The environment in which a G.D. works depends on many factors like years of experience, persistence, tenacity and lifestyle choices, not to mention the job market. But, an experienced, talented graphic designer with a strong left brain/right brain balance can thrive virtually anywhere. (O.K. – the moon would be a bit challenging with the weightlessness and all). There are usually more opportunities in and around big cities, but a G.D. could also work in a mid-size burb or even a small town. The key to remember is everywhere you work, you learn and everything you learn – makes you more marketable.

To give you an idea, here’s a look at some graphic design work scenarios:

In-house creative departments These creative niches are typically nestled within big corporations. Your “clients” are the various departments within the corporation. The work environment will typically be pretty mellow and the design not as creatively charged. But, this is a great environment to get some experience under your belt and you usually get pretty good benefits like health insurance and a retirement plan. visit the office

Design firms or ad agencies A great place to give your right brain a work-out and crank out some awesome creative. It’s usually fast-paced, intense, exhilarating and exhausting and you create for a wide variety of clients. Entry level positions can be hard to come by and usually don’t pay well. But it you can land one, you can load up your portfolio and gain some valuable experience for the future. visit the office

Freelance or independent This means you are your own boss. It also means you find your own clients, buy your own equipment and manage your own accounts. Most freelancers find work with smaller companies who don’t have the budget for a large firm. You can set-up shop in your abode, rent a cool space downtown or share an office with other creative-types. This scenario works best after a few years of hands-on-working-for-someone-else-experience and you have the skills, the time management and the contacts to run your own business – successfully. (It’s also great when you have offspring.) visit the office

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