Professional perspectives on graphic design through mock interviews

Mock Interviews

What was the first, critical inspiration that encouraged you to select your line of work?

Did you ever have any doubts about your success?

What is your passion and how is it manifest in your work?

What is the most difficult aspect of your work today?

How has your industry changed over the years?

What advice would you give to a recent graduate, facing this difficult economy?

What do you do to stay 'current' with trends in your profession?

Do you have any regrets?

Interview 1: Graphic designer

My first interview was with a local graphic designer who designed logos and websites for businesses and individuals. According to the designer, her first inspiration for success was the art lessons she took at a young age. "Art was always my best subject in school. I loved being able to create new things with images." However, she was not always certain that art would 'pay the bills.' "I first studied studio art in college, but I was concerned about making a living. I saw so many talented artists who were really struggling, and I felt that if I was constantly worried about money, I wouldn't be able to be creative. My parents wanted me to become an art teacher, because they felt that it was the most stable field of art. But I still wanted to be creative, so I decided to study graphic design."

"I love graphic design because every day I get a chance to make something new. I like to work with a client and strive to distill his or her vision into a pictoral representation. It's so exciting to hear someone say 'yes, that is exactly what I was looking for!'" Some people, according to the designer, have trouble putting into words what they desire to see on the page. "Often, people don't really have a visual idea of what they want, instead they have a concept like 'fresh food' or they simply say that they want to create a logo that will encourage people to buy their product. I have to use fonts, lines, colors, and shapes to express a mood while still satisfying the customer that the logo is true to their vision of the product."

"The most difficult aspect of being a graphic designer is undoubtedly the fact that in a sluggish economy, some people cut art design from their budgets first. Also, as a freelancer, I am always looking for work and I don't have the benefits of someone with a stable job might have, like a weekly paycheck, a pension, health insurance, or unemployment pay. However, the flexibility of the lifestyle and the ability to do something I love makes it all worth it."

"The industry has changed a lot since I have begun working in the field because of technology. Most of my business involves website design, although I do design some business cards and advertising logos. I've had to grow very web-savvy and pick up computer programming and HTML formatting, in addition to the basics of visual design itself."

"That comment ties in to my next bit of advice: anyone wishing to enter my industry should really have a strong technical background. If I could do it over again, I would double major in computer science or computer design. Regarding the economy, my main piece of advice would be to stay persistent. The economy will pick up again, and as various industries grow more competitive, people will need advertising to promote their product."

"I am always learning. I am always on the web, scanning different designs, trying to learn new techniques and to get new ideas. I'm also always looking for ways to advertise myself, including working on my own website and increasing traffic."

"Other than wishing I had acquired a stronger computer background so I didn't have to play so much 'catch-up,' in terms of the web-based aspect of my field, I have no regrets."

Lessons learned

Finding work that doesn't feel like work is the key to happiness for a long and healthy vocational life. Work does not have to be 'easy' to not feel like work. However, it must tap into the individual's abilities and sense of purpose in life, whether it is creating art or inspiring others to teach. Practical concerns like job stability and a steady income are important, and must be taken into consideration, but are not necessarily the deciding factors when electing a profession. A profession that is characterized by a sense of learning, discovery, and change makes work exciting. Although changes may come for good or for ill in the economy, a professional must always seek to hold onto the aspects of his or her interest that lead him to select a particular line of work without being inflexible.