I'll take a day off to enjoy lunch with a friend, or go to a doctors appointment, or get groceries for the home.
The worst thing would be the occasional loneliness that comes from working by myself all day. To combat that, I like to meet up with former classmates occasionally. Also, because I'm my own boss, I need to make sure I stay on task to get things done.
My Career Tips
Make sure you have the proper software: save up to buy the Adobe Creative Suite, it will have everything you need.
Carry a sketchbook wherever you go. An idea can come at you at any moment, and it would be nice to be able to jot it down.
Read books on graphic design and designers. Learn the "rules" of graphic design.
Never let anyone tell you no!
Take classes. VCU has one of the best graphic design programs out there, and I feel like I learned so much more than I would have if I just started right out after high school.
