Student research request

[hannahb]

Hi
I’m a mature (35 yrs old) student studying graphic design and about to enter my 3rd year at Uni, as part of our course we are required to investigate our options for the future in the field of graphic design, and I was wandering if it is appropriate to post my questionnaire about working as a designer on this forum.

[Boss Hog]

Yes post below....

[hannahb]

Hi
My name is Hannah and I am about to enter the third year of am graphic design degree, as part of our final studies we are required to investigate our chosen career and would really appreciate getting the views of working designers. I request a few minutes of your valuable time to answer the following questions and share your knowledge and experience, with someone just starting out.
If you prefer please email your answers to hblovesdesign@gmail.com
Many thanks in advance, Hannah.

1. What is your job title?

2. Do you work for an employer, self-employed / freelance or a combination? If you are self-employed how do you generate work?

3. How did you get started in this business?

4. Do you specialise in one aspect of graphic design or work on many different projects?

5. What's the best aspect of your job?

6. And the worst?

7. What do you wish other designers understood?

8. What software programs do you use?

9. Approximately how much do you think the following could expect to be paid.
a. Junior designer:
b. senior designer:
c. Project manager:
d. Freelancer hourly: daily:

10. What or who inspires you?

11. Any hints or tips for someone starting out?

12. What's the best advice you've ever been given?

Thank you very much for your time, if you are happy to leave your contact information please do so below.
Name:
Email address:

[djb]

1. What is your job title?

Graphic & Web Designer

2. Do you work for an employer, self-employed / freelance or a combination? If you are self-employed how do you generate work?

I work part-time for an employer and part-time for myself. I generate work mainly through friends and friends of friends. Also have got a bit from forums. Have yet to have enough spare time to sort out my own marketing properly so I guess it’s going alright!

3. How did you get started in this business?

Didn’t enjoy school so much and left college after a month and ended up on the YT scheme where they placed me as a junior designer as they thought it suited me.

4. Do you specialise in one aspect of graphic design or work on many different projects?

All sorts really, although at the moment mainly websites with the materials to help promote them (stationery, leaflets etc.)

5. What's the best aspect of your job?

Working when I want (apart from the day job).

6. And the worst?

Having to work silly hours if required.

7. What do you wish other designers understood?

My sense of humour.

8. What software programs do you use?

Creative Suite 5. Can’t bring myself to pay the cash to upgrade it though.

9. Approximately how much do you think the following could expect to be paid.
a. Junior designer:
b. senior designer:
c. Project manager:
d. Freelancer hourly: daily:

a) 25k b) 35k c) 25k d) Not saying.

10. What or who inspires you?

Not a lot at the moment. Perhaps the idea of bettering myself but I certainly don’t look up to anyone.

11. Any hints or tips for someone starting out?

Concentrate on getting experience rather than qualifications.

12. What's the best advice you've ever been given?

See 11