I'm a first year student in a South African college studying design, they teach us the business aspects, the media law and how to present ourselves and its only been one semester so far. I've already begun freelancing and building relationships and I think that's key. They really prepare us for reality, glad I chose wisely.
I love it how you talked about how you need to sell yourself, and then immediately gave us an example by telling us that we should subscribe "Not for me but for yourself because this is what I am going to do for you"
Hi, I'm a graphic design student @ Full Sail Online. Going for a Bachelor's degree. I just randomly typed in graphic design on you tube today, to see what I'd find and your video was one of the first I found and so happy that I did. Thank you for all the GREAT advice. I am now following you on Twitter as well. I have a year left before I graduate and I just visited with a career advisor at my school last week. He said, usually he doesn't start meeting with students until 3 months before graduation, so I'm really ahead of the game I guess. I'm just so eager to make sure I'm learning and doing everything I need to before I'm out of school and without any work. I also just joined a meet up group with other designers in Orlando. I told them I just a student but that I really want to learn as much as possible and I figured what better way then to meet with others who are already successful. Two people in the group, wrote back and welcomed me, so I'm going this Thursday. My dilemma is that I'm pretty good with expressing myself online, but I do tend to get tongue tied, I do tend to be on the shy side. So my plan is to just listen and if I can add anything to the conversation, I will but I'm hoping I get the chance to lay it all out there with my concerns, such as interviewing and my elevator pitch and how I really hate myself in videos. Any suggestions or personal stories are greatly appreciated. Thanks.
Tracy Masters ...it's three years later, how have you made out after your graduation??? I hope that you have overcome any and all hurdles if you may have had to overcome. Peace and harmony to you.
This is great info for artists of all types. It is so necessary to stay grounded in reality, when trying to make a living as an artist. The practicalities are not always explained, and certainly not so clearly. I enjoyed this thanx!
Great advice! These are videos that should be a requirement when attending school. I completely agree with the need to sell oneself as a designer and display confidence to a prospective employer or client. It's a good thing I have a retail background. Also, I took a few business and entrepreneurship classes while seeking my degree for that very reason. I felt I needed that knowledge as well in order to become a great freelance. Though I did not think about learning about successful designers I did actually have an instructor that told me to study the greats. I have not heeded that advice well enough. Thanks so much for the great information.
I am in visual communications currently and have been following your videos for outside information. You are very helpful; and down to earth. Videos like this are amazing! Keep it up!
Hey there, great video. I'm an in-house Type Designer for a major corporation, I started a little bit later in life (went to school at 30 for bachelors in GD) but my prior life in IT and before that, retail management turned out to be an important piece in advancing and selling myself in a corporate environment. I worked 4-5 part time jobs/internships while going to school, off and on and simultaneously; the internships and the jobs were all very important - kids need to not ever be sitting on their ass between classes!
Hi Roberto, I'm new to graphic design but from what I've learned till today its all because of Internet cause I can't really afford graphic design schools/courses. I watch tutorials on Photoshop/Illustrator daily and overall I think i'm a creative person so I'm trying to do the best to put that on work. Tonight I just randomly checked about overall opinion on MAC vs Windows when it comes to design, and that led me to your channel, I can't believe I missed a channel like yours, I'm very glad that while most of other graphic design channels are showing tutorials on how to use certain tools and softwares you are showing people who want to be graphic designers, what really being a graphic designer is and all the stuff 1 should know. You just earned a new subscriber and it may be just a number for you, but for me it means a lot cause I love designing cause its art related at some point, and art is a way of life. Hope I can be free to write to you for any cases that I would need help, even though almost everything is covered in your videos. Greetings, Lorik
I'm so thankful at this point that I have sales/customer service experience because I know exactly how to conduct myself especially in interview settings. Bless you!
barryklaus LOL, thanks I hope it helped you, sorry if it feels a bit like you wasted time in school. The experience of college can be good overall, but if the goal is to learn to be successful, I feel it takes a bit more.
Your point about inspiration is huge...HUGE! There is nothing new under the sun. The challenge is to make ideas work for your client - not for you! Put you ego into your work and you're setting yourself up for a fall. I have another thing that you don't learn until you're on the job. Clients often think that logos should always be 4-color, plus two spots, and have all the detail of the Sistine Chapel reduced down to a 1"x2.25" area. I used to find myself muttering "White space, you morons, white space..." under my breath like a mantra. Great video, great advice, as always.
+Cheryl Coyote Hey I'm sorry I missed this one. But yes that point was hugely important. Yes White Space is the great struggle... I may do a video about this actually!
Nice Video! I've been working for 8 years in graphic design and I agree with everything you said. Knowing how to sell your work and your service is key for the success of your freelance business.
This is a fantastic video! I really wish I had seen it 5-8 years ago, when I was out of college and hunting for my very own Graphic Design job. It took me that long to learn the hard way how to market myself to hiring managers for graphic design positions, and a lot of it came from being forced into sales and customer service positions just to get by.
+J13lue Thanks. Feel free to share it with anyone else you think it can "Save" lol. It's rough but those hard lessons sometimes make us sharper if they don't break us.
thank you so much for this wonderful video, yes I agree with retail industry, some people see it boring and not much of knowledge think tank for graphic designer, but i spent my 4 years of my 6 years as graphic designer in retail and it teach me so much about how to put your ego aside and taking what client really need and want. kudos from Jakarta!
Excellent video! I learned so much about Graphic Design, how to use Photoshop, correctly compose Photos, etc from people like you on TH-cam. Then, when I finally started AS Graphic Design (16-17), I was shocked how little they actually taught beyond the syllabus! Quite frequently I would talk to my teacher - who I'm constantly teaching how to use Photoshop - and complain how the course didn't seem to resemble industry at all. You raise a very good point about teachers not being connected to the industry, and that really shows. It seems their personal standard of design also slips - there was an ad they threw together for 'Advanced Photoshop' - the background was a texture probably no larger than 500*600 px (printed 300 dpi A3), and the actual image was out of aspect ratio, they obviously didn't hold shift - blue/mauve serif text; it's horrendous! They also seem to lack basic understanding and don't seem too pragmatic - they ask students to 'design your outcome for A5 size' - and then ask them to print the final version to A3. Now, I'm assuming this shortsightedness would not be acceptable in industry? Thank you for speaking sense and raising some valid points!
WubstepUK Tremendous comment and yes, I have to agree, not all but most while still being very creative don't have the technical and practical skills anymore competitively and don't understand the current reality and demands of the job market and how they have shifted since they were last in the business.
This is fantastic, thank you! I'm looking to study graphic design within the next few weeks. I've already done hours and hours of designing for clients and I'm currently doing two internships overseas and this is all just from teaching myself but I want to enhance my abilities and really put forward my talent. This is very informative and I can't wait to see future videos regarding Graphic Design.
I almost had a major breakdown and thought I should just drop this design stuff. Then gosh I have spent so much time, money and that passion just won't leave me. Sad but you are right on about the marketing about your self your brand, and what learned in school are the basic steps to become successful, not aggressive enough to help build that salesmanship.
JV Box Part of it is the academics and those who academia was good to, tend to romanticize it and the industry. But those of working and living it everyday have a different view. We're not jaded or bitter, (I love what I wake up and do everyday) but we also are not naive about how much "hustle" is required. Hustle= move with a purposeful sense of urgency, as if something is at stake... because it is...
Hi I'm a high schooler and maybe you could make a video about advice for high schoolers looking into a career like this? it's just overwhelming to think about not knowing what I could be doing right now to help My career later down the road. I'd appreciate it a lot
I was looking for new and exciting information about graphic design and came across this video. I have known for a while now that I need to surround myself with other designers and develop relationships within the design world. My punch in the face was when you said that the best inspiration comes from getting up and seeing the world. Right on point. The confirmation was "Groot", who sits on my desk as well. Thank You!
Glad I stumbled upon your channel. I've been really considering going back to community college for a few design courses. I have an associates degree that I'm not doing anything with in Comp Sci, so the idea to aim for something more close to my interests has been shifting my sights toward design. Over the years I've done most deigning as a hobby, but really started to lean into illustration and concept art. While I don't plan on giving those up, I see myself taking graphic design far more seriously if I believed I could get a job I like doing with it. Just need a stepping stone to get into it. Hopefully my fundamentals and familiarity with programs would carry over. Anyway, I'll look into more videos for sure.
I graduated 3 years ago from OCADU, and unfortunately everything you've listed here is very true, and I'm only now really starting to realize some of these points. As a freelance designer, I'm picking up a lot of start-up work, however, they don't always pay well and it's not enough to keep me afloat yet. It can be pretty disheartening, but at least I'm not alone with this issue. Great video. Subscribed.
About to Graduate my Graphic Design course in NZ and this video has taught me more than my three years of studying graphic design. Thank you so much Roberto, went straight to the subscribe and like button. Love the honesty and break down. Would love to listen to you talk about graphic design agencies and what they look for in a designer. XX :)
This is awesome! I love this video and I feel like you're right this is definitely true in most cases. I myself am a 3rd quarter student at the Art Institute of Las Vegas and can tell you that most of these things that aren't being learned in most schools are being taught on a day to day basis at my school. I'm very thankful for the fact that this school uses hands on lessons from teachers who are more than just teachers but also used to be industry professionals. I can't say for certain that this is the problem with most other graphic design schools as far as universities and institutions go but I know that most all of my classes try and use real world industry scenarios to create the content and goal of their assignments. The salesmanship of graphic design is definitely something that I can definitely agree should be taught in every school because I know working freelance on the side under a mentor that this is the biggest part of deciding whether we get the job or not. Overall, great video and definitely gained a subscriber here!
Thank you so much. Seriously. At this point in my life I am really struggling to get the perspective and control I need thrive professionally. I did know a lot of things you said already, but hearing them again just reminded why I am in this business to begin with. So thank you. I will got watch some more of your stuff.
Thanks for sharing this information. I'll definitely take this to heart. The way you talk about the hiring process at some agencies is very jarring to me. In fact I don't think I'd ever get hired by one. Looks like it definitely takes a high level of self-development, self-worth, and maturity to even get a foot in the door at any given company. I know it's probably good to start out in this industry as early and as young as possible but I know for sure that I would never have been able to handle that type of pressure at the age of 18 or even 20. Of course I'm not at all trying to be negative, that's just a reality for me.
It's a tough racket, and punches are not pulled. I learned to develop a thick skin, so i just want you guys to be prepared for that. I'm a nice guy and I ran some mock interviews recently that showed some people they have to be ready to take a few jabs. if you have confidence I your ability to deliver, it goes a long way.
I think the biggest lesson I learned doing freelance is how to communicate to my client. Clients are not designers (well most are) so we can't expect them to just 'get it' when we do great work. We also have to speak in their language so they'll understand why the work you did for them is the best solution. Without the effective communication, you'll be doing revisions all week and they'll ultimately pick the version you hate. Great video man
Thank you! I have a big black hole where I've failed in having a career in graphic design. I'm older now ... have a couple of disabled children, live in the boonies, but watching this video helped me to have some healing with my past. I failed so many interviews when I first got out of school, and you are right, I wasn't taught any of those points. Thank you...maybe it's not too late for me, and I'm definitely going to have my artist daughter watch your videos.
Cricket Law It's not too late, leverage the internet and attract direct clients remotely since your local market will not support your skills and interest.
Thanks for these tips! Although I have never been through a full on graphic design school. I've gotten by with courses and a lot of trial and error. So it's great to hear this stuff from the pro's! Definitely subscribing :)
Great words of wisdom!! Will definitely be taking your advice. And I appreciate you making all these videos. Now I just gotta go back and watch the ones that I haven't seen yet haha.
SlickmagicTJ Yep. You could literally watch a video on this channel every day for a year at this point. I'm putting out as much of this information as I can, pretty much on a daily basis right now.
Great content! Other points I would to see and learn more on:-How to concept more effectively-What to do when a freelancing job doesn't workout or isn't going well
Thank you for this video good point out about design schools. I and others I know have struggled to become successful as graphic designers. Your videos are real help.
Let me fist just start by saying, I don't know what the world would be like without TH-cam, and I hope I never find out. With that said thanks for these videos. I will be graduating in 3 days time and I had no clue for some of these things. They don't teach these topics. I just subscribed and will be watching all of your videos. So thanks you.
The thing that really popped out for me was, solving a problem for your clients or their audience. I am guilty of sometimes of creating content/assets without thinking if it will end up useful or not.
As a very recent graduate who's been looking for work for a few months, I wish I'd seen this video months ago. This is some amazing advice that I'm keeping in mind while I look, now. Thanks! Yet another awesome video :D
Roberto Blake Me, too. In a few videos, you've helped me develop at least the start of a full business plan, when I didn't have much that was concrete a few weeks ago, so I really can't thank you enough! And definitely will do! One question that I had would be pretty involved, and was already brought up. I saw someone else in the comments mention it, but a video going more in-depth into the creative consultancy idea is something that would be absolutely awesome, I think!
Another inspiring vid Roberto. Thank you so much for the advice and for encouraging both my self and my team of self starters. It is very true, I have learnt far more outside of University than in. Your work is always tailored to pleasing your tutor rather than realising your own style, developing it and from that creating your visual identity. Logo being one but a logo is just an image representing you. What is more important is your work. My portfolio so far consists mainly of my freelance work which is Logo Design and event material. And also my Illustration. Which is why my logo has Designer & Illustrator below it. I hope I am doing the right thing. They certainly have shown a lot of trust and told me I inspire them. But it was you and your advice last year that helped me develop my social media and blue prints and plan for this year. I really did not expect it all to kick off so quick. And with the your advice and our flurry of work coming in Im sure we will get to a point where we will be looking to find our selves some studio space. Many thanks Roberto. From me and CreativeFolk Milton Keynes.
Glad to hear it! I've been watching your progress with great interest and it is amazing. I'm sure in a few short years we will be reading about you in the pages of Advanced Photoshop Magazine. I'm glad that my advice has made a real difference in your life. I take criticism and even am called foolish by a few in the design community for trying to "help my competition " be successful. Stories like yours remind me that I am giving what I wish I had been able to receive, every chance and opportunity to be armed with the knowledge with which one achieves their full potential. Stay Awesome!
I agree. There is so much inspiration and information available online today. The advantage is with those who engage with all of those great resources. A few of my faves, David Airey, Stefan Bucher, Pentagram, Von Glitschka, Louise Fili, VeryNiceDesign…
I can't even begin to say just how much truth you crammed into this video. I'm set to graduate this year and I feel so unprepared. Sure I know the basics about color theory, typography, etc. But nothing about what it's like to work in the field, what will actually be expected of me or what employers are actually looking for. It was only through discovering channels like yours that I've been able to scratch the surface of just how much I don't know and start closing that gap. Thank you.
unfortunate Glad I was able to help. yeah it's really unfortunate that you don't feel prepared? in hind sight do you feel you would have been better off learning designs online and getting something else from the college experience?
I don't want to completely knock the college experience, because the one thing it has going for it that can't really be replicated elsewhere are the golden opportunities for networking. And it's a real life saver to have a flesh & blood person watch you and tell you why you're messing up with the pen tool. Not to mention a college degree always looks nice on a resume. But aside from that, in hindsight I could've learned 99% of graphic design online and through design books you can take out at your local library. I feel like there should be mandatory business and job preparation courses incorporated into graphic design curriculums. If you look at other professions, doctors in med school have to go through residency. It's similar for lawyers. Sure we have internships but you're not guaranteed to get one and they're highly competitive. (and that's even assuming you get a good one and not with an agency that's looking for coffee gofers.) My plan for now is just to soak up as much online education as I can, continue building up my portfolio, and possibly seeking a mentor. Sorry I didn't mean to make this response so long, there's just so many factors to this issue. Thanks for all that you do!
Arlene A I love long comments. This was a good one with excellent points. The college experience is great for some things, I think you're onto something with it needing to align better with the desired job market
thank you so much Roberto. I learned a lot of you said, and more from the last sentence of Fredic Quinn comment. that's really as you said ... he hit the nail on the head!!!!. You know Roberto. I've not studied Graphic Design Yet, so I'm lucky to know someone like you teach me that. thank you again my brother.
I'm starting my Graphic Design degree in January. Thanks for these tips, I'm going to work on these in addition to my coursework. I should take a Public Speaking class to improve my confidence.
Preach. I noticed these downfalls so often in my peers during school. Makes it easier for us initiated, but it's sad to see students forget to engage with employers like actual people. Put yourself in their shoes. Be interested, confident, and prepared, like you would be interviewing for any other job. A degree will not speak for you, especially in this line of work. Portfolio and personality are everything.
Exactly. I worry that people have bought into so many routines they've forgotten how to think outside of themselves and put themselves in the other persons shoes
I had to subscribe... You inspire me a lot and you do an amazing job by making this videos. I'm a graphic designer student and I definitely need this! Thank you so much.
Going freelance straight out of college won't help you in the design industry at all. Sure you'll be able to do some smaller, simpler client work but you won't be anywhere close to qualified to take on larger, more complicated projects. You just won't have the technical ability to do them. Designers should go through a few years of agency work at least.
I'm graduating this year, doing a B.sc in Info Sci Security, but I fell in love with graphics, came across this video, totally just punched me in the face, a well needed punch.
Designer with 13 years of experience, and I was pounding my fist on the desk with agreement the entire video. So much truth I had to learn the hard way. One of my professors HATED that I would try to sell my comps in school with salesmanship, but it's ultimately what got me my first job, among many other things.
I was afraid that you might share this, and you know what I greatly appreciate it a lot because I create stuff but I never knew if I was doing the right design work for the company that I expect to hire. I will look through the window a lot better now thanks Roberto!
I found this video to be very helpful and as a student who's on the fence of choosing marketing as a minor, this just aided in my decision. From working in retail for a few years I can confirm that the salesmanship psychology is a very relevant topic to get familiar with. I was considering freelance work to produce additional income and I found your videos to be very helpful and motivational. Thank you!
Manuel Ortiz LOL, if you want you can reach out to me via email and we discuss my consulting fees (I'm not kidding, other Creatives have hired me for that and for Mock Interviews) so if you're interested we can work that out.
Marty Victor There was a purpose for that and I do in some videos and not in others. But there are not graphics needed to illustrate these points and it would dilute the seriousness of it. I'm not catering to people who are easily bored or distracted. I'm providing information/advice to execute on being successful. College lectures go on for 30-90 minutes without interesting graphics popping up... if someone says they want to learn something, but can't go 5 minutes without needing a pretty picture to pop up... well.... Also, just an FYI most ppl who have never done underestimate the time video editing and production takes. Every graphic you add delays the final product, both in editing, rendering and uploading to TH-cam. I'm putting out content everyday and still servicing clients and still answering every comment.... so if I don't feel like adding time to put in a graphic to help people who are easily bored... that is the reason...
GREAT video. I wish I was told these tips 11 years ago before I graduated. I've also found I've had a creative block for the past year - 2 years (been in the same job for the last 6 years) and have become really stressed as a result. I've been told I should go see someone about it, as it is affecting my work performance/how I interact with clients. Honestly sometimes I wonder if I just shouldn't do a complete career change, although I'm afraid I'd just carry over these traits to that profession as well.
Great video! Can you have a video that goes more into what business clients are looking for in a graphic designer/agency, and in what agencies are looking for in graphic designers? Also, who were the design people you mentioned? Want to make sure I'm familiar with all of them
Thanks so much this video just made me realise I need to up skill to be as good as some of the designers I admire, I don't even know their names so that's another point you made that I'm grateful for. Cheers!
Roberto, thanks for your great videos! I have a question - what about money I mean, do you ask your client to pay 100% of money before you send the completed work Or after you send the completed work? or maybe you ask for 50% advance? etc And if after, how can you be sure that the client won't steal your work & pay you nothing And if you ask for 100% sum upfront, how can the customer trust you that you won't steal his/her money & never send the work? I mean, you already have the reputation & trust with this, but others don't and customer probably won't agree to trust a stranger with all the money upfront So, Roberto, do you ask your client to pay before, after, in advance, etc Thank you!!!
Excellent points. I have to say there were 3 that resonated the most with me. 1- The "seduction" of prospective employers is a big one. I remember my former Creative Director telling me a story once of a designer he had hired, and describing the person as having "interviewed well". 2- The ability to deliver. Just because you can get the sale, at one point or another you're going to _have_ to deliver on it. Brings to mind the above story. From the way he told it, I'm not sure the person could deliver as well as my CD expected or wanted. 3- Marketing oneself. That one's a tough one for a lot of people (myself included sometimes). I didn't get a formal design education, but these are things that really should be taught, maybe even as a course unto themselves. And I've yet to understand why that's _not_ the case... SMH... Keep making awesome, Roberto!
rafael c. armstrong Thanks! I'm thinking of addressing these as a course actually. My thought is it will be long format over 2 hours which is rough on TH-camrs but I think it has to be that way, if I "chunk it out across videos on the channel, people can get lost". If they don't want to deal with the ads in between segments then there will be a paid download option while it remains free (with ads) on TH-cam. As an in between compromise I may put it up with HOW or another streaming service for a bit cheaper than the download and it would be ad free that way.I'm thinking that would be the model for all of my "Video Guides" between 2-6 hours going forward. The 6 hour guides would have to be 3 or so different videos but still keeps it tight enough not to get lost unlike a 20 video series or playlist.What do you think?
I love the idea! Now, on one hand, a 2-hour vid might be tough for viewers to power through. On the other, if they _are_ watching, then that shows commitment. Ideally 45 mins to 1 hour sounds to me like a more easily digestible chunk of time. Another option I would think might work is having 1 or 2 segments free and using _those_ as a gateway to a paid model. But I just don't know enough about those services to say for sure what the best approach or the best outlet should be.
rafael c. armstrong Good points. I thought about using the Gateway but I want to avoid exclusivity of content just for those who can afford to pay. If people want to thank me by supporting the content by paying for it or have it in a more convenient format, great. But if they can't afford it then I want to give them the option of having access to it/me for free and just support it by sitting through the ads. They can always use the timestamps I'll include in the description to skip to a specific portion of the video if they need to.
Timestamps are definitely good options (hadn't thought of them until now). Can info be included in hovers or rollovers with timestamps to indicate what's covered? Again, I'm not very knowledgable yet on the inner workings of posting to YT (or Vimeo, et al, for that matter).
I've had passion for graphic design and art sense I've been a kid and always dreamed of designing and seeing my work in stores , I dropped out of school in 9th grade for personal reasons within the family I never went back to school I been designing on photoshop sense I've been 12 .. I've accomplished my dreams cause I put my mind to it.. I design for Bone Thugs N Harmony, Kutt Calhoun, Michelle Knight , Do or Die , Teddy Riley etc. some of my graphic design friends work for Interscope Records and tell me I'm better then most and it's amazing I taught myself everything I know.. moral of story if it's really your passion you can make it ..
+Cody H Absolutley. I think the value of passion is underplayed by the older generation sometimes. Some of them dismiss or dislike it actually. They think that life is about suffering through your work to make money. I doesn't have to be. You can hustle hard and love what you do if you commit early and often.
Hi Roberto, Right now I'm still taking classes pursuing to earn my degree in Graphic Designing. But at the moment I'm working at a Gymnastic workout store and for 5 about years now, which involves cutting fabric, sewing, and embellishment. Recently, I was promoted/reapplied for a different position/department because I wanted to gain more experience and knowledge in the field of designing which this particular department would allow me to be more creative because we had to come up with new designs for shirts and sweatshirts but due to people quitting I was pulled back to work in other department instead of the positioned that I had applied for. Meanwhile, my boss had someone else to be put in the position that I applied for. At first, I didn't think it was fair for my boss to do that but then it got me thinking and I started to evaluated on whether the company was the best fit for me or if i should consider looking else where because for 4-5years I thought I finally worked my way up to prove that I was worthy for the position especially because the company knew that I was pursuing for the designing career and my boss even agree that it was a good way to grow the business but it was unexpected for me to know that they would rather hired a person that they knew personally who they were willing to put money into training a co-worker of mine whose only been there less then a year, then me who has not only been there for 5 years but going to school to gain the knowledge to benefit the business. But then I realize that the company was just looking out for their own interest despite what I was will to do for the business. So I decided to look into the pros and cons about me staying there any longer because I've lost so many faith in myself but I also found out that the company was using the program Corel Draw which according to my research and what I've learned in school which is Adobe Illustrator, I had found out that Corel Draw has a disadvantage when it comes to the real world of designing which I don't know how far this job will take me anyway. So in your opinion, do you think I am better off else where or should I stay?
Pala Lor Some very interesting things in this comment. First let me say Corel isn't bad. Many small businesses use it because for them it make sense. It's not as robust as Adobe Illustrator, but not all small businesses want to do the Adobe subscription model and Illustrator CS6 is very expensive. So CorelDraw is a great alternative for them and it can do things fairly well. The military even uses it.As for the job situation, my secret 6th thing is that "Job Advancement is a Lie". It's a carrot on a stick, so are raises and promotions. They rarely happen and are not predicated by your improvement, hard work or skill, but rather your relationship with those in power and their desires and whims. That is it. If they want to promote you for one reason or another, they will. It will not necessarily be about what you deserve or have earned and when you deserve or have earned it.You saw for yourself they were willing to outside rather than hire up from within. That is common now. I could do a whole video just on this sort of thing actually. Looking at it from a business point of view, if the economy is bad and jobs are hard to combine, what is the incentive to pay someone more money rather than just ask them to work harder? They don't have the leverage to quit easily, so the job can get more value from them while saving money. So promoting or giving raises goes away, and it has. When you put in a resignation, they will offer you more money, and usually not before.My advice to you is to do more freelance work to give yourself income and leverage so that you are in a better position to find a job later, have more references and so that if you start making more you can negotiate with them or quit because you have other income. Also consider the relationship you have with them. In truth 5 years is to long to be somewhere that has not given you the opportunity to advance, and I don't believe in getting comfortable. I don't believe in one way loyalty in an employment model.For example, when I start hiring designers to work with me full time, they are on a count down, in 5 years if you are not in a leadership position, or haven't been motivated by me to start your own business I will feel like I failed you as a mentor and a boss. In 5 years I should have created so much value you and grown you so much you could quit at the drop of a dime, but I should have treated you so well and you should love what we do so much you don't want to. I only want people after 5 years if they are in love with the culture I have created and don't feel they can find it elsewhere. I'd like them to feel confident enough to build their own version of that, but that journey is not for everyone so that is who I expect will stay.Most businesses don't have the stomach for that mentality. So there is no advancement, there is no career path for you to scale and so the only value they offer is a steady paycheck. And in a world that is becoming very noisy and shifting to a content driven economy instead of service driven economy and service is becoming product more easily, there is no incentive for anyone to that.If you put your mind to it, you could probably start doing about $900-$1500/month in freelance work within the next 6 months if you work very hard at it every spare moment. I'd guess your current employer is not paying that. You just have to figure out how you achieve that.There is no reason they shouldn't have given you the opportunity to try your hand at that position rather than hiring from the outside first. If you didn't make the cut at least they would know where you stand and so would you. Trying you out cost them nothing and in the end giving you a raise may have saved money over hiring someone else, because you'd be grateful for the resume boost and you already know everyone and the needs of the business. So even as a business person I don't agree with how they handled this. I hope this helps.
Intriguing discussion. During college, I looked at the art history and philosophy classes as necessary for coloring my design sensibilities to help inspire my work. Uh... not even close. I think these classes were only necessary for the school to meet their accreditation requirements. One MAJOR thing that we were misinformed when I was in school, was the "hierarchy" of design occupations. The ladder, so to speak, upon which we would all be climbing as we progress in the design world. We were taught that the entry level designer begins life as a Production Artist, then moves on to Graphic Designer, and after 10-15 years moves on to Art Director, and finally after 20-25 years moves on to Creative Director. Here's the misinformation... Once a company finds that they have a good graphic designer, they rarely tend to promote, or move that person; they'd be on the hook to fill that resource. Therein lies the problem for me. I had hopes of becoming a great art director someday. I wish we were taught the truth about corporate needs.
David Block That is a lot of misinformation they are putting out there, and that is because they haven't been in the market in a while so they don't get how it works, and they probably never ran a business or had employees. If they did they would probably give different advice. That is why career advice had to come from people currently working in the profession rather than from a place of academia in order to be practical. They can give you tremendous value in terms of information on theory and principles, but not on the real world if they are no longer part of it. There is a tendency in academia to romanticize one's profession. It is a great disservice to the people going into the industry for the first time. Easiest way to become an Art Director is to work in an agency for a period of time to understand that world, build connections, get experience. Then either jump ship to another company and try to enter in as a Art Director or... go solo on your own for a few years, build a good reputation and great body of work, promote yourself to Art Director, then apply for those positions. When you've made a living at this business on your own, if you want to go back to the salary world you can command a higher salary. The discipline required to be successful and rule your own career is something that people do ultimately respect. Negotiating wise they have to pay you more than you are making and projected to make on your own to get you to give up freedom. Fastest way to get a raise in pay is to give it to yourself... it is that simple. ;)
Now that you mention it, the instructor I was speaking about had been a well known illustrator at one point, the He-Man logo was one of his creations. But that was in the generation before computers, when illustrations were done by airbrush primarily. I've been a designer for 20 years, including 5 years as a Sr. GD at Experian, and a few other gigs. Most recently, I've been freelancing, while building a little business around a product my dad and I invented and patented. My desire to become an Art Director has diminished over the years. You're absolutely right, the best way to get a raise is to give it to yourself. www.handable.com (my product) www.thelocaldesigners.com (my portfolio). I really appreciate your opinions. I just thought of one other thing that they didn't teach me in college...Unless you're a part of a large creative department, it's rare that I get to interact with other designers. I spend so much time at work that I just don't have time to socialize. We were taught to work in teams on many of our class projects, but the reality is that designers are typically siloed away from other creatives outside of their own company. At Experian, I worked with a team of 6 designers and 3 copywriters... that was an awesome experience, but one I have yet to recreate it. I've tried attending networking meetings, but it gets tough when I have 3 kids under 15 years old.
I just found your channel and I thank you for all the info on Graphic Design. Can you tell me the most useful software to use to build up my Graphic Design skills?
budromook Adobe Creative Cloud: Illustrator for Logos, Photoshop for Digital Art and Retouching and Removing backgrounds, InDesign for Print and Layout.
great video! I'm learning a new language, German, and trying to sell myself in another language and get a job as a Graphic Designer in Germany. double wammy! I start a masters program in Graphic Design soon. While I'm in school, I'll learn on my own how to market myself and get hired. a masters doesn't necessarily help, all the things in you mentioned in your video do. Subscribed. :-D thanks!
my current GD professor has us informed on two of those topics you pobted out. The getting involved with the graphic design community and also has us researching successful designers.
As a graphic design graduate who's still looking for employment, I completely agree with what you say. I wasn't taught what employers go through when looking to hire graphic designers nor any of the business and marketing side of the industry. And there's no such thing as originality, true that.
Tiberiu Ion I think the lack of marketing and business covered in Graphic Design courses are their single greatest failure. Too many people in the education space romanticize the profession, obsess over creativity, philosophy, history of the industry. It's not that those things aren't important, but they don't create the value you've really invested in, you are there because you were told it is necessary to get a job. If you want a job, you need to do that job. If you want a job you need to understand whose hiring you and how you can make their life easier. That is the bottom line. But by their nature most designers are not business men and business woman, which means when the pass on their knowledge, that gap is there. I've tried to make up for a lot of that with what I'm providing on this channel and with my other content. You need to understand the psychology and salesmanship that it takes to create the right type of story telling to facilitate a call to action in your audience. Making that happen isn't going to magically work out because you know the anatomy of a typeface.
This is a great video! I am a adult student who is attending a community college graphics design program who is worried about getting work when I complete my studies.
another awesome video Mr. Blake, I have a question for you: how much significance is placed on Graphic design B.A's (or any design degree) in the industry? is it like a film degree, or will employers overlook this assuming there is an impressive portfolio at hand?
iCatnique It depends but for the most part I would say that employers value portfolios and personality more than anything. It's about your ability to help them with their bottom line. Your education is about education, paperwork is a formality that many people can't be bothered with anymore. There is a business reality that many job seekers overlook, you have to overcome their anxiety about investing in you.
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I'm a first year student in a South African college studying design, they teach us the business aspects, the media law and how to present ourselves and its only been one semester so far. I've already begun freelancing and building relationships and I think that's key. They really prepare us for reality, glad I chose wisely.
I love it how you talked about how you need to sell yourself, and then immediately gave us an example by telling us that we should subscribe "Not for me but for yourself because this is what I am going to do for you"
Hi,
I'm a graphic design student @ Full Sail Online. Going for a Bachelor's degree. I just randomly typed in graphic design on you tube today, to see what I'd find and your video was one of the first I found and so happy that I did. Thank you for all the GREAT advice. I am now following you on Twitter as well. I have a year left before I graduate and I just visited with a career advisor at my school last week. He said, usually he doesn't start meeting with students until 3 months before graduation, so I'm really ahead of the game I guess. I'm just so eager to make sure I'm learning and doing everything I need to before I'm out of school and without any work. I also just joined a meet up group with other designers in Orlando. I told them I just a student but that I really want to learn as much as possible and I figured what better way then to meet with others who are already successful. Two people in the group, wrote back and welcomed me, so I'm going this Thursday. My dilemma is that I'm pretty good with expressing myself online, but I do tend to get tongue tied, I do tend to be on the shy side. So my plan is to just listen and if I can add anything to the conversation, I will but I'm hoping I get the chance to lay it all out there with my concerns, such as interviewing and my elevator pitch and how I really hate myself in videos. Any suggestions or personal stories are greatly appreciated. Thanks.
Tracy Masters ...it's three years later, how have you made out after your graduation??? I hope that you have overcome any and all hurdles if you may have had to overcome.
Peace and harmony to you.
This is great info for artists of all types. It is so necessary to stay grounded in reality, when trying to make a living as an artist. The practicalities are not always explained, and certainly not so clearly. I enjoyed this thanx!
Dan B. Glad it helped you!
Great advice! These are videos that should be a requirement when attending school. I completely agree with the need to sell oneself as a designer and display confidence to a prospective employer or client. It's a good thing I have a retail background. Also, I took a few business and entrepreneurship classes while seeking my degree for that very reason. I felt I needed that knowledge as well in order to become a great freelance. Though I did not think about learning about successful designers I did actually have an instructor that told me to study the greats. I have not heeded that advice well enough. Thanks so much for the great information.
+Clara Bernier great comment glad you got something from it
I am in visual communications currently and have been following your videos for outside information. You are very helpful; and down to earth. Videos like this are amazing! Keep it up!
Hey there, great video. I'm an in-house Type Designer for a major corporation, I started a little bit later in life (went to school at 30 for bachelors in GD) but my prior life in IT and before that, retail management turned out to be an important piece in advancing and selling myself in a corporate environment. I worked 4-5 part time jobs/internships while going to school, off and on and simultaneously; the internships and the jobs were all very important - kids need to not ever be sitting on their ass between classes!
I'm just starting my first year for graphic design at college, and I'm for sure going to be watching all your videos! Very helpful with this one. :)
+Julia Dahmer Hope they help you out!
On the success tip, Realist dude on youtube, man this goes for a lot different industries when getting out of school, good stuff.
Thanks
Hi Roberto, I'm new to graphic design but from what I've learned till today its all because of Internet cause I can't really afford graphic design schools/courses. I watch tutorials on Photoshop/Illustrator daily and overall I think i'm a creative person so I'm trying to do the best to put that on work. Tonight I just randomly checked about overall opinion on MAC vs Windows when it comes to design, and that led me to your channel, I can't believe I missed a channel like yours, I'm very glad that while most of other graphic design channels are showing tutorials on how to use certain tools and softwares you are showing people who want to be graphic designers, what really being a graphic designer is and all the stuff 1 should know. You just earned a new subscriber and it may be just a number for you, but for me it means a lot cause I love designing cause its art related at some point, and art is a way of life. Hope I can be free to write to you for any cases that I would need help, even though almost everything is covered in your videos.
Greetings, Lorik
Hi Lorik, its not just a number, I'm happy to have you as part of our growing community! Let me know if there id something you need me to cover.
Thanks for the tips you are rally doing an absolutely amazing job by helping others. Wishes from Saudi Arabia.
I'm so thankful at this point that I have sales/customer service experience because I know exactly how to conduct myself especially in interview settings. Bless you!
If I had your business senses, I would be unstoppable! Great vids. You just earned my sub buddy.
+Adam Khoury LOL thanks. I feel a bit unstoppable at the moment, minus never having enough time in a day.
A 12-minute video dumped my years of art studies. Thank you Roberto! Inspiring and top notch!
barryklaus LOL, thanks I hope it helped you, sorry if it feels a bit like you wasted time in school. The experience of college can be good overall, but if the goal is to learn to be successful, I feel it takes a bit more.
Your point about inspiration is huge...HUGE! There is nothing new under the sun. The challenge is to make ideas work for your client - not for you! Put you ego into your work and you're setting yourself up for a fall. I have another thing that you don't learn until you're on the job. Clients often think that logos should always be 4-color, plus two spots, and have all the detail of the Sistine Chapel reduced down to a 1"x2.25" area. I used to find myself muttering "White space, you morons, white space..." under my breath like a mantra. Great video, great advice, as always.
+Cheryl Coyote Hey I'm sorry I missed this one. But yes that point was hugely important. Yes White Space is the great struggle... I may do a video about this actually!
Nice Video! I've been working for 8 years in graphic design and I agree with everything you said. Knowing how to sell your work and your service is key for the success of your freelance business.
+Arturo Duenas Thanks, so glad to hear that from another seasoned professional!
I know this video is old but I just want to personally thank you for all youre doing to help the next generation of Designers. Thank you!
This is a fantastic video! I really wish I had seen it 5-8 years ago, when I was out of college and hunting for my very own Graphic Design job. It took me that long to learn the hard way how to market myself to hiring managers for graphic design positions, and a lot of it came from being forced into sales and customer service positions just to get by.
+J13lue Thanks. Feel free to share it with anyone else you think it can "Save" lol. It's rough but those hard lessons sometimes make us sharper if they don't break us.
thank you so much for this wonderful video, yes I agree with retail industry, some people see it boring and not much of knowledge think tank for graphic designer, but i spent my 4 years of my 6 years as graphic designer in retail and it teach me so much about how to put your ego aside and taking what client really need and want. kudos from Jakarta!
So Happy I found this, I'm currently in Community College for Graphic Design and I love it.
Excellent video! I learned so much about Graphic Design, how to use Photoshop, correctly compose Photos, etc from people like you on TH-cam. Then, when I finally started AS Graphic Design (16-17), I was shocked how little they actually taught beyond the syllabus! Quite frequently I would talk to my teacher - who I'm constantly teaching how to use Photoshop - and complain how the course didn't seem to resemble industry at all.
You raise a very good point about teachers not being connected to the industry, and that really shows. It seems their personal standard of design also slips - there was an ad they threw together for 'Advanced Photoshop' - the background was a texture probably no larger than 500*600 px (printed 300 dpi A3), and the actual image was out of aspect ratio, they obviously didn't hold shift - blue/mauve serif text; it's horrendous!
They also seem to lack basic understanding and don't seem too pragmatic - they ask students to 'design your outcome for A5 size' - and then ask them to print the final version to A3. Now, I'm assuming this shortsightedness would not be acceptable in industry?
Thank you for speaking sense and raising some valid points!
WubstepUK Tremendous comment and yes, I have to agree, not all but most while still being very creative don't have the technical and practical skills anymore competitively and don't understand the current reality and demands of the job market and how they have shifted since they were last in the business.
This is fantastic, thank you! I'm looking to study graphic design within the next few weeks. I've already done hours and hours of designing for clients and I'm currently doing two internships overseas and this is all just from teaching myself but I want to enhance my abilities and really put forward my talent. This is very informative and I can't wait to see future videos regarding Graphic Design.
+Jessica Lindsay Glad to hear it. There are about 160 videos in a graphic design playlist on this channel on the homepage.
I almost had a major breakdown and thought I should just drop this design stuff. Then gosh I have spent so much time, money and that passion just won't leave me. Sad but you are right on about the marketing about your self your brand, and what learned in school are the basic steps to become successful, not aggressive enough to help build that salesmanship.
JV Box Part of it is the academics and those who academia was good to, tend to romanticize it and the industry. But those of working and living it everyday have a different view. We're not jaded or bitter, (I love what I wake up and do everyday) but we also are not naive about how much "hustle" is required. Hustle= move with a purposeful sense of urgency, as if something is at stake... because it is...
Hi I'm a high schooler and maybe you could make a video about advice for high schoolers looking into a career like this? it's just overwhelming to think about not knowing what I could be doing right now to help My career later down the road. I'd appreciate it a lot
I was looking for new and exciting information about graphic design and came across this video. I have known for a while now that I need to surround myself with other designers and develop relationships within the design world. My punch in the face was when you said that the best inspiration comes from getting up and seeing the world. Right on point. The confirmation was "Groot", who sits on my desk as well. Thank You!
James Shafer No problem James! Thanks for the tremendous comment. WE ARE GROOT!
Glad I stumbled upon your channel. I've been really considering going back to community college for a few design courses. I have an associates degree that I'm not doing anything with in Comp Sci, so the idea to aim for something more close to my interests has been shifting my sights toward design. Over the years I've done most deigning as a hobby, but really started to lean into illustration and concept art. While I don't plan on giving those up, I see myself taking graphic design far more seriously if I believed I could get a job I like doing with it. Just need a stepping stone to get into it. Hopefully my fundamentals and familiarity with programs would carry over. Anyway, I'll look into more videos for sure.
C.S. Repraved I think that is a great idea and in this day an age there is very little reason not to do what you love!
I graduated 3 years ago from OCADU, and unfortunately everything you've listed here is very true, and I'm only now really starting to realize some of these points. As a freelance designer, I'm picking up a lot of start-up work, however, they don't always pay well and it's not enough to keep me afloat yet. It can be pretty disheartening, but at least I'm not alone with this issue.
Great video. Subscribed.
About to Graduate my Graphic Design course in NZ and this video has taught me more than my three years of studying graphic design. Thank you so much Roberto, went straight to the subscribe and like button. Love the honesty and break down. Would love to listen to you talk about graphic design agencies and what they look for in a designer. XX :)
+Heather Kelly I'm going to try and cover that in an upcoming video.
This is awesome! I love this video and I feel like you're right this is definitely true in most cases. I myself am a 3rd quarter student at the Art Institute of Las Vegas and can tell you that most of these things that aren't being learned in most schools are being taught on a day to day basis at my school. I'm very thankful for the fact that this school uses hands on lessons from teachers who are more than just teachers but also used to be industry professionals. I can't say for certain that this is the problem with most other graphic design schools as far as universities and institutions go but I know that most all of my classes try and use real world industry scenarios to create the content and goal of their assignments. The salesmanship of graphic design is definitely something that I can definitely agree should be taught in every school because I know working freelance on the side under a mentor that this is the biggest part of deciding whether we get the job or not. Overall, great video and definitely gained a subscriber here!
Thank you so much. Seriously.
At this point in my life I am really struggling to get the perspective and control I need thrive professionally.
I did know a lot of things you said already, but hearing them again just reminded why I am in this business to begin with. So thank you. I will got watch some more of your stuff.
+Rasmus FJ Sorry for replying to this so late, but thank you so much for your comment and for watching. Hope it really made a difference for you
Thanks for sharing this information. I'll definitely take this to heart. The way you talk about the hiring process at some agencies is very jarring to me. In fact I don't think I'd ever get hired by one. Looks like it definitely takes a high level of self-development, self-worth, and maturity to even get a foot in the door at any given company. I know it's probably good to start out in this industry as early and as young as possible but I know for sure that I would never have been able to handle that type of pressure at the age of 18 or even 20.
Of course I'm not at all trying to be negative, that's just a reality for me.
It's a tough racket, and punches are not pulled. I learned to develop a thick skin, so i just want you guys to be prepared for that. I'm a nice guy and I ran some mock interviews recently that showed some people they have to be ready to take a few jabs. if you have confidence I your ability to deliver, it goes a long way.
I think the biggest lesson I learned doing freelance is how to communicate to my client. Clients are not designers (well most are) so we can't expect them to just 'get it' when we do great work. We also have to speak in their language so they'll understand why the work you did for them is the best solution. Without the effective communication, you'll be doing revisions all week and they'll ultimately pick the version you hate. Great video man
+evarona That is very true and something I try to bring up whenever possible. Thanks for watching.
wow this is great...thank you for spending time in stuff like this.
+Marija Skolan No problem
Thank you! I have a big black hole where I've failed in having a career in graphic design. I'm older now ... have a couple of disabled children, live in the boonies, but watching this video helped me to have some healing with my past. I failed so many interviews when I first got out of school, and you are right, I wasn't taught any of those points. Thank you...maybe it's not too late for me, and I'm definitely going to have my artist daughter watch your videos.
Cricket Law It's not too late, leverage the internet and attract direct clients remotely since your local market will not support your skills and interest.
Thank you! I've been inspired and working on my career again as I type!
Thanks for these tips! Although I have never been through a full on graphic design school. I've gotten by with courses and a lot of trial and error. So it's great to hear this stuff from the pro's! Definitely subscribing :)
Great information Roberto, Thank you.
Great words of wisdom!! Will definitely be taking your advice. And I appreciate you making all these videos. Now I just gotta go back and watch the ones that I haven't seen yet haha.
SlickmagicTJ Yep. You could literally watch a video on this channel every day for a year at this point. I'm putting out as much of this information as I can, pretty much on a daily basis right now.
This is so true! Thanks for this advise. Really helped.
Thank you Robeto. This has totally given me a brand new perspective. Thank you
ezra barsil Glad to help!
thank you thank you thank you! Great advice and to the point.
Great content! Other points I would to see and learn more on:-How to concept more effectively-What to do when a freelancing job doesn't workout or isn't going well
Thank you for this video good point out about design schools. I and others I know have struggled to become successful as graphic designers. Your videos are real help.
Thanks
Let me fist just start by saying, I don't know what the world would be like without TH-cam, and I hope I never find out. With that said thanks for these videos. I will be graduating in 3 days time and I had no clue for some of these things. They don't teach these topics. I just subscribed and will be watching all of your videos. So thanks you.
Thank You Roberto! I think your advice is relevant far beyond just graphic design
+Candice Cloete Thanks, glad to hear that! what has been your biggest key take away so far?
The thing that really popped out for me was, solving a problem for your clients or their audience. I am guilty of sometimes of creating content/assets without thinking if it will end up useful or not.
As a very recent graduate who's been looking for work for a few months, I wish I'd seen this video months ago. This is some amazing advice that I'm keeping in mind while I look, now. Thanks! Yet another awesome video :D
ET_Studios Glad it is helping you, feel free to ask questions!
Roberto Blake Me, too. In a few videos, you've helped me develop at least the start of a full business plan, when I didn't have much that was concrete a few weeks ago, so I really can't thank you enough!
And definitely will do! One question that I had would be pretty involved, and was already brought up. I saw someone else in the comments mention it, but a video going more in-depth into the creative consultancy idea is something that would be absolutely awesome, I think!
Another inspiring vid Roberto. Thank you so much for the advice and for encouraging both my self and my team of self starters.
It is very true, I have learnt far more outside of University than in. Your work is always tailored to pleasing your tutor rather than realising your own style, developing it and from that creating your visual identity. Logo being one but a logo is just an image representing you. What is more important is your work. My portfolio so far consists mainly of my freelance work which is Logo Design and event material. And also my Illustration. Which is why my logo has Designer & Illustrator below it.
I hope I am doing the right thing. They certainly have shown a lot of trust and told me I inspire them. But it was you and your advice last year that helped me develop my social media and blue prints and plan for this year. I really did not expect it all to kick off so quick. And with the your advice and our flurry of work coming in Im sure we will get to a point where we will be looking to find our selves some studio space.
Many thanks Roberto. From me and CreativeFolk Milton Keynes.
Glad to hear it! I've been watching your progress with great interest and it is amazing. I'm sure in a few short years we will be reading about you in the pages of Advanced Photoshop Magazine. I'm glad that my advice has made a real difference in your life.
I take criticism and even am called foolish by a few in the design community for trying to "help my competition " be successful.
Stories like yours remind me that I am giving what I wish I had been able to receive, every chance and opportunity to be armed with the knowledge with which one achieves their full potential.
Stay Awesome!
I agree. There is so much inspiration and information available online today. The advantage is with those who engage with all of those great resources. A few of my faves, David Airey, Stefan Bucher, Pentagram, Von Glitschka, Louise Fili, VeryNiceDesign…
Yup. So much out there! 😊
I can't even begin to say just how much truth you crammed into this video. I'm set to graduate this year and I feel so unprepared. Sure I know the basics about color theory, typography, etc. But nothing about what it's like to work in the field, what will actually be expected of me or what employers are actually looking for. It was only through discovering channels like yours that I've been able to scratch the surface of just how much I don't know and start closing that gap. Thank you.
unfortunate Glad I was able to help. yeah it's really unfortunate that you don't feel prepared? in hind sight do you feel you would have been better off learning designs online and getting something else from the college experience?
I don't want to completely knock the college experience, because the one thing it has going for it that can't really be replicated elsewhere are the golden opportunities for networking. And it's a real life saver to have a flesh & blood person watch you and tell you why you're messing up with the pen tool. Not to mention a college degree always looks nice on a resume. But aside from that, in hindsight I could've learned 99% of graphic design online and through design books you can take out at your local library. I feel like there should be mandatory business and job preparation courses incorporated into graphic design curriculums. If you look at other professions, doctors in med school have to go through residency. It's similar for lawyers. Sure we have internships but you're not guaranteed to get one and they're highly competitive. (and that's even assuming you get a good one and not with an agency that's looking for coffee gofers.) My plan for now is just to soak up as much online education as I can, continue building up my portfolio, and possibly seeking a mentor. Sorry I didn't mean to make this response so long, there's just so many factors to this issue. Thanks for all that you do!
Arlene A I love long comments. This was a good one with excellent points. The college experience is great for some things, I think you're onto something with it needing to align better with the desired job market
thank you so much Roberto. I learned a lot of you said, and more from the last sentence of Fredic Quinn comment. that's really as you said ... he hit the nail on the head!!!!. You know Roberto. I've not studied Graphic Design Yet, so I'm lucky to know someone like you teach me that. thank you again my brother.
medou france Thanks for watching.
I'm starting my Graphic Design degree in January. Thanks for these tips, I'm going to work on these in addition to my coursework. I should take a Public Speaking class to improve my confidence.
+Lily Meade Thanks for watching. Yes public speaking is a must if you don't want to end up hiding in your cubicle throughout your career, LOL.
Extremely valuable advice! Thank you.
+justme33126 Thanks for watching!
Preach. I noticed these downfalls so often in my peers during school. Makes it easier for us initiated, but it's sad to see students forget to engage with employers like actual people. Put yourself in their shoes. Be interested, confident, and prepared, like you would be interviewing for any other job. A degree will not speak for you, especially in this line of work. Portfolio and personality are everything.
Exactly. I worry that people have bought into so many routines they've forgotten how to think outside of themselves and put themselves in the other persons shoes
I had to subscribe... You inspire me a lot and you do an amazing job by making this videos.
I'm a graphic designer student and I definitely need this! Thank you so much.
***** Thanks for subscribing. I hope the rest of the videos on the channel help you!
Creating a job is better than finding a job...If you're smart enough to get through college, you are smart enough to work for yourself.
Going freelance straight out of college won't help you in the design industry at all. Sure you'll be able to do some smaller, simpler client work but you won't be anywhere close to qualified to take on larger, more complicated projects. You just won't have the technical ability to do them. Designers should go through a few years of agency work at least.
I'm graduating this year, doing a B.sc in Info Sci Security, but I fell in love with graphics, came across this video, totally just punched me in the face, a well needed punch.
Christopher Smikle We're all here to get punched LOL. Quote from Gary Vaynerchuk. But yeah I'm glad you enjoyed the video!
THANKYOU for sharing this info. I got my associates degree in 2011 and just know am able to begin persuing my career and you're very helpful.
This video changed my way of approaching everything...
You are huge mate! FUCKING HUGE!
Designer with 13 years of experience, and I was pounding my fist on the desk with agreement the entire video. So much truth I had to learn the hard way.
One of my professors HATED that I would try to sell my comps in school with salesmanship, but it's ultimately what got me my first job, among many other things.
I was afraid that you might share this, and you know what I greatly appreciate it a lot because I create stuff but I never knew if I was doing the right design work for the company that I expect to hire. I will look through the window a lot better now thanks Roberto!
Lol, no problem!
I found this video to be very helpful and as a student who's on the fence of choosing marketing as a minor, this just aided in my decision. From working in retail for a few years I can confirm that the salesmanship psychology is a very relevant topic to get familiar with. I was considering freelance work to produce additional income and I found your videos to be very helpful and motivational. Thank you!
Would love to hire this guy as my life coach thru this process of graphic design, sometimes I get so nervous of thiss move
Manuel Ortiz LOL, if you want you can reach out to me via email and we discuss my consulting fees (I'm not kidding, other Creatives have hired me for that and for Mock Interviews) so if you're interested we can work that out.
You're a good Presenter and you know your biz.However, I found it amazing that you used no supporting graphics inside your lesson.
Marty Victor There was a purpose for that and I do in some videos and not in others. But there are not graphics needed to illustrate these points and it would dilute the seriousness of it. I'm not catering to people who are easily bored or distracted. I'm providing information/advice to execute on being successful. College lectures go on for 30-90 minutes without interesting graphics popping up... if someone says they want to learn something, but can't go 5 minutes without needing a pretty picture to pop up... well.... Also, just an FYI most ppl who have never done underestimate the time video editing and production takes. Every graphic you add delays the final product, both in editing, rendering and uploading to TH-cam. I'm putting out content everyday and still servicing clients and still answering every comment.... so if I don't feel like adding time to put in a graphic to help people who are easily bored... that is the reason...
Great info, glad I worked retail and customer service for last 20 yrs. Thanks for three confidence boost.
No problem, hope it helps!
Excellent video! Very applicable to the graphic design world. I will be checking out more of your videos!
+Kathleen Sanders Thanks so much!
Thank you good sir, I couldn't agree more with "Learn how to sell" part. Subscribed!
ozatuba Thanks, yes it is definitely and important and overlooked skill!
GREAT video. I wish I was told these tips 11 years ago before I graduated. I've also found I've had a creative block for the past year - 2 years (been in the same job for the last 6 years) and have become really stressed as a result. I've been told I should go see someone about it, as it is affecting my work performance/how I interact with clients. Honestly sometimes I wonder if I just shouldn't do a complete career change, although I'm afraid I'd just carry over these traits to that profession as well.
Great video! Can you have a video that goes more into what business clients are looking for in a graphic designer/agency, and in what agencies are looking for in graphic designers?
Also, who were the design people you mentioned? Want to make sure I'm familiar with all of them
Excellent advice for anyone in the graphic field. Made me think about myself.
Thanks!
Great infomation. Really helpful in changing my small freelance and passion project mentality in a way that I can build upon.
Tim Sheehan Glad it helped you Tim!
Thanks so much this video just made me realise I need to up skill to be as good as some of the designers I admire, I don't even know their names so that's another point you made that I'm grateful for. Cheers!
+MsRockstella Thanks so much for watching, I'm glad this helped you. Sorry for the late reply.
You are an intriguing speaker (which I'm sure you know already). You present very well, and you share such relevant information.
mind blown.. great advice!
This is great advice that applies to many different professions.
Thanks, yes that is true. I may do a video about education today as a vlog.
Roberto, thanks for your great videos!
I have a question - what about money
I mean, do you ask your client to pay 100% of money before you send the completed work
Or after you send the completed work?
or maybe you ask for 50% advance? etc
And if after, how can you be sure that the client won't steal your work & pay you nothing
And if you ask for 100% sum upfront, how can the customer trust you that you won't steal his/her money & never send the work?
I mean, you already have the reputation & trust with this, but others don't and customer probably won't agree to trust a stranger with all the money upfront
So, Roberto, do you ask your client to pay before, after, in advance, etc
Thank you!!!
30 seconds in and I subscribed! 1st year graphic design student looking forward to be workng in the field
Great advice Roberto! So very true.
+Sylvia French-Hodges Thanks.
Thank you! Gave me more confidence!
+Kamalei uyehara Glad to hear it!
This is such invaluable, awesome advice! Subscribed!
+debra s :)
Roberto your awesome. You have hit all the points that i have struggle with.
***** Thanks! Let me know if I can answer any other questions for you!
how to do you keep a clean work station i cant seem to do it
Excellent points. I have to say there were 3 that resonated the most with me.
1- The "seduction" of prospective employers is a big one. I remember my former Creative Director telling me a story once of a designer he had hired, and describing the person as having "interviewed well".
2- The ability to deliver. Just because you can get the sale, at one point or another you're going to _have_ to deliver on it. Brings to mind the above story. From the way he told it, I'm not sure the person could deliver as well as my CD expected or wanted.
3- Marketing oneself. That one's a tough one for a lot of people (myself included sometimes).
I didn't get a formal design education, but these are things that really should be taught, maybe even as a course unto themselves. And I've yet to understand why that's _not_ the case... SMH...
Keep making awesome, Roberto!
rafael c. armstrong Thanks! I'm thinking of addressing these as a course actually. My thought is it will be long format over 2 hours which is rough on TH-camrs but I think it has to be that way, if I "chunk it out across videos on the channel, people can get lost". If they don't want to deal with the ads in between segments then there will be a paid download option while it remains free (with ads) on TH-cam. As an in between compromise I may put it up with HOW or another streaming service for a bit cheaper than the download and it would be ad free that way.I'm thinking that would be the model for all of my "Video Guides" between 2-6 hours going forward. The 6 hour guides would have to be 3 or so different videos but still keeps it tight enough not to get lost unlike a 20 video series or playlist.What do you think?
I love the idea! Now, on one hand, a 2-hour vid might be tough for viewers to power through. On the other, if they _are_ watching, then that shows commitment. Ideally 45 mins to 1 hour sounds to me like a more easily digestible chunk of time.
Another option I would think might work is having 1 or 2 segments free and using _those_ as a gateway to a paid model. But I just don't know enough about those services to say for sure what the best approach or the best outlet should be.
rafael c. armstrong Good points. I thought about using the Gateway but I want to avoid exclusivity of content just for those who can afford to pay. If people want to thank me by supporting the content by paying for it or have it in a more convenient format, great. But if they can't afford it then I want to give them the option of having access to it/me for free and just support it by sitting through the ads. They can always use the timestamps I'll include in the description to skip to a specific portion of the video if they need to.
Timestamps are definitely good options (hadn't thought of them until now). Can info be included in hovers or rollovers with timestamps to indicate what's covered? Again, I'm not very knowledgable yet on the inner workings of posting to YT (or Vimeo, et al, for that matter).
rafael c. armstrong It doesn't do rollovers but I can do annotations.
your so so good at the tutorial...God bless you and thanks...
+Micky Heiligenberg Thanks!
Thank you so much! Ur so awesome for sharing your knowledge. Real stuff. I just found your channel. Will def keep watching your vids.
😊
I've had passion for graphic design and art sense I've been a kid and always dreamed of designing and seeing my work in stores , I dropped out of school in 9th grade for personal reasons within the family I never went back to school I been designing on photoshop sense I've been 12 .. I've accomplished my dreams cause I put my mind to it.. I design for Bone Thugs N Harmony, Kutt Calhoun, Michelle Knight , Do or Die , Teddy Riley etc. some of my graphic design friends work for Interscope Records and tell me I'm better then most and it's amazing I taught myself everything I know.. moral of story if it's really your passion you can make it ..
+Cody H Absolutley. I think the value of passion is underplayed by the older generation sometimes. Some of them dismiss or dislike it actually. They think that life is about suffering through your work to make money. I doesn't have to be. You can hustle hard and love what you do if you commit early and often.
I agree!
Cody H if you have time for some questions please how can I contact you ?
Jesso Ahmed @codyhillyer on IG
Hi Roberto,
Right now I'm still taking classes pursuing to earn my degree in Graphic Designing. But at the moment I'm working at a Gymnastic workout store and for 5 about years now, which involves cutting fabric, sewing, and embellishment. Recently, I was promoted/reapplied for a different position/department because I wanted to gain more experience and knowledge in the field of designing which this particular department would allow me to be more creative because we had to come up with new designs for shirts and sweatshirts but due to people quitting I was pulled back to work in other department instead of the positioned that I had applied for. Meanwhile, my boss had someone else to be put in the position that I applied for. At first, I didn't think it was fair for my boss to do that but then it got me thinking and I started to evaluated on whether the company was the best fit for me or if i should consider looking else where because for 4-5years I thought I finally worked my way up to prove that I was worthy for the position especially because the company knew that I was pursuing for the designing career and my boss even agree that it was a good way to grow the business but it was unexpected for me to know that they would rather hired a person that they knew personally who they were willing to put money into training a co-worker of mine whose only been there less then a year, then me who has not only been there for 5 years but going to school to gain the knowledge to benefit the business. But then I realize that the company was just looking out for their own interest despite what I was will to do for the business. So I decided to look into the pros and cons about me staying there any longer because I've lost so many faith in myself but I also found out that the company was using the program Corel Draw which according to my research and what I've learned in school which is Adobe Illustrator, I had found out that Corel Draw has a disadvantage when it comes to the real world of designing which I don't know how far this job will take me anyway. So in your opinion, do you think I am better off else where or should I stay?
Pala Lor Some very interesting things in this comment. First let me say Corel isn't bad. Many small businesses use it because for them it make sense. It's not as robust as Adobe Illustrator, but not all small businesses want to do the Adobe subscription model and Illustrator CS6 is very expensive. So CorelDraw is a great alternative for them and it can do things fairly well. The military even uses it.As for the job situation, my secret 6th thing is that "Job Advancement is a Lie". It's a carrot on a stick, so are raises and promotions. They rarely happen and are not predicated by your improvement, hard work or skill, but rather your relationship with those in power and their desires and whims. That is it. If they want to promote you for one reason or another, they will. It will not necessarily be about what you deserve or have earned and when you deserve or have earned it.You saw for yourself they were willing to outside rather than hire up from within. That is common now. I could do a whole video just on this sort of thing actually. Looking at it from a business point of view, if the economy is bad and jobs are hard to combine, what is the incentive to pay someone more money rather than just ask them to work harder? They don't have the leverage to quit easily, so the job can get more value from them while saving money. So promoting or giving raises goes away, and it has. When you put in a resignation, they will offer you more money, and usually not before.My advice to you is to do more freelance work to give yourself income and leverage so that you are in a better position to find a job later, have more references and so that if you start making more you can negotiate with them or quit because you have other income. Also consider the relationship you have with them. In truth 5 years is to long to be somewhere that has not given you the opportunity to advance, and I don't believe in getting comfortable. I don't believe in one way loyalty in an employment model.For example, when I start hiring designers to work with me full time, they are on a count down, in 5 years if you are not in a leadership position, or haven't been motivated by me to start your own business I will feel like I failed you as a mentor and a boss. In 5 years I should have created so much value you and grown you so much you could quit at the drop of a dime, but I should have treated you so well and you should love what we do so much you don't want to. I only want people after 5 years if they are in love with the culture I have created and don't feel they can find it elsewhere. I'd like them to feel confident enough to build their own version of that, but that journey is not for everyone so that is who I expect will stay.Most businesses don't have the stomach for that mentality. So there is no advancement, there is no career path for you to scale and so the only value they offer is a steady paycheck. And in a world that is becoming very noisy and shifting to a content driven economy instead of service driven economy and service is becoming product more easily, there is no incentive for anyone to that.If you put your mind to it, you could probably start doing about $900-$1500/month in freelance work within the next 6 months if you work very hard at it every spare moment. I'd guess your current employer is not paying that. You just have to figure out how you achieve that.There is no reason they shouldn't have given you the opportunity to try your hand at that position rather than hiring from the outside first. If you didn't make the cut at least they would know where you stand and so would you. Trying you out cost them nothing and in the end giving you a raise may have saved money over hiring someone else, because you'd be grateful for the resume boost and you already know everyone and the needs of the business. So even as a business person I don't agree with how they handled this. I hope this helps.
Intriguing discussion. During college, I looked at the art history and philosophy classes as necessary for coloring my design sensibilities to help inspire my work. Uh... not even close. I think these classes were only necessary for the school to meet their accreditation requirements.
One MAJOR thing that we were misinformed when I was in school, was the "hierarchy" of design occupations. The ladder, so to speak, upon which we would all be climbing as we progress in the design world. We were taught that the entry level designer begins life as a Production Artist, then moves on to Graphic Designer, and after 10-15 years moves on to Art Director, and finally after 20-25 years moves on to Creative Director. Here's the misinformation... Once a company finds that they have a good graphic designer, they rarely tend to promote, or move that person; they'd be on the hook to fill that resource. Therein lies the problem for me. I had hopes of becoming a great art director someday. I wish we were taught the truth about corporate needs.
David Block That is a lot of misinformation they are putting out there, and that is because they haven't been in the market in a while so they don't get how it works, and they probably never ran a business or had employees. If they did they would probably give different advice. That is why career advice had to come from people currently working in the profession rather than from a place of academia in order to be practical. They can give you tremendous value in terms of information on theory and principles, but not on the real world if they are no longer part of it. There is a tendency in academia to romanticize one's profession. It is a great disservice to the people going into the industry for the first time. Easiest way to become an Art Director is to work in an agency for a period of time to understand that world, build connections, get experience. Then either jump ship to another company and try to enter in as a Art Director or... go solo on your own for a few years, build a good reputation and great body of work, promote yourself to Art Director, then apply for those positions. When you've made a living at this business on your own, if you want to go back to the salary world you can command a higher salary. The discipline required to be successful and rule your own career is something that people do ultimately respect. Negotiating wise they have to pay you more than you are making and projected to make on your own to get you to give up freedom. Fastest way to get a raise in pay is to give it to yourself... it is that simple. ;)
Now that you mention it, the instructor I was speaking about had been a well known illustrator at one point, the He-Man logo was one of his creations. But that was in the generation before computers, when illustrations were done by airbrush primarily. I've been a designer for 20 years, including 5 years as a Sr. GD at Experian, and a few other gigs. Most recently, I've been freelancing, while building a little business around a product my dad and I invented and patented. My desire to become an Art Director has diminished over the years. You're absolutely right, the best way to get a raise is to give it to yourself. www.handable.com (my product) www.thelocaldesigners.com (my portfolio).
I really appreciate your opinions. I just thought of one other thing that they didn't teach me in college...Unless you're a part of a large creative department, it's rare that I get to interact with other designers. I spend so much time at work that I just don't have time to socialize. We were taught to work in teams on many of our class projects, but the reality is that designers are typically siloed away from other creatives outside of their own company. At Experian, I worked with a team of 6 designers and 3 copywriters... that was an awesome experience, but one I have yet to recreate it. I've tried attending networking meetings, but it gets tough when I have 3 kids under 15 years old.
I just found your channel and I thank you for all the info on Graphic Design.
Can you tell me the most useful software to use to build up my Graphic Design skills?
budromook Adobe Creative Cloud: Illustrator for Logos, Photoshop for Digital Art and Retouching and Removing backgrounds, InDesign for Print and Layout.
great video! I'm learning a new language, German, and trying to sell myself in another language and get a job as a Graphic Designer in Germany. double wammy! I start a masters program in Graphic Design soon. While I'm in school, I'll learn on my own how to market myself and get hired. a masters doesn't necessarily help, all the things in you mentioned in your video do. Subscribed. :-D thanks!
+Liz Miller Glad to hear it Liz. That is the way to go about it if yo8u're already in school.
Wow...better said than anyone anywhere. TRUE TRUE TRUE wish I had heard this 25 yrs ago!
+maximusdoomed Sorry I missed this comment way back when, but thanks so much for it and thanks for watching!
Great video, glad I stumbled upon your channel
+Anne Theriot Glad to hear it.
I am not a graphics designer, I do engineering but this is good advice for almost all industries !
Damien Dunn Thanks!
very insightful. I agree with a lot of the stuff you discussed. Your videos are great.
my current GD professor has us informed on two of those topics you pobted out. The getting involved with the graphic design community and also has us researching successful designers.
As a graphic design graduate who's still looking for employment, I completely agree with what you say. I wasn't taught what employers go through when looking to hire graphic designers nor any of the business and marketing side of the industry. And there's no such thing as originality, true that.
Tiberiu Ion I think the lack of marketing and business covered in Graphic Design courses are their single greatest failure. Too many people in the education space romanticize the profession, obsess over creativity, philosophy, history of the industry. It's not that those things aren't important, but they don't create the value you've really invested in, you are there because you were told it is necessary to get a job. If you want a job, you need to do that job. If you want a job you need to understand whose hiring you and how you can make their life easier. That is the bottom line. But by their nature most designers are not business men and business woman, which means when the pass on their knowledge, that gap is there. I've tried to make up for a lot of that with what I'm providing on this channel and with my other content. You need to understand the psychology and salesmanship that it takes to create the right type of story telling to facilitate a call to action in your audience. Making that happen isn't going to magically work out because you know the anatomy of a typeface.
Your videos are officially awesome. You're very informative and insightful. Thank you so much.
Thanks Erica!
You're welcome. :)
very good information! thank you!
Wow! this is one of the greatest channel i've ever come across on TH-cam. Thank you for the insight you giving. I had to subscribe :)
+Emmanuel Mwila thanks.
This is a great video! I am a adult student who is attending a community college graphics design program who is worried about getting work when I complete my studies.
Infoneson The market in any profession is tough now a days but in the creative services industry there is a lot you can do to ensure your own success.
Really Informative - Thanks for uploading this :)
Ritchie Xavier Not a problem!
Love your vids. Thx a lot.
Jacob Ferguson Thanks for watching them!
another awesome video Mr. Blake, I have a question for you: how much significance is placed on Graphic design B.A's (or any design degree) in the industry? is it like a film degree, or will employers overlook this assuming there is an impressive portfolio at hand?
iCatnique It depends but for the most part I would say that employers value portfolios and personality more than anything. It's about your ability to help them with their bottom line. Your education is about education, paperwork is a formality that many people can't be bothered with anymore. There is a business reality that many job seekers overlook, you have to overcome their anxiety about investing in you.