8 Common Graphic Design Myths Revealed

By: Samantha Werry

Ever since I decided to go into the wonderful field of Graphic Design, I have heard so many people say things like “Oh anyone can do that” or “People don’t really need to go to school for that. They can just learn it on their own.” Well I am here to set the story straight from all the myths out their about Graphic Design careers. I am not sure where the rumors started, or how they continue to grow, but now it is time to set the record straight.

Myth #1: All Graphic Designers are Rich

All designers have the dream of being an amazingly rich, wonderfully famous designer who everyone in the world knows with the work of a genius. But this is typically just a dream, a wonderful, never-want-to-wake-up dream. Design is an extremely competitive field, and therefore, companies don’t need to go broke to keep their design departments staffed. There is always someone out there willing to work for less, and unfortunately, that keeps our salary rate pretty low right out of school. But that does not mean that if you are talented, put the time and effort in, you won’t make a lot of money. You just have to be realistic about it.

Myth #2: It’s an Easy Job

Like many of my friends who are Graphic Designers, we have all ran into people who tend to think our major is a “fun” major and that we get to do all the “easy” classes. Well I am here to tell you that is not true. Most people do around 15 to 18 credits a semester to graduate on time. I know I cannot stand it when people in other majors complain about have ONE, 3 hr long class a week and think that our classes are so much easier than theirs. Well, I have 2, 3-hour classes twice a week. So put that together, that’s 12 hours of class per week. Technically, that should be enough credit hours to be a full time student, but it is only 6 credits. Just like the actual job, people tend to think it is easy and fun. Well here it is. It is NOT easy. Designers can’t simply design anything they want for “fun,” they have to listen to their clients, respect restrictions and much more. For freelance designers, they have to work during the day to meet with the clients, see what they want, make sure they have everything right, and then at night actually sit down and design something, then redesign something because it was not up to par according to the client. That’s more like a 50+ workweek. People design because they love what they do. It is hard work, but it makes them feel good about designing wonderful pieces.

Myth #3: The Studying Ends After College

Graphic design is constantly changing from the programs being used to the style of design being desired. Designers need to keep up with the new times of the day by buying new books, learning from new designers, and realize that our world is constantly changing medias. Designers need to stay on top of the latest programs, the newest trends, and to continually expand your skill set. If your not constantly learning, you are going to get passed up by the next big thing that is constantly learning.

Myth #4: Designers Don’t Have to Deal with People

I know I would love to just sit at my desk with a dual wide-screen Apple display, play my favorite music designing what I want to design in peace, but this just isn’t always true. There are some jobs out there like this, but typically we will have to deal with clients on a daily basis. You need to be ready for anything. There will be constant interruptions, changing from one project to the next. There will be meetings, phone calls, phone conferences, and a hundred emails a day. You will be busy doing other designs while dealing with new clients each day. People want to communicate with their designer. And, in order to create a successful end product, it is your best interest to form a relationship with your clients.

Now most of you are thinking, my title says “8 Common Graphic Design Myths Revealed,” but there are only 4 myths. Where are the rest? If you become a loyal reader to my wonderful blog posts, you will get to see the rest of my blog! Please keep reading my posts for more information! I will be posting the rest again soon so stay in touch!

information from http://www.creativeopera.com/2009/8-common-graphic-design-myths/