One of the projects I've done in school
This fall I was blessed to have the opportunity to have my first graphic design internship and I finally got to see what my life would be like when I pursue a career in this field. I graduate in December and I am glad I had a look into what my every day life would be like when I find the right job. I have decided to share with you what I have learned through this internship and what you should expect if you graduate with a graphic design degree.
1. You won’t be working a 9-5:
Graphic design, just like any other art field takes a lot of time and concentration. I work at my internship from 9-4, two times a week and then 1-4 on Friday’s, this might seem like a lot, but it’s not. On top of school work for other classes I often spend 5-10 extra hours a week on projects for my internship outside of the time I spend there. Be prepared to put in a lot of work in order to meet deadlines and finish work that is well done.
2. You’ll learn a lot more on the job:
I’m not going to sugar coat it, I didn’t learn as much as I thought I would in college. Anything I learned in graphic design I mostly taught myself through watching videos online so I could do new and innovative work on my projects. Your learning will continue when you start a full time job. Technology changes, so you’ll need to continue to educate yourself, whether through informational videos, or through your colleagues. I’ve learned that through my internship I am able to learn more real life situations and also expand my knowledge in design.
3. You’ll never stop getting critiqued:
In every art class I’ve taken we have a formal sit down critique when the deadline is up. When you find a full time job, just because you’ll more likely have more freedom don’t expect to not be critiqued by people. You’ll probably get critiqued more often and more harshly, what every artist needs to remember is to not take things personal. Critique is helpful, people aren’t trying to talk down on your piece, they are helping you make it better. Just remember that when a lot more people are looking at your work and judging it when you get to the real world.
4. You’ll need to know more than design:
I am a marketing minor for a reason, graphic designers need to know more then the art side. Learning basic marketing skills can only help you in the long run. Designers need to know how to work with clients, target an audience, and usually work with a budget. Marketing classes taught me a lot about this, as well as real life experience in my internship. I highly recommend having a little bit of a marketing background as a graphic designer, it won’t hurt your artistic ability, but it will help you with business in the long run.
5. You’re always going to need to be passionate:
Long hours and quick deadlines can be frustrating for people and if you realize this when you are in school graphic design might not be the field for you. Throughout your career this is what you will deal with and that will never change. Any profession requires passion, but not all professions are as tolling as graphic design can be. Make sure you find a job that allows you to continue to be creative, otherwise your passion can burn out quickly and you won’t like your job.
These are just a few things I’ve learned in my time in school and at an internship. No matter your major in college, I recommend an internship for every one. An internship prepares you for the real world and teaches you what you need to know before finding a full time job. I’m sure I have a lot more learning to do, but I’m glad I’ve learned this much so far and I’m excited for my future in graphic design.
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