Career Profile: Graphic Designer	Home	Español
		Informal perspective of what an occupation might be like.

What I Do: I’m a freelance graphic designer. Clients hire me to create various types of publications, such as brochures, newsletters, or even Internet web sites. Some of my clients include small business owners, non-profit organizations, and private schools. I determine what the client wants to accomplish, then I design a visual format to support the client’s goals, such as advertising a product or service, or recruiting new members. After the client approves my work, I consult with a printer on type, color, and cost. With the growth of the Internet, lots of clients now want to use the web, so more and more of my work is done online.

Best and Hardest Parts of My Job: I love my work because it combines the creative with the practical. I get to use my imagination, but I also produce a product that serves a purpose. I enjoy working with people, and graphic designers do a lot of that as they consult with clients, photographers, and printers. As much as I like what I do, I can get a bit stressed at times when I have a tight deadline. Sometimes customers forget that creativity requires a bit of inspiration!

How I Got Started: When I decided to earn a living as a designer, I enrolled in an art college that offered an associate’s degree in graphic design. I learned all the skills I needed to support myself as a professional. For several years I worked in the advertising department of a large company but later left to start my own business. Being a freelance designer allows me to have more control over my work and greater flexibility with my time.