A Mini Guide: Transitioning into a Professional Graphic Designer
Where does the disconnect happen between college and getting that first “real” design job or client?
I’ve talked to quite a few students, recent graduates, and aspiring designers. I’ve reviewed many portfolios. Most people looking to get into the field of graphic design are doing the best they can with the knowledge they have—but they don’t know what they don’t know.
The largest gaps I observe in inexperienced designers are:
- portfolios that don’t translate to the “real world” (i.e. don’t display enough visual problem-solving/actual design projects)
- lack of understanding the expectations of an employer or client
- lack of competency in design principles, technical execution, or both
- lack of focus
- inability to talk confidently about their work, design decisions, or process
Some of it may be due to inadequate preparation to enter the field. Other times, it’s just inexperience. Again, you don’t know what you don’t know.
So here’s a brief guide for designers to transition into professional problem-solvers:
