2 - Can I do it on my own?

Can I do it on my own? I often perceived graphic designers, the ones I was interested in, as individual artist working by themselves in some trendy studio/loft and to me this seemed interesting. Throughout my high school education I began to develop skills reflecting that of a graphic designer. Being self taught in design for the majority of high school, since my school had little to no art program, I became accustomed to working on my own. When I came to Quinnipiac University to pursue a degree in Interactive Digital Design I quickly learned that graphic design was not the solitary profession I had perceived it to be. Within my classes we exchanged ideas, reviewed each other’s work, and assisted one another in completing our assignments. For the first time I was getting the feel of what working in a studio would be like. Graphic design what not simply the solitary artist but it was also groups of artists working together. With my graduation quickly approaching, I have began to question with path of graphic design is for me, the solitary freelancer or a team member in a design studio.

The first path to examine is the freelance designer. In the book, How to be a graphic designer without losing your soul, designer Adrian Shaughnessy explains both the advantages and disadvantages to being a freelance designer. The first advantage that seems slightly obvious, Shaughnessy states this in his book as well, is the freedom that comes with freelance. As a freelance designer you have the freedom to work your own hours, work where you like and be selective about clients. While these all seem appealing the downfall of being a freelance designer is the cash flow. If you desire to be a successful freelancer will often take on jobs they may not like and many jobs will force you to pull many all nighters as you will be doing the entire design and execution yourself. Another disadvantage as a freelance designer is the inability to interact with other designer. Often this interaction can aid to a design.

The interaction with designer is a major advantage that attracts many to design studios. Studios allow for the interaction of ideas back and forth between designers. Design studios allow for a consistent flow of income. While it may be a lower amount than a freelancer would make, the income is reliable. A disadvantage to working in design studios is that you are a member of a team and often do not get individual credit for your design. In a design studio a designer has bosses or other designers they must respond to.

So which is it for me? Having been exposed to an environment, such as Quinnipiac, where I have been able to bounce ideas of other designer, I believe that the design studio is for me. I am still in the learning process and I believe that a design studio will allow me to learn the ins and outs on the business as well as develop my skills further. A design studio will allow me to expand my portfolio and will give me the knowledge necessary to be a freelance designer at some point.
But how do I get a job in a design studio? This question brings me back to my portfolio and to the wisdom of Cynthia L. Baron and her book, Designing a Digital Portfolio. After completing the first chapter I came to the conclusion that I am a graphic designer and as a graphic designer I need a digital portfolio. But what should I put in the portfolio? As a student I have had to take many different design related classes which has allowed me to create a wide array of projects however which project do I include. According to Baron, I should include the one’s that interest me the most. As a designer I want to be hired into a field that I truly enjoy working in and therefore I should display those projects that enticed me the most. However since I am a new designer it is unlikely that I will be offered a position right away in my desired field. While these types of jobs are not desirable they do provide the much needed experience. In order to appeal to various different employers, Barons says, I should be able to list, in an intriguing way, my skill level and the various programs and concepts that I have developed knowledge on. Another thing that is important when designing my digital portfolio is the language that I use. My language should reflect my work and more importantly the work I wish to get. These are just a few things to consider when looking at my portfolio but they are an important beginning to a long process.