Is graphic design a good career path?

entry level designers, depending on skill set, location...can make anywhere from 35k-60k starting out. there are creative directors out there making 300k+ but i wouldn't go around and call that normal.

it really depends. don't compare one with another. i know quite a few people who started at 35k and who still don't make much more and i know few who started with 90k. for most of america, they'll be at the lower end of the spectrum. i say this so people don't get their hopes up. this isn't like any other profession where you're guaranteed a certain amount of pay when you graduate. its about the work.
 
Mr Fongstarr said:
Yes...if you love it, then do it but don't expect it to be a career that will bank you tons of money. I've seen people execute this occupation in different ways though. Some people use it as a side gig to another job. In that case, that is a good extra income. But designing really is a job of all trades. It's not just sitting in front of a computer. It's being a business man, a negotiator, a art director and so much more. It's such a different contrast to other jobs out there. My girl gets paid 85k doing insurance and she hardly does a damn thing.
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Yeah but be prepared to have no life...seriously...My personal life is some ****...My time is so limited...I lost my ex..and relationships never work cause I dont have time.

I agree what is said with the above. Being a business person is much greater than how good you are...I am my own boss and work from home.

But I haEt dealing with people. I hate how often my phone goes off.

You need good time management. I get so much work that my deadline are often not kept...Luckily im good to where clients come back and understand. I spend about 18hours a day working..many late nights.

If you are good money can def be made. I am one of the best...

But personally if you enjoy having fun and going out.... work for a company...don't free lance or try to create your own business.

I mad a lot of sacrifices trying to be successful but sometimes I question is it worth it..
 
dimez81 said:
Yeah but be prepared to have no life...seriously...My personal life is some ****...My time is so limited...I lost my ex..and relationships never work cause I dont have time.
I agree what is said with the above. Being a business person is much greater than how good you are...I am my own boss and work from home.
But I haEt dealing with people. I hate how often my phone goes off.
You need good time management. I get so much work that my deadline are often not kept...Luckily im good to where clients come back and understand. I spend about 18hours a day working..many late nights.
If you are good money can def be made. I am one of the best...
But personally if you enjoy having fun and going out.... work for a company...don't free lance or try to create your own business.
I mad a lot of sacrifices trying to be successful but sometimes I question is it worth it..
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Man, i feel you, having no life, and when you do go out customers seeing you tweeting, then asking you, why arent you working on my stuff right now?! People calling you at all times, and acting like they are the only client you have. Man the life of running your own stuff, wouldn't trade it in.
 
First and foremost, you got to have a passion for it. You also have to be (very) creative, and always willing to push the envelope in terms of design. Challenge yourself. If you're not going to school for it, be prepared to spend countless hours watching Photoshop, Illustrator, Indesign tutorials (and more).

I started out by designing icons for mobile devices. I built a small fan base that wanted more, bigger and better. Over 2 years later, and a series of icons created, I have now expanded my design skill (web, logos, banners, mobile etc.) to a small clientele base. My newest is Google.

Just like xxhu5sl1npnoyxx mention, you have got to expand your skill set to be more diverse. I feel into mobile app development and started making small apps for Android devices. After learning more about Java and Android SDK, I'm now working with a few people on making bigger, social media based apps. These are side jobs, but it's something that I would love to make permanent. My current job is too boring, :lol:

P.S. Get the degree, it will carry you a long way in life than just YouTube tutorials.
 
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i feel like these types of questions come up often not just here but in life. being committed, having persistence, and knowing where you are going will take you a long way in terms of choosing a path. consider where you want to be in the future, and if this will take you there, and the sacrifices you will have to make along the way. obviously easy to say but its good to plan it out. good luck to you.
 
IHeartBoost said:
First and foremost, you got to have a passion for it. You also have to be (very) creative, and always willing to push the envelope in terms of design. Challenge yourself. If you're not going to school for it, be prepared to spend countless hours watching Photoshop, Illustrator, Indesign tutorials (and more).
I started out by designing icons for mobile devices. I built a small fan base that wanted more, bigger and better. Over 2 years later, and a series of icons created, I have now expanded my design skill (web, logos, banners, mobile etc.) to a small clientele base. My newest is Google.
Just like xxhu5sl1npnoyxx mention, you have got to expand your skill set to be more diverse. I feel into mobile app development and started making small apps for Android devices. After learning more about Java and Android SDK, I'm now working with a few people on making bigger, social media based apps. These are side jobs, but it's something that I would love to make permanent. My current job is too boring, :lol:
P.S. Get the degree, it will carry you a long way in life than just YouTube tutorials.
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Exactly. Freelance isn't the only way to go if you want to be a designer, graphic or not. And that degree will push you up.

If you're the type that would feel more comfortable with a 9-5, they have those. But the degree will definitely be needed for that because there are a ton of graphic designers out there with a degree in not only graphic design, but in web design too. And they will be competing with you.
 
Triple Homicide said:
I basically just want to learn how to design album/mixtape covers, flyers, business cards, etc. It'll mostly be freelance. I work with a lot of music artists so I just looking to expand.
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Whats up OP? That's what I do - flyers, buss cards, mixtape covers, photo edits etc - I majored in Journalism at the University of Pittsburgh (graduated last year) and I did freelance graphics on the side during that time. The money is decent, but you definitely have to do some free or cheap work when you first start out to get your name out there (also while you're working on your skills).

I work at a publishing company now and still do graphic design on the side, I really love what I do and its a job where you dont have to do the same thing day in and day out (you also have to put up with BS though - people who flake, want work for free, want about 100 edits for every flyer or graphic you do - but that's all part of the job.

PM me or text me at 4127089129 if you have any questions or if you want some free supplies - textures, fonts, websites with tutorials and more information. Good luck and most of all just have fun, maybe start out doing stuff for your friends and go from there.
 
IHeartBoost said:
First and foremost, you got to have a passion for it. You also have to be (very) creative, and always willing to push the envelope in terms of design. Challenge yourself. If you're not going to school for it, be prepared to spend countless hours watching Photoshop, Illustrator, Indesign tutorials (and more).
I started out by designing icons for mobile devices. I built a small fan base that wanted more, bigger and better. Over 2 years later, and a series of icons created, I have now expanded my design skill (web, logos, banners, mobile etc.) to a small clientele base. My newest is Google.
Just like xxhu5sl1npnoyxx mention, you have got to expand your skill set to be more diverse. I feel into mobile app development and started making small apps for Android devices. After learning more about Java and Android SDK, I'm now working with a few people on making bigger, social media based apps. These are side jobs, but it's something that I would love to make permanent. My current job is too boring, :lol:
P.S. Get the degree, it will carry you a long way in life than just YouTube tutorials.
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Great advice here and from everyone else that posted... I'm going to use some of this information myself. Thanks
 
I do graphic design on the side and every once in awhile at my regular job. I have a brother in law that worked for Level Studios now Rosetta in El Segundo CA as a Creative Director.

My brother in law worked very long hours and was continuously under deadlines for major projects. He would often come home from Level just to work at home until the early morning hours on some projects. In order to get to this level you need about 10 plus years in the industry. His salary is over 150k plus but he basically is a slave to his work. He was very creative as a child always drawing and tinkering with computers, in college he learned coding, and adobe.

Graphic designers must constantly learn the latest techniques, keep up with the latest software, and read a lot about design. My brother in law in his downtime is reading on on trends, looking at new software, and perfecting skills for the next project.

It can be a very rewarding job but comes with very stressful time committments, for the best designers it can pay very well and once you get to a certain point in your career you can either manage design teams on projects or be more profitable by opeing your own business.

I learn new skills on the side and keep up with the latest trend by constantly using adobe, though I would never quit my day job to pursue it full time it is quite fun and enjoying to design and work in Adobe.
 
Can see some personal websites/portfolios?

Always appreciate some good/well designed eye candy.
 
DoubleD Productions said:
Whats up OP? That's what I do - flyers, buss cards, mixtape covers, photo edits etc - I majored in Journalism at the University of Pittsburgh (graduated last year) and I did freelance graphics on the side during that time. The money is decent, but you definitely have to do some free or cheap work when you first start out to get your name out there (also while you're working on your skills).
I work at a publishing company now and still do graphic design on the side, I really love what I do and its a job where you dont have to do the same thing day in and day out (you also have to put up with BS though - people who flake, want work for free, want about 100 edits for every flyer or graphic you do - but that's all part of the job.
PM me or text me at 4127089129 if you have any questions or if you want some free supplies - textures, fonts, websites with tutorials and more information. Good luck and most of all just have fun, maybe start out doing stuff for your friends and go from there.
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Appreciated. I been watching tutorials on YouTube. Main problem right now is extracting subjects from pics. Learning slowly but surely.
 
xxhu5sl1npnoyxx said:
I have been a freelance web and graphic designer for 5 years now.
No schooling, I just kept practicing my designs in photoshop. I eventually got tired, making, logos, layouts and flyers. I wanted to make more money so I taught myself all the programing languages CSS, HTML, Jquery, PHP, etc. I was able to turn my web layouts into actual websites. So if you do go this route, please learn how to program, you will make much more money.
I was charging 25-35 an hour, now I charge $150 an hour+ because I can make the person brand's identity as well as get it online. It is true you have to have a passion for the design aspect. The programming is black and white. But your passion, creativity and artistic skill is tested when you are doing graphic design.
The only thing though is, you will have days you work 28 hours straight, its a thankless job, no one really appreciates the work that is put into it. And you will do tons of work and the client will be like, no I dont like that, those are some of the cons.
It is hard to make a name for yourself, I've been doing it for 5 years, but got my big break 2 years ago. Now I have done work for celebs, companies, ball players, etc... The things that sucks is there are millions of graphic designers, so you really need to stand out.
If you need any advice or want to ask any questions, inbox me!
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do you mind showing me some of your work? I would love to see some portfolio things.
 
Like a lot of people have said, if you're passionate about it, then it'll show. Graphic design is a very diverse field. What do you plan on doing? (Packaging/ Identity/ Print/ Web) My advice would be to look at Annuals and look at the work that is being showcased. If you see something you like, look up the design firm or artist. Start looking at websites/blogs that relate to what you want to do. Make an inspiration folder on your computer and fill it with everything you like. Lastly, try to learn web and coding because it's a good skill to have.

PM me if you have any questions or want some more advice.


FutureMD said:
Can see some personal websites/portfolios?

Always appreciate some good/well designed eye candy.
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My portfolio is in my sig
 
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