So, life after college in the “real world.” It’s something I used to be excited about, and terrified of . . .

Now it’s been nearly one year since I graduated and started at my first graphic design job. So was it all worth it?

Well, I wish I could tell you I’m making a ton of money, that I have a bunch of freelance jobs, or I’m head of the company, but I’m not.

But all in all life is pretty good right now. Sure, there were times when I first started this job I wonder why I even wanted to be a graphic designer. The constant deadlines, the bosses yelling at you, the lowest of the low assignments. Like: “Design this 1” x 1” B&W newspaper ad for this guy who sells used car batteries.” Ohhhh thrilling. . .

But after months of working hard, taking on much more than I could manage (and managing to get it done) I’m starting to come into my own.

I recently got my very own assistant, just for me *squishy face* I mostly design websites for our company, or for hire. Plus I do whatever designs my company needs: Business cards, logos, websites, flyers, postcards, bookmarks, CD covers, DVD covers, web graphics, brochures, the list goes on.

It’s not a bad place to be really. Since I’m lead of the design department I can pretty much do as I please as long as the work gets done, my bosses actually listen to my opinions, and I don’t get much supervision. The pay defiantly isn’t where it should be, but in this economy I’m just glad to have a job to go to everyday.

I have done some freelance jobs, mostly through my connections at my old college.

I’ve finally learned how to relax when I go home, not take work home with me, and my creative side that had been eking for a while now is coming back.

So that’s me, a graphic designer a year after graduation. I guess I can’t complain about my position since I keep seeing my classmates at jobs they are way too talented for, (i.e. fast food joints)

So, Mr./Mrs. Graphic design student, what do I have to say to you? I can tell you I know how you feel, you’re so uncertain about graduating, leaving the nest. You want to get that diploma so bad, and at the same time you don’t want to ever leave school.

**10 THINGS I WISH SOMEONE HAD TOLD ME BEFORE GRADUATION**

1.) Be excited about going to work but don’t romanticize the workplace.

Most likely you will NOT go to work in a big glass building with modern furnishings and be surrounded by witty dry humored co-workers. And no, you will probably not be designing things like those big artsy projects you made in college, at least not at first.

Your first job will probably be in a small company, or you will be a very small fish in a very big pond. You’ll get the shi*tty assignments at first.

HOLD OUT! Prove yourself and you will be given the better assignments. Don’t let the sh*t jobs kill your creativity, do what you can with what you have and better things will come around.

2.) You may be the top of your class, but the guy on the other side of the interview table may not see it. Remember, they don’t know you from Adam. Enter interviews with confidence. Don’t be cocky, but show you know what you’re doing. Go on as many interviews as you can, and don’t always jump on the first job offer.

3.) If you are paid by the hour you will not be paid for work you do at home, duh! It may seem obvious, but it’s a mistake we all make. We get an idea for a design and can’t wait to start. If you do it too much you may start doing more work at home than at work! Believe me, it will KILL your free time and your creativity. When you go home, relax. You are a professional, and should be paid for what you do.

4.) Don’t stop designing what you love. If you love to make logos but are paid to color correct photos, continue to make logos in your spare time. It doesn’t even have to be a real logo, just make up a company and do a logo! It will keep you on your design toes, and it could potentially be included in your portfolio.

5.) Don’t go off the grid! Even if you are paid enough that you don’t need freelance work, continue to get your name out there. Hand out business cards, let people know you are a designer. Network. Network online. Get a website and TELL PEOPLE TO GO THERE! Keep in touch with your teachers and classmates, they may bring you work one day.

6.) Never stop being a student. Keep updated on the latest technology used in your field or else some “young punk” will come up to you and ask if you’re up on CS 20!!!!

Look into other forms of design too. If you are a mostly print designer, look into web graphics. . .

7.) Sink most of that graduation cash into clothes. Pajamas may have been College chic, but your interviewer or new boss does not need to know you have duckie boxers.

Get clothes that are work appropriate for both liberal and conservative offices. Not all design jobs are in artsy companies, many jobs are to be had in traditional conservative companies.

You are a Creative, and people may forgive a little bit of excess in your wardrobe, but wearing a “HIM” t-shirt to an interview won’t fly no matter how trendy-artsy-emo-techy you are.

8.) Everything about school you used to hate, you are going to miss. There will be an emotional fall out once you graduate. It’s a fact, get used to it. Get everyone phone number now because people WILL scatter fast.

9.) Working with co-workers is different then classmates. Office politics exist in every job. Learn about everyone personality and their relation to each other discreetly but quickly. Lean to play the game as soon as you can.

I’m not saying be manipulative, just smart. Example: you immediately trust the woman in the next cubical because she has that “warm grandmother look.” Your boss yells at you about a deadline and you go looking for her comforting motherly advice. The next day the boss knows exactly what you think about him. Don’t let this happen to you, be smart!

10.) Never lose your passion for design. Never stop looking at design. Never stop feeling proud to be a graphic designer. Never stop feeling like one of those “special artsy persons.” Never lose confidence that you are a good designer.

NEVER FALL OUT OF LOVE



okay, you’re probably scared now. DON’T BE! It’s fun out here!! Not every day is a blast, but when it’s good, its goooood. Get thought the sh*tty parts. Yes there will be some, this is work after all. Live for what you love when it comes around.

Graphic designers have the best job in the world, we are paid to play around and create stuff all day!! If you’re good at it you tent to get promoted FAST, and you have the potential to make a lot of money after you’ve established yourself. I now a guy who got paid $20,000 to design a logo, just the logo!!! And it probably took him a few weeks of planning, and 15 minuets of computer work. Work hard enough and you’ll someday price gouge people like that too: D

DON’T WORRY, YOU’RE COMING INTO YOUR OWN BABY!!