This interview will take you through the ups and downs you can expect as a graphic designer for an architectural office, what it takes to land the job, what you can expect to earn and more.

What is your job title and ethnicity?

I am a Graphic Designer for an architectural office, and I have two years of experience in this particular field. I would describe myself as demanding, awkward, and restless.

I was born and raised in San Francisco, CA, but I am ethnically Filipino. Both of my parents immigrated from the Philippines, so although I have never really experienced discrimination, my childhood was a little bit more difficult than normal. I had to learn English as a third language, but these hardships taught me at an early age that if you put the work in, you will be rewarded with accomplishments.

What does your job entail?

I studied architecture in college, so my work as a graphic designer is focused on the field of architecture. My work has aided in re-branding the firm’s image and voice as presented in texts, graphic prints, and on the web. I also design and create various prints such as pamphlets, brochures, and books used for marketing purposes and award program submissions. In addition, due to my knowledge of computers and programs, I have provided general technical computer support. I think there’s a common misconception that graphic designers are artists. I have found that one’s “artistry” really needs to be held back to please the clients. Maturity in this field shows in the way in which a graphic designer can please his clients while still maintaining a quality of work that he can be proud of.

Are you satisfied with your current position?

I would rate my job satisfaction as a 10 out of 10. I love architecture and graphic design. I literally sit and make pretty pictures all day long and get paid for it. Of course, there are the stresses of deadlines, but I have learned that it is my responsibility to be realistic about the work I am able to do. It is very important to know your limits and to express them to those you work with as well as to those your work for.

I love doing graphic design for an architecture firm. It’s extremely fulfilling and exciting, and I am constantly learning new things. I think that although I am very happy with where I am now, it is just in my nature to be restless and I have many more careers and worlds that I want to see. I am currently exploring writing, and it has its own set of challenges and rewards.

How did you end up in this career field?

I got started in this work while still studying in university. While working on my degree in architecture, I worked as an intern at an international architecture office. Since I was not yet a licensed architect, most of the work given to me was graphic work. From then on, I improved and showed a real talent, so I moved more toward graphic design than floor plan drafting. I am very grateful and happy with the way in which my career developed. I wouldn’t change anything.

What have you learned while on the job?

Honestly, I have learned that there is no secret to success. All you have to do is work hard and dedicate yourself. I believe that this goes for any career path or life goal. Some things in life need an inherent passion and talent, but even with those, success needs hard work.

As I’ve previously mentioned, learning your limitations as a graphic designer is very important. I learned this the hard way. In my office, there are only two graphic designers. We are somewhat understaffed, considering the amount of graphic work we do. When I first started, I was eager to prove myself and my skills, so I accepted every single project pitched to me. This is very dangerous, because if you cannot deliver, the failure not only affects you as a designer, but the company you represent, as well. It is very important to know your limitations so that you do not promise more than you can deliver. Unfortunately, there is no way to learn this unless you push yourself.

What makes you go to work every day?

Client satisfaction is what motivates me to get up for work every day. The designing and creativity is fun, but the truly rewarding aspect of this job is the appreciation that clients will express for jobs done well. You will quickly learn in this field, it is very difficult to truly please clients.

Have you ever experienced stress on the job?

Design isn’t solely about the concepts. School tends to be theory heavy, which is excellent for fostering talent and fueling passion. The workplace, however, is hardly like school. Sometimes, it’s sad to admit, but concepts can take a back seat to the client’s wishes. It’s the designer’s job to not only make the client happy, but to open the client up to good design if the client is closed to it initially. This can prove to be very difficult at times.

The biggest challenges in this field are demanding clients. More specifically, demanding clients with no clue about graphic design. It is extremely frustrating to work with clients who not only undervalue the work you do, but have no real grounds for such a view. Having to deal with these impossible people makes me want to quit, sometimes.  I once had a client refuse to pay because they argued that the work we did was not quantifiable. I’m not sure how they came to this conclusion because they were the ones who specifically requested the project. Needless to say, they still paid for the services rendered.

Graphic design can be a very stressful job if you let it get to you. Deadlines are a simple fact of life in this field. Some clients can add stress by requesting near-impossible delivery dates. It is up to you to draw lines when your personal well-being starts to get compromised. Personally, I have developed a healthy balance between work and my personal life. The secret is to love what you do, but never let your job be your life.

What are your salary and benefits?

I get paid a little under $50,000 per year (net). It is a good amount for the city I live in, considering the cost of living. With my salary, I am able to live a very good lifestyle.

The company I work for normally does a cumulative hours build-up system that is directly proportionate to the amount of hours I work. Depending on how many total hours I work, I can take anywhere from two to four weeks of vacation a year. It isn’t nearly enough for my insatiable wanderlust, but it’s pretty standard for the field.

What advice could you give someone wanting to enter the field on graphic design?

Graphic design tends to be a very competitive world. Level of education can sometimes be overlooked for a stellar portfolio. It all depends on the company and the type of talent it is looking to hire. However, it is always a good idea to study graphic design at the university level to gain the basic skills that all companies are searching for.

To anyone considering becoming a graphic designer, I would ask them if they really love design. This field is something that needs not only talent and hard work, but an absolute love for the projects. The hours are long and the quality asked of you is extremely high. If there is no love for what you do, you will burn out incredibly fast.

Where would you like to be in five years?

In five years, I hope to have a collection of short stories published. Not only will I have written the content, but I will also design the cover and all promotional materials.

This is a true career story as told to DiversityJobs.com.

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