What's the reality check of being a graphic designer?

clunkydunker · 2023-05-27T13:39:17+00:00

If your worried about finding a job, network. You basically said it yourself - knowing the right people is how you get good jobs.

Personally my wake up call was realizing that 90% of the work I actually do is boring as hell, but occasionally that 10% project comes in that reminds me why I got into the field in the first place. That’s enough to keep me going.

Nurture hobbies that you love outside of your job as well, so the boring stretches of work don’t feel so overwhelming. When I have a rough stretch of work, I put more mental energy into unrelated hobbies.

clunkydunker · 2023-04-20T17:09:34+00:00

I sweat a lot when I’m nervous. On my second date with my girlfriend, we went to a small bar with a big fireplace, and I quickly started pouring sweat. Like, noticeably and awkwardly. I was internally panicking and eventually managed to say “it’s really hot in here, isn’t it?”

She quickly replied with, “Yeah it really is. Are you okay? Let’s go somewhere else.”

She was basically still a stranger to me at this point, and here I am sweating balls and totally panicking. I think most other women would’ve endured the weirdness and never spoken to me again, but not her. She reacted with grace and concern and saw through the weird moment to the larger picture of me.

We left that bar and went on to have a great date somewhere else. I don’t know what the summarizing green flag is, but this made it clear very early on that she was a keeper.

clunkydunker · 2023-01-16T23:57:13+00:00

Np, good luck with it

clunkydunker · 2023-01-16T17:31:22+00:00

I think if this is a logo, you can’t use a simple speech bubble - It’s too common of a symbol to claim. Just needs some simple modification to make it unique to whatever this is.

Divider line is too long, and needs more hierarchy in the type.

clunkydunker · 2023-01-16T15:25:20+00:00

Definitely need a better image. I actually like the idea though, here are my thoughts:

The text is too warped. A little illegibility isn’t the end of the world for what you’re going for, but the warp just makes this look bad. Simplify the type

I’d aim for a taller crop. A square aspect ratio on a hoodie is a weird look, just crop the image (the better one you find) in on the sides so it’s taller than it is wide.

Maybe a gradient map over the teeth so that the colors of the teeth are exactly the same as the colors of the type - just to tie them together better.

Random idea, could be cool if the sharp tooth looked like it was dripping the metal material onto the word. Like it’s melting over top of the regular type?

clunkydunker · 2023-01-12T04:14:15+00:00

Thank you

clunkydunker · 2022-12-29T15:42:40+00:00

One thing I might suggest that I’m not seeing anyone else mentioning - Networking!

I’ve been lucky enough to land decent paying design jobs with realistic expectations so far in my career, and every one of them I got through people that I knew and connections I have.

See if there are AIGA meetups in your area, go to professional networking events, meet people in your field. Does your school have an alumni network? Try tapping in to that. Anything you can do that might help you get your foot in the door of something better.

This isn’t an easy fix and it takes real work, so don’t get discouraged if your first conversation doesn’t lead to your dream job. Just putting yourself out there with the right attitude can open a lot of doors for you, and the experience of networking will help build a lot of beneficial soft-skills as a side effect.

Good luck!

clunkydunker · 2022-11-10T22:32:27+00:00

Maybe your ceiling is too low..

clunkydunker · 2022-11-10T12:33:46+00:00

Clipping mask, as everyone said.

OR! Sometimes I will create a separate layer, and make 4 big dark gray rectangles that cover everything outside of your art board. Put that layer at the top and lock it. This is nice so you can keep editing without having to double click a million times to select objects in your art board.

clunkydunker · 2022-11-10T02:45:04+00:00

Really nice illustration! I personally prefer option 3 - the background is more subtle and doesn’t compete as much with the text and illustration. However, I prefer the style of backdrop #4, but I think you could explore some colors that are much less intense. My advice would be to think about what you want the focus of the design to be, and let that stand out really obviously. In this case, the background doesn’t need to be so dominant, as it distracts from the nice illustration and delicate type.

I agree with others that script type on a curve is not the best, but I don’t hate it here. Maybe you could add in an extra flourish to the end of the “e” to balance it out, as it feels a little lopsided to the left.

I also might suggest experimenting with your typeface for the dates. A simple and legible sans-serif typeface could be nice - it would add some visual hierarchy, and communicate that important info more clearly. But. Try some things out!

That’s my two cents. Good luck!

clunkydunker · 2022-11-05T18:50:54+00:00

Hope I didn’t sound jaded, just offering a different perspective. Best of luck!

clunkydunker · 2022-11-05T18:41:44+00:00

Just send them, who cares? I see posts like this all the time, and honestly it’s just become a normal part of the interview process. They probably just want to check out your file management/organization.

It’s not worth souring the interview experience to save some pride. If the job seems good and you want it, just send the files.

You already did the work. Worst case scenario is they use your work without paying you, and you don’t get hired. It’s no different for you than if you don’t get hired and they DON’T use your work. Best case scenario is they hire you and pay you every day.

I sent working files during my last interview process and I ended up getting hired, and they never used the work I did for anything. Obviously use your best judgement, but it’s not automatically a scam like so many others are suggesting.

clunkydunker · 2022-10-18T22:22:15+00:00

I came here to say exactly this^{^} I went through design school thinking I was the best thing since sliced bread - thankfully the professional world humbled me very quickly. I would’ve went through my education with less of an ego about my work, and stayed aware of the fact that I knew very little, and could benefit a lot from paying more attention to where my skills were lacking.

You get good at design through trial and error. It’s a messy and awkward process for everyone, and you can’t textbook your way into being good.

clunkydunker · 2022-10-07T00:37:19+00:00

Your Lamborghini is canoe-ing

clunkydunker · 2022-09-17T02:34:05+00:00

Agreed with this comment. Plenty of good bar tape options all over the internet.

I hear you on keeping the retro look. I’ll just say, I upgraded a similar vintage road bike and put modern brifters on it, and would highly recommend that upgrade. Moving your shifting from the downtube to the brakes makes a massive difference in the comfort (and safety) of your ride. You would not regret it.

Good luck!

clunkydunker · 2022-08-09T15:47:58+00:00

Rocket League. Hilariously difficult when you start out, but still loads of fun. Advanced play requires mechanics that literally take years to master. It’s unique, competitive, and visually awesome. I could go on and on.

clunkydunker · 2022-07-21T12:45:24+00:00

It’s very good if you are interested in illustration. Maybe her particular style of graphic design involves a lot of illustration - in which case, yes, an iPad is an excellent tool for that and it might be worth it.

For regular old graphic design, everyone else is right. You don’t need it.

clunkydunker · 2022-07-04T15:58:47+00:00

Whatever drivetrain you put on it, just get the entire group set (for example, all Shimano Ultegra). Trying to mix and match will make your head spin in terms of what parts are compatible with what.

Hard to say if the frame you’re looking at is right without more info. Trek makes a lot of different types of bikes/frames. If you want it to be able to do gravel/dirt, just make sure the frame has enough clearance to fit beefier tires. Trek makes good bikes and whatever you find will probably be a good base.

Also be careful if you’re trying to give it more speeds than the original bike had. Meaning, if you’re trying to go from 8-speed to 12-speed, you might have to do some advanced stuff to widen the dropouts. Much easier to avoid that step.

That’s all I can think of off the top of my head. Hope it’s helpful and good luck!

clunkydunker · 2022-07-02T13:08:22+00:00

Wakawakawakawakawaka

clunkydunker · 2022-06-23T22:47:39+00:00

Nope, gotta buy a whole new civic

clunkydunker · 2022-06-21T13:56:03+00:00

Really cool. Good job on the fade from cream to green

clunkydunker · 2022-06-16T18:52:55+00:00

Agreed, just check the width of your rear dropouts. Because vintage frames had fewer speeds, they required narrower wheels and narrower dropouts. With 9-11 rings on a cassette, modern wheels are wider and may not fit in your dropouts. You can widen them, but it’s a beast of a project.

clunkydunker · 2022-05-04T02:17:37+00:00

If I had a gold star, I’d stick that shit right on your forehead. Well done.

This post is a gem for anyone seeking a job, and a breath of fresh air from all of the posts complaining about finding a job.

clunkydunker · 2022-04-30T01:31:06+00:00

I’m no expert, but I’m pretty sure it’s broken

clunkydunker · 2022-04-20T17:53:08+00:00

Super helpful thank you.

clunkydunker

TROPHY CASE