You’ve likely noticed some signs that could help you get a job in graphic design. It’s easy to notice and appreciate the beauty in the world around you. For example, how certain colours work together in an outfit. Or how poorly designed signs can make parking-related street signs difficult to read.
Although you have an excellent sense of what works and what draws attention, before you dive into the graphic design career, it is important to understand the job’s requirements. Does it get tense? Graphic designers are frustrated by these things. Do I have to worry about work all the time? It seems a great way to earn a living by creating visually stunning creative assets. But, will it be difficult to do so? We can shed some light on this topic.
To better understand how this work is done and the common stressors, we spoke to graphic designers who worked as freelancers or business owners.
Is graphic design stressful?
Graphic design can be stressful. This is a subjective question that will depend on your personality and the people with whom you work.
“Graphic design doesn’t have as much stress as any other job,” states graphic designer Ryan Mungia. “A lot depends on the type of job and who you’re doing it for.”
Graphic designers should be aware of some common stressors.
Respecting deadlines
Navigating contradicting creative opinions
Creative work produced on demand
There will be highs and lows, as with any job. It will help you determine if this field is for you. Both freelance and in-house graphic artists must manage deadlines, client expectations, rush jobs, and varying levels of creative energy. Continue reading to find out if the job is right for you and how you can manage stress on the job.
Deadlines are always there.
Graphic designers are responsible for creating engaging and beautiful visuals. This can be an enjoyable task for creative types. These tasks are not necessarily open-ended. They all have deadlines and delivery dates, which can pressure the process.
Bridget Soden Mills, creative director of Creative Vortex, says, “At the end, this is a deadline focused profession.” “Always sooner, never later.”
Soden-Mills states that although some graphic design jobs are more demanding, they will still have projects requiring tight turnarounds.
She explains that there will always be last-minute requests that require late nights or weekends at the office.
Dot Falla is the lead designer at EPM Digital. She agrees that working in rush jobs can cause stress and strain on creatives.
Falla states that being given brief time restrictions will always cause stress. It doesn’t account for the unpredictable nature of creativity.
Falla suggests that graphic designers establish clear goals and timelines right from the beginning of a project.
Falla states, “Set yourself and the team an unnegotiable timeframe that accounts for idea generation, concept creation, feedback rounds–internal as well as external–and present this to your client at every stage.”
Sometimes colleagues and clients can have opposing creative visions.
It is possible to have conflicting opinions about what makes a design effective and impactful. When multiple stakeholders provide contradicting feedback, navigating the design process cannot be easy. You have to experience maximizing the inputs and minimizing the negative feedback.
Mungia states that designers all face the challenge of finding common creative ground. It is even more difficult when you are emotionally involved in the work. These things are easier to handle the more experience you have. However, the first rejection of a design you worked hard on can be difficult.
Two things can lead to disagreements about the best direction for the final result: budget constraints and limited scope.
Will Creech is a graphic designer at Details DIY. He finds it easiest to keep his ego in check when facing these situations.
Creech says, “Often, my constraints make it difficult to deliver the design that I would be proud of.” Creech says, “I might not be proud of every product I produce, but I can internalize contentment with the outcome knowing the constraints.”
Soden-Mills agrees with this advice and adds that graphic designers cannot afford to use only their opinions.
She says that successful designers are people who listen well and have mastered the art of problem-solving. “We are in the business of creating commercial art and designing, not fine art. This means we create for others with a purpose and an audience in mind.
We have examples of how bad client feedback can make a designer’s job more difficult. See our article “ 5 Frustratingly Common Client Comments Examples and How To Overcome Them.
It can be difficult to produce creatively on demand.
Judymae Rivera is a graphic designer at ExaWeb.
The balance between work and personal life is a constant problem in every profession. However, graphic designers must be aware of some important considerations when creating creative work.
When she sticks with a routine, Rivera finds it easier to manage her work pace.
She explains that “habits helped me prime my mind for the activities and pursuits I will pursue.” Once I know the pattern, everything will be automatic and subconscious. It allows me to easily fall into an artistic and creative mind without much effort.
Steve Kozak is the creative vice president of Waste Dynamics(r). He believes it can be beneficial to work for companies that can understand the creative flow and not always follow standard office hours.
Kozak states that creative people are not at their best between 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. in fluorescent lighting cubicles. Allowing designers to work remotely and sometimes setting their hours can often lead to significant increases in productivity, creativity, and overall work-life balance.
Designers must also find ways to replenish their creative well.
Soden-Mills says that professional designers need to recharge. “If they continue depleting the creative battery day in and day out, eventually there will be no more.”
Our graphic designers stressed? You may get different results.
Graphic design skills can be used in many industries. Every company strives for excellence while engaging its customers. Companies will always seek out new designs that are eye-catching, functional, and attractive to increase their customer base. Companies will always be interested in your abilities and learning graphic design principles. However, understanding the real world of the job is a great way for you to avoid potential stressors.
