Embarking on a career in graphic design after my time at Northampton University was both exciting and challenging. University education equips us with essential skills and theoretical knowledge. However, the real-world demands of an entry-level graphic design job often extends beyond the confines of academic learning.
This blog is about my personal journey and the adjustments I needed to thrive.
Academic to real-world client feedback in a graphic design role
Working in a marketing graphic design role requires getting used to people critiquing your work. At University, feedback tended to be provided on a one-to-one basis directly from lecturers. They would present ideas and receive feedback on how to improve. It wasn’t until I started at Pod Digital that I had to deal with clients directly. This has been a learning experience.
Working with clients has provided insights into real-world business needs, branding strategies and the importance of aligning designs with specific objectives. This experience has broadened my approach to graphic design. It has allowed me to consider the design direction clients want their businesses to go in.
Transitioning to client-centred feedback from university feedback has been a valuable learning experience. It has shaped me into a more adaptable and comprehensive junior designer.
How is a Junior graphic design job different from being at university?
At University, our work would mostly represent us personally, but now it represents the whole company. It can be a huge responsibility. Although, knowing my work is going to be on display in the real world for our clients is pretty cool and a huge achievement.
One of the biggest challenges from university to working in a graphic design role is the tighter deadlines. Junior designers are often set specific tasks and deadlines where the pace and volume of the work differs from assignments given at university. University projects often allow for more extended periods of time to conceptualise and refine designs. In a professional setting, junior designers are confronted with specific timelines to get projects turned around. This often allows for less time for extensive research.
With this being said, the workflow of a professional setting allows for quick-decision making, adaptation to feedback and collaborating with different teams and clients.
As a web team, we get as much feedback from each other as we can before sending the design to the client. I like the fact we do this as it means each design is a group effort to get the best outcome for our clients. This is similar to my experience at University, as I always felt I worked better in a team setting because the end result was always stronger.
The issue of needing experience for most Graphic design roles
When applying for positions in marketing, most companies will tell you they want you to have experience in the field. How do we get this if no one will take a chance on us?
A tip from me would be to look for post-graduate internships or entry level positions. Although some may be unpaid, the industry skills you will learn can be extremely valuable.
Pod Digital provides multiple opportunities for graduates as they believe in always looking for new talent to keep at the top of their game. I was hired through my University’s Graphic Design degree show and have now been working for Pod for 6 months as a Junior Designer.
What is it like working for pod digital as a junior designer?
Working for Pod is great! I am constantly learning new and valuable things that I can put into practice in my work. From day one, I’ve been welcomed by passionate individuals who are not only experts in their fields, but also incredibly generous with their knowledge and time.
It has been a fantastic opportunity to join client meetings to understand more about client relationships and the processes we follow. This helps me to improve my daily tasks of website design and email marketing. I now understand the clients needs more.
I have learnt how to manage projects better through these client-based meetings as it involves coordinating multiple tasks, timelines and resources. Something I am excited to learn more about is how to build a website through coding. This is something I’ve never done before.
Tips on Networking for graphic design careers
- Linkedin is the new Facebook. From networking events to job postings, it is perfect for staying up to date with industry trends. It’s perfect for building strong relationships with other professionals in the field.
- Make sure you have a solid online and offline portfolio. An online portfolio will be easier for employers to access but an offline portfolio is more authentic and best to bring to face-to-face interviews. Also consider creating a small ‘Leave Behind’ portfolio of your best work so the employer can remember you even after you have left.
Start your Career in Graphic Design
Pod Digital believed in my potential. Your unique skills could be the next to shine in the dynamic world of graphic design. Research the industry, cultivate your creativity and start thinking about your future now. I hope these steps will help you embark on your career in graphic design.
Get in touch with us at Pod Digital, we may have something for you!