Is anyone on here a Graphic Designer / Artist?

[Michelle My Bell]

I would like to know if this is a field that is worth pursuing. It is something I have always had an interest in and I am thinking of returning to school. The big problem is that I can't just get a job. I need something that is going to sustain me financially and won't be impossible to find a job in. Also, if I was able to work at least part of the time from home, that would be ideal. I would love some "been there, done that" advice.

 

Thanks!

[Denise in Florida]

I have not btdt, but my neice studied graphic design. She graduated two years ago (worst timing for entering job market unfortunately). She is well spoken, hard working (great references) and (I think) quite talented, but has been unable to find work in her field.

 

She is currently back in school to add a Bachelors in management to her education and hopes that will make a difference.

 

I don't want this to discourage you if you really love the field. There are people who can not get jobs even in good markets, and people who do get jobs even in bad fields. A lot depends on timing, location, who you know and luck.

 

However, if this is just a 'maybe' type interest for you you might keep looking around.

[Trish]

My sister-in-law was an art major in college, IS an artist (does paintings, photos, has had shows), but what brings in the money for her is her graphic arts job -- so, a lot of computer graphics training along with the art training. She loves her job, but it isn't super high paying. It pays well enough though. She is a graphic artist for a parks department in a suburb of Chicago. (really, it wouldn't have occurred to me that a Parks department would need a graphic artist, but then do a TON of graphic arts work, and she is in charge of it all)

[DaffodilDreams]

We have a few friends and family members who are graphic designers. The field does not pay well when you're first starting out. The money comes when you've earned your way up to artistic/creative director or if you take a risk and are lucky enough to branch out and own your own successful firm. For the past 4 years, graphic design and ad agencies have been struggling, cutting benefits, bonuses, and laying people off. Advertising and design budgets are one of the first things corporations cut when times get tough, so the effects trickle down. When times are good, though, the field can be rewarding. My uncle and another friend of ours have continued to do very well even in this economy. They are among the lucky ones that their firms kept - both excellent designers. Their workload has increased because of staff cuts, though, and they do seem to have a bit of stress wondering how much longer they'll have jobs.

[6packofun]

My brother works for American Greetings--he has a graphic design degree, but I don't think he's been able to move up to official graphic designer position--AND he is an artist (painter).

 

He feels he's more successful as a painter and mixed media artist. Techinically he has never broken into his degree field and that particular market, IMO, is saturated. Doesn't mean someone won't find anything, but networking and being willing to take a lower position and be visible at that company so that you can move up seem to be very key.

 

My sister has a degree in illustration from an art college and works in the bakery of a grocery store. :001_rolleyes: Her personality is not super assertive and it was very hard for her to get anywhere with her art degree. My brother, has somewhat of an opposite personality and that's why I think he's had better success. (However, Am. Greetings laid him off, he did freelance for a while and eventually a year later they hired him back.)