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Should I quit before I've started?
I gathered a ton of information about the school I've been accepted to, as well as the field I selected (graphic design). From what I'd heard, it's stable and transferable to other jobs not strictly labeled "graphic design".
I am now hearing otherwise. That it's a hard field to break into, and maybe I should consider something other than the arts like project management. I can't. I've spent years trying to and it kills me. But I've got kids and a deadbeat ex so I can't afford to completely disregard the fact that several people in the industry think it's going to be really difficult to move into. I'd stick with my previous career but culinary arts is hard on the body when you're in your thirties and still working sixteen hour shifts on your feet.
Thoughts? I'm at a bit of a loss.
Marilyn FrankSr. Product Communications Designer in Chicago
23
08/30/20 at 10:23PM UTC (Edited)
Sam, I'm so sorry you're having these doubts. I’d like to offer a different perspective that may give you hope. My experience has been very different than the one your friends have shared with you.
Currently, I'm a Sr. Communications Designer working in healthcare, on a digital team that comprises developers, UX/UI designers, researchers, and product managers. My role does not involve UX, but there are design needs that I can fulfill (lately, around communication pieces like slide decks, infographics, print pieces, branding, and even content & communication strategy).
I’ve been doing design in various contexts (marketing, agency, tech, telecommunications, retail) for the last 20+ years and have jumped around to different environments where design is a core - and non-negotiable - competency. All that to say, I’ve never had trouble finding work. Job security, so far, hasn’t been an issue for me (knock on wood!!).
I'd like to suggest that you expand your view of the discipline, as Alexandria suggested above. Graphic design is a skillset, but also a way of thinking about the way our world works and how design can make it work better. The world of UX will definitely offer more opportunities.
Many other people I know who are in UX have no UX background. One of the best UX designers I know was a journalism major. UX is a newer field and it’s one you can break into using your current design skills and some knowledge about UX, which you can easily find online via Coursera, YouTube, Nielsen Norman Group, etc. There are so many online resources out there. Check them out and see if any interest you further.
Designers are needed by so many industries...corporate and non-profit. In your job search, cast a wide net. Look for titles with keywords that fit your design skills, i.e. if you’re interested in print design, look for roles that reflect keywords related to this.Also, have you tried working with a recruiting agency? That is how I got my current role and having them on my side made a huge difference in finding work (not all recruiters are good, though, so be selective).
The role of a designer has changed so much in 20 years. Designers are called upon to understand branding, marketing, technology, social media, customer experience, service design, user research (not that you have to be an expert in these, but it helps to understand how they inform design writ large). The way we communicate today (i.e. mobile devices, voice, wearables) has opened up more employment possibilities for designers. In my view, it’s one of the most exciting fields around. The discipline of design is becoming more and more integrated into business, because the way we do business has changed as well.
Employers want to know not just that you have the technical skills, but that your thinking and judgement is sound, informed, innovative and creative. Use everything you learned - and sell yourself as “more” than a designer - someone who is a thinker and understands the importance of design - AND can talk about it in a way that demonstrates its value. Show that you can keep up with changing technology and apply what you know, to make their business better. Design is everywhere, and every business needs design.
Sam
16
08/31/20 at 12:18AM UTC
Thank you, that's a really helpful perspective to keep in mind. I haven't worked with any recruiters mostly because I'm going into my first year in the degree program as a career changer from the culinary arts (my job with a government run scientific facility got eliminated with covid and it seemed the time to leave the ten year career due to the family complications in other positions).
I think that looking into a minor that will complement the design portion of the degree is something I'm going to look into, I know my school offers a minor in UI/UX and it might be helpful in showing that I'm not working in a narrow skillset.
Thank you again. The degree choice feels a lot less full of despair than it has recently.
User deleted comment on 08/30/20 at 10:19PM UTC
Alexandria WagnerAVP II, Web Engineering
383
08/29/20 at 2:28PM UTC
As a former professional graphic artist, I would say take your art skills and put it toward something more technology focused like User Experience or Digital Experience design. I long ago left the graphics world behind to find something that had better job security and pay. You can still use your creative skills and there is always freelance work.
Sam
16
08/28/20 at 2:31AM UTC
Thank you all so much, this is all excellent advice and so very helpful. I'm lucky that the courses I'm in right now for the upcoming semester will be applicable even if I switch after that so I've definitely got a little time to really thoroughly explore what the best course is here.
I definitely don't want to go from one difficult, low-paying career to another, but I also need to do something artistic or I will feel like dying every day at work. I'd love to continue hearing advice if anyone wants to continue, but I wanted to make sure I expressed how grateful I am that you all came to offer some already.
Carissa O
33
08/28/20 at 1:38AM UTC
I would take a close look at what your goals are. If it’s financial stability and secure income, this may not be the industry for you. If you really feel this is the direction you want to go, look for people who are successful and find out what they do to be successful. Get mentors! This is important when breaking into any field. And if your school offers internships, it’s very important to take advantage of those.
Maryana IvlevSupply Chain Professional
93
08/28/20 at 1:18PM UTC (Edited)
Since art is your passion, you should pursue applying it in your future career one way or another. However, I agree with many above who suggest to apply art in jobs that are more in demand, such as UX and 3D rendering. You can apply your creative side in both of these. You can always have a side gig of a graphic designer on the side through UpWork or other gig economy sites to gain reputation and experience. Now if only my daughter would follow this advice :).
Mandy TroutenEverything at www.mariese-skincare.com
765
08/28/20 at 5:38AM UTC
When you say 3D modeling, what kind are you referring to?
Maryana IvlevSupply Chain Professional
93
08/28/20 at 1:23PM UTC
Hi, Mandy, I think the proper term is 3D rendering. I edited in my post. It's widely used to show furniture and other bulky items in digital catalogs. Instead of staging expensive photo shoots of living rooms for catalogs, 3D rendering services "redecorate" living rooms digitally. Items appear almost real due to excellent graphics that jump out of the page. This reduces sampling in fashion industry, too.
Mandy TroutenEverything at www.mariese-skincare.com
765
08/28/20 at 11:15PM UTC
Gotcha. As you may be aware, 3D modeling/rendering can also include models of buildings, vehicles, people, animals, and smaller products. Nearly every product ad I do is created with photos of products and/or photo-mockup hybrids. It's considerably easier, faster, and cheaper than redecorating a room or hunting down a new location every time I want to do an ad with an in-life background. The same goes for props.
See other replies
Mandy TroutenEverything at www.mariese-skincare.com
765
08/28/20 at 1:19AM UTC
I have yet to get into the graphic design field and I graduated in 2008. As such, unfortunately, I have to agree with the others you've heard from. However, if you're able, I would tentatively suggest co-majoring in project management and pursue a bachelors degree b/c many of the graphic design positions I've seen want both. Honestly, your best bet might be to develop a specialty in a specific area--like restaurant graphics or shoe design--and then pursue that niche first when you graduate.
Wendy DSenior Hardware / Software Engineer
38
08/28/20 at 1:06AM UTC
Please be gentle with yourself as you would talking with someone else. You are not quitting anything.
I know school is a great deal of money, but Nothing you have learned can be taken away from you. You will build on with what you have learned.
Keep talking with people, there are many online events that are free where professionals tell their career story.
UX/UI is a wonderful discipline. What are your strengths? Working with your hands? Reading, writing , math? Make pro con lists.
Project management is about loving organization, calendars, and talking with team members daily. Do you like interacting with people or want to be left alone?
As for tech, many companies will take you and train you or reimburse BUT you will take a step back in salary to be a junior person. 3-5 years to get to senior and when you get there then you can really jump.
If you could have 1 on 1 mentoring where would you like to focus? Tech, business? Marketing? Logistics? Just a few ideas.
Anonymous
08/28/20 at 12:36AM UTC
Have you considered translating your artistic/design skills more tech? If you like graphic design, you might consider UX/UI design. I see lots of positions that require this skill set or have this title in the tech world. I have heard it’s competitive but I wouldn’t say they’re mostly freelance. Large companies employ UX/UI. You could also go the brand or marketing route.
Sweet Caroline
4.25k
08/28/20 at 12:20AM UTC
I know far more freelance/contract/gig designers than not. I don't know that you will find steady work or well paying work unfortunately. I wouldn't count on a career in graphic design, a good friend left it for nursing a few years ago because the work was so unpredictable, and he had been working as a form designer for an insurance company. Not very fun at all, designing insurance forms! Better to get out now before you sink time and money into it.
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