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kristinomalley10

09/25/19 at 4:23PM UTC

Career

What to do with a Graphic Design degree?

I have a stale Graphic Design degree and looking to go back to for my Masters degree. However, I have no idea what further my education in. I love Graphic Design, however I've spent most of my career thus far in the printing industry and don't have a strong art portfolio. (Also, I am at least an hour away from the closest major city which is where all the design jobs are). If I go back for my Master's I want to know I will be able to make money when I am done. (In other words, getting a Master's in Fine Arts or something sounds like a good way to waste money on tuition and still have no job prospects). I welcome any advice, insights or ideas.

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Anonymous

09/26/19 at 12:56AM UTC

a graphic design degree is absolutely fantastic to have! you would be amazed at the number of agencies that look to hire freelance designers... I recommend reaching out to some smaller boutique ones that do work you're interested in and express your desire to work with them also, give yourself some fun projects to do to build out a more art oriented portfolio such as redesigning the branding for your favorite local coffee shop! especially if you love graphic design, that should be fun and allow you to highlight your creativity :)

Anonymous

09/25/19 at 7:14PM UTC

Hi Kristin! I think it may be helpful if you list out the kinds of design you like to do. Are you especially good at branding and marketing? Do you like detail work (like designing logos) or do you prefer bigger projects? Are you a wizard at specific programs like Adobe Illustrator or Powerpoint? Or would you like working with smaller companies or bigger companies? Once you have an idea of this, then you can figure out what jobs match up. I'm not certain a masters will help you if you want to move up in the design industry... there's nothing wrong with it, but I personally don't see where it would apply unless you identify something specific that would be worth spending the money to say you've mastered. Maybe data visualization? That would be an excellent example of something worth becoming an expert at, but again, I may not be the best one to advise you on that. Also, do not discount the experience and expertise that you have with print design... that is something that has not been emphasized in the past 20 years, so the knowledge gap is real and it's one of the most important graphic design skills to have, especially outside of the technology sectors. Look around your city and identify the largest employers, especially the ones that have a strong brand and put effort into their marketing... those would be the best bets for your initial search. Good luck and keep us all posted!

kristinomalley10

09/26/19 at 6:20PM UTC

Thank you for your insight! I did not know valuable it was to have worked in the print industry! My pay has certain never reflected it. Hence the need for career shift. I will also look into data visualization and see what that is all about! Thanks again!

christinaojeda90

Latina Entrepreneur. Writer. Dancer.

09/25/19 at 4:30PM UTC

Oh gosh, I WISH I had a graphic design degree! There are plenty of people on Fiverr.com or a lot of other freelancer sites that need work - that might be a good way to start building a portfolio too. You could volunteer for a big nonprofit too that might get you some other clients. Good luck, girl!