Posted by Bailey
Choosing a college major can be daunting.
Many students go back and forth between majors a few times before deciding on what they want to do with the rest of their lives.
I was a journalism major before deciding writing wasn’t necessarily my thing and that I was destined to be a graphic designer.
For the prospective graphic designers out there, here are 3 of my favorite things about being one:
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YOU GET PAID TO BE CREATIVE.
This sounds like such a DUH thing to be thankful for, but during college this is what I worked so hard for.
Now, every time I’m sketching out ideas for a logo, playing with layouts, or looking for inspiration on Pinterest, and I look at my time clock running,
I get so stoked.
This is the dream.
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IT’S A COLLABORATIVE EFFORT.
At an agency, I get to work with other older and wiser designers.
As a young designer, this is a really cool way for me to keep growing and to continue learning.
Not only am I getting input from other designers, but I get to hear other perspectives on design from our Intelligence Team or maybe the project manager.
For these reasons, I don’t recommend going freelance straight out of college.
I personally believe that there is so much learning left to do post-grad, in a creative team setting.
Although, if you do decide to go freelance right away or are already freelancing, collaboration is still possible.
You probably have other designer or creative friends. It’s always a great idea to get a fresh, outside perspective on a project, especially if you are feeling stuck.
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IT’S A PRETTY LAID-BACK CAREER CHOICE.
I have always wanted a job where I don’t have to be all fancy and uncomfortable at work.
A job where I get to still have creative freedom in my clothing choices as an adult. And let me tell you, I have landed that job as a graphic designer.
I get to come to work in ripped jeans and vans, or even workout clothes if I want to.
I believe fashion is a great way to stay inspired and to show who you truly are as a person.
It seems that much of the creative industry shares this viewpoint and doesn’t enforce a strict professional dress code.
This is especially true if you are freelancing, because then you are your own boss and can wear your pajamas all day.
In addition to personal style, the work environment is very relaxed.
I love that my bosses and coworkers are all pretty chill.
I feel like I can approach my bosses about anything and working with others is inspiring and fun.
Of course, sometimes, we have to pick up the pace if there is a deadline quickly approaching, but overall, I feel like there isn’t a lot of unnecessary stress like in other work environments.
Although, this could just be my experience from working at Pulse Marketing and interning for two other creative agencies.
If you were trying to decide if you wanted to be a graphic designer when you started reading this,
I hope by now I have convinced you to just do it.
Being a graphic designer is a good time and I 10/10 recommend.