Okay, Team! A Young Designer's Guide.

In this episode the Team talks about Dan's fancy shirt, Egg Timer News, the Satori YouTube channel, and how your job is almost certainly safe from AI. Links for this episode:Satori Graphics - The ULTIMATE Graphic Design Guide for 2026TourboxHost, Producer, & Editor - Mark CelaHost, Director, & Script Writer - Kristen PericleousHost, Social Media Manager, Social Media Content Creator, & Editor  - Dan Lawson

In this episode, Dan and Mark discuss Apple's attempt at a Creative Cloud competitor, Kristen is at home with sick kids, and Dan's wife has stolen his favorite design-related t-shirt. Host, Producer, & Editor - Mark CelaHost, Director, & Script Writer - Kristen PericleousHost, Social Media Manager, Social Media Content Creator, & Editor  - Dan Lawson

Host, Producer, & Editor - Mark CelaHost, Director, & Script Writer - Kristen PericleousHost, Social Media Manager, Social Media Content Creator, & Editor  - Dan Lawson

Welcome to Episode 37: Principal Product Designer, Lauren Glazer! Lauren details her amazing career that started in Cincinnati and has since helped her traverse the country; from National Geographic, Fox, and Disney in DC to Amazon and Walmart in Seattle. She will cover how to she has handled finding new jobs across the country, dealing with company acquisitions, being promoted, and even changing positions within the same company. Lauren gives insight about her time at some of the world’s biggest companies, how to find a manager that you love to work with, and her biggest piece of advice for remaining fearless in your work and career pursuits. Host, Producer, & Editor - Mark CelaHost, Director, & Script Writer - Kristen PericleousHost, Social Media Manager, Social Media Content Creator, & Editor  - Dan Lawson

In this episode we speak with the extraordinarily talented Kayla Gray! Kayla is a Graphic Designer for American Structurepoint and alumna of the Indiana State University Graphic Design program. We discuss Kayla’s job working as a designer alongside engineers, Structurepoint’s fantastic onboarding, the Cracker Barrel logo, Mark finally watches It’s Always Sunny, Dan searches the Internet for Milk Steak, and why Kristen serves separate hams for the adults and children during the holidays. So Okay Team!, sit back, grab a beverage, and let’s get started!Host, Producer, & Editor - Mark CelaHost, Director, & Script Writer - Kristen PericleousHost, Social Media Manager, Social Media Content Creator, & Editor  - Dan Lawson

Welcome to Episode 35: Designer Downtime! In this episode, the Team discusses what young designers can do with their downtime, whether that be from school or in off-work hours. We discuss how to find an internship and also and how to fill the experience holes in your résumé if you haven’t had a summer internship. We’ll go over ideas including mentorship, shadowing, networking, and in-person or digital events, culminating in a list of ideas to help you boost your design skills and experience. Dan impersonates Kristen, we discuss government cheese, and Mark‘s gallery show was a huge success! Listen now to hear the full context!Host, Producer, & Editor - Mark CelaHost, Director, & Script Writer - Kristen PericleousHost, Social Media Manager, Social Media Content Creator, & Editor  - Dan Lawson

In light of Google’s new video editor the Team tackles the topic of AI again. We talk about the pros and cons that could come from the extreme power of AI tools currently, diving into media production and consumption patterns, safe ways to interact with AI creations, and the over-saturation of the market. Discussions surround why people may shy away from the disingenuous and seek out real connections. Is AI media transitory? Will authenticity win out? Kristen doesn’t answer Mark‘s questions and instead talks about her AI hopes and dreams, Dan has more horror movie recommendations, and Mark‘s new exhibit is live (though by the time this episode airs it will be closed).Host, Producer, & Editor - Mark CelaHost, Director, & Script Writer - Kristen PericleousHost, Social Media Manager, Social Media Content Creator, & Editor  - Dan Lawson

Join us this episode as The Team chats with Project Manager, Designer, Researcher, and World Traveler Alissa Cook. We’ll discuss the benefits of taking a service-driven gap year after design school, using design expertise to understand the user in any situation, and really accepting experiences that open your eyes to all that design can be. Alissa demonstrates how stepping away from a traditional design path and following personal interests really shaped the unique design career she has today. Mark talks about umbrella thieves, we are not up for a Webby Award, also Impact Statements are super helpful!Host, Producer, & Editor - Mark CelaHost, Director, & Script Writer - Kristen PericleousHost, Social Media Manager, Social Media Content Creator, & Editor  - Dan Lawson

Welcome back! In this episode, Kristen and Lauren are joined by Trevor Minton, Chief Experience Officer at Openfield in Cincinnati. Join us as we discuss the ways we've seen the design industry narrow and focus on specialities, using design as a mindset and solving problems outside of your job, and the importance of being flexible and accepting new technologies in an ever-evolving landscape of design tools. We cover how to be a problem solver instead of a problem finder and important moments in the growth of a young designer's career. Host, Producer, & Editor - Mark CelaHost, Director, & Script Writer - Kristen PericleousHost, Social Media Manager, Social Media Content Creator, & Editor  - Dan Lawson

In this episode, Mark, Dan, and Kristen field questions from the wonderful Graphic Design students of Indiana State University! The Q&A covers a multitude of subjects from imposter syndrome, the differences between art and creative directors, should you go to graduate school as a visual artist if you never intend to teach, and lots more!Host, Producer, & Editor - Mark CelaHost, Director, & Script Writer - Kristen PericleousHost, Social Media Manager, Social Media Content Creator, & Editor  - Dan Lawson

To celebrate the end of Season 3, Mark, Kristen, Dan, and Lauren visit the Okay Team! Lounge, where they have drinks and discuss everything BUT graphic design. Subjects include the upcoming Season 4 of the podcast, some movie reviews, a little bit of reality TV, and gaming. There is a lot of laughter and geeky content with this episode, but they'll back in Season 4 with more design news, guests, and possibly an episode with a class of college graphic design students asking questions on career guidance!So sit back, relax, have a nice drink, and welcome to The Okay Team! Lounge. Host, Producer, & Editor - Mark CelaHost, Director, & Script Writer - Kristen PericleousHost, Social Media Manager, Social Media Content Creator, & Editor  - Dan Lawson

In this episode, the Team chats with Haley Moore, VP of Design, about her career path from designer to manager and how she came to terms with embracing her natural ability to lead projects and being comfortable managing a team of very skilled designers. She discusses taking leaps in her career in order to not lean away from her natural skillsets, even if they are hard to recognize, and being ok with the concept of not being the best at something. Haley also discusses the traits and qualities she looks for when hiring a new designer, including how to share a bit of yourself with your interviewers. Kristen discusses Bigfoot (again), and Haley unwinds with snacks on the floor to deal with burnout.Host, Producer, & Editor - Mark CelaHost, Director, & Script Writer - Kristen PericleousHost, Social Media Manager, Social Media Content Creator, & Editor  - Dan Lawson

In this episode, The Team discuss costly mistakes they've made in their careers, how they addressed them, and how to you should address your own $10K mistakes when you make them (and you will).Host, Producer, & Editor - Mark CelaHost, Director, & Script Writer - Kristen PericleousHost, Social Media Manager, Social Media Content Creator, & Editor  - Dan Lawson

In this episode The Team speaks with Highmark Health UX (User Experience) Researcher Autumn Gilbert!Host, Producer, & Editor - Mark CelaHost, Director, & Script Writer - Kristen PericleousHost, Social Media Manager, Social Media Content Creator, & Editor  - Dan Lawson

Listen in as The Team discusses career pivots and offers insight for each step of the process. We cover advice for researching your intended field, seeking out opportunities to develop new and necessary skills, building up a refreshed portfolio and online presence, and ways to find a new network within the niche of design you hope to enter. Finally, we address many of the biggest concerns of pivoting and solutions for how to handle them as they arise! Host, Producer, & Editor - Mark CelaHost, Director, & Script Writer - Kristen PericleousHost, Social Media Manager, Social Media Content Creator, & Editor  - Dan Lawson

We're excited to have professional Photographer Todd Kuhns on this episode, where he talks about the state of photography as an industry, advice for young photographers and designers, and how design could learn from the last 20 years of how photography has evolved.  Todd's work may be found at his website and YouTube channel:Studio12online.comTodd Kuhns on YouTubeHost, Producer, & Editor - Mark CelaHost, Director, & Script Writer - Kristen PericleousHost, Social Media Manager, Social Media Content Creator, & Editor  - Dan Lawson

In this episode, Kristen, Dan, and Lauren discuss the importance and impact of soft skills in your design role and job hunting. The Team covers what soft skills are, how you can talk about them in interviews, and how you build on them throughout your career.Host, Producer, & Editor - Mark CelaHost, Director, & Script Writer - Kristen PericleousHost, Social Media Manager, Social Media Content Creator, & Editor  - Dan Lawson

EPISODE 23: Storytelling Your WorkOn this episode, the Team discusses tips and tactics for presenting your creative work and ideas in a storytelling narrative. We present ideas for ways to mesh verbal and visual cues to guide you and the audience through your work and how to present ideas in the most professional and goal-oriented manner. We give ideas for how to streamline your narrative, show off your creative process, set up your website, and, sometimes most difficult of all, how to verbally wrap up the story of each piece. Finally, we talk about how these storytelling skills will continue with you in your career, often being utilized to sell ideas to clients and non-designers.Host, Producer, & Editor - Mark CelaHost, Director, & Script Writer - Kristen PericleousHost, Social Media Manager, Social Media Content Creator, & Editor  - Dan Lawson

In this episode, the Team talks about professional mentorship in design. They discuss how mentor/mentee relationships are different from what you may have experienced in school, how those relationships form, and what it means to be a good mentor. Egg-timer news this week covers the team’s favorite features announced at Apple’s WWDC event. Digressions include how to pronounce “biopic,” business card design, and poorly drawn billboards. Host, Producer, & Editor - Mark CelaHost, Director, & Script Writer - Kristen PericleousHost, Social Media Manager, Social Media Content Creator, & Editor  - Dan Lawson

On this episode, the Team celebrates the start of season three by welcoming new, full-time host, Lauren DeMarks! Egg Timer News covers the launch and huge take off of artist-friendly social media site, Cara, along with our predictions for its future. We then dive into the dreaded world of group projects, focusing on working with other disciplines and their ways of problem solving, the importance of communication and speaking up, and also time management. We share tips on planning for successful group meetings, tactics for handling how to get started, and tools for project management. Finally, the Team covers how to work with different aesthetics within group members, sharing team projects in your portfolio, and the best way to wrap up any group project. We hope you enjoy Episode 21!Host, Producer, & Editor - Mark CelaHost, Director, & Script Writer - Kristen PericleousHost, Social Media Manager, Social Media Content Creator, & Editor  - Dan Lawson

Welcome to a special edition as we wrap up Season 2; the Ok, Team Lounge! In this episode, your hosts will cover a variety of topics outside the world of design and discuss their passions. Buckle up, as the Team covers Dan’s new podcast, horror movies, video games, tv shows we’re loving, D&D, Nicholas Cage’s acting prowess, and Kristen’s favorite cryptid; Bigfoot. We also have a special announcement; Lauren DeMarks will be joining us next season as a full time host! Host, Producer, & Editor - Mark CelaHost, Director, & Script Writer - Kristen PericleousHost, Social Media Manager, Social Media Content Creator, & Editor  - Dan Lawson

Indiana State University Professor Nancy Nicols-Pethick joins the team to talk shop and how she uses her unique experiences to push students to find passion in their work, learn how to address failures, and recognize how to aim for higher personal standards rather than settling for their current skill level. We cover mastering creative foundations, work/life balance, and, of course, her thoughts on AI. Join us and our wonderful guest as we discuss art, passion, and finding creativity in the seemingly mundane. Nancy's WebsiteThrough the Eyes of an Artist - Nancy Nichols-PethickAmazon Affiliate Link: Why Art Cannot Be Taught: A Handbook for Art StudentsHost, Producer, & Editor - Mark CelaHost, Director, & Script Writer - Kristen PericleousHost, Social Media Manager, Social Media Content Creator, & Editor  - Dan Lawson

In this episode, the Team talks about accessibility and design. Guest host Lauren DeMarks talks about user experience (UX) design and the spectrum of use cases for ensuring equitable experiences regardless of temporary or long-term physical disabilities. Show Notes:Overall, what does it mean to have accessible design? Lauren, would you like to give us a definition or overview? OVERVIEW Accessibility is the practice of making sure a product, environment or service can be used by everyone—however they encounter it.Including those with blindness/low vision, speech impairments, hearing impairments, cognitive & learning disabilities, motor/dexterity issues—accessible solutions make it so that these folks can actually meaningfully use the designs we create. But accessible design is important in ALL elements and design disciplines. Accessible design can also help people with various kinds of impairments (because you probably first think of permanent ones). Situational —walking in high heels, I’m at a loud concert. Temporary— my leg is broken, I have an ear infection and cannot hear. Permanent — I am paralyzed and cannot use my legs, I am blind. Accessible designs help EVERYONEAccessible design helps ALL people—even those without disabilities (taking 14 bags of groceries to my 7th floor apartment makes elevators look real nice). What’s the difference between Accessibility and usability? Usability issues generally affect all users, both users with and without disabilities. All users have difficulty using a website. Accessibility issues occur solely for people with disabilities when they have difficulty using or accessing a website without problems. Accessible design makes spaces and designed products USABLE for EVERYONE, regardless of ability. Accessibility is important in ALL silos of designDigitalPrintPhysical EnvironmentalTeachingEtc. DigitalMainly consider solutions that benefit low-sight or low-hearing users. Cognitive impairments come into considerations too. Alt. text. Not just relying on color to communicate a message. Allowing for customization (text size, color-blind settings, etc) (we also see this in video games). Goes beyond just visual, and as a digital designer you need to have a tight partnership with your developers to make sure the code is accessible as well. Print design? Oxo vegetable peeler maBuilt environments & environmental design. Take mobility into account more than digital products. What things are considered in this area of design? Routes, signage, etc… Curb cut - Physical productsDesign for folks with arthritis, but they’re just flat out more comfortable for everyone. TeachingProviding multiple ways (within reason) for students to demonstrate mastery. Host, Producer, & Editor - Mark CelaHost, Director, & Script Writer - Kristen PericleousHost, Social Media Manager, Social Media Content Creator, & Editor  - Dan Lawson

In this episode guest host Lauren DeMarks joins the Team as talks about ways to level up as a graphic designer. Show Notes:What does it mean to “level up?”More than just software skills, aesthetic, or even becoming more efficientHigher level of performance, thinking, innovating, systems thinking, etc…Tangible markers of successful leveling up:PromotionTitle changeRaiseResponsibilities change/increaseOn reflection, softer markers like just feeling more confident in doing something you weren’t doing a year agoAnecdotes & Story Time! Lauren’s experience Lauren’s classmate’s experience: Basically everyone left and she just found herself the most senior one on the team after only 5 years. Dan: Constant growth mindset = new, unplanned opportunities! Mark: From a nobody to Kristen & Dan’s friend!!!Advice: If you feel stuck or like you don’t know what to DO to actively level up as a designer, here are some useful tips! Find a mentor (someone to constantly push you)How to find one? Can it be a more experienced colleague? Past professor? More senior members on your team (stress the value of NOT being the sole designer on a team right out of school)Attend eventsIndustry events, online, in-person, etc. Keep in touch!!!Classmates and coworkers that move to other jobsThese people can spread far and wide and make even more connections. It’s worth your time to keep in touch! You never know the connections you can eventually make! Kristen got her job at Miami bc she kept in touch with Erin who taught her letterpress at Miami, asked for help letterpressing her wedding invites, just happened to mention teaching at Miami was her dream job, and 4 YEARS later Erin remembered and asked her to apply to the opening at Miami! Host, Producer, & Editor - Mark CelaHost, Director, & Script Writer - Kristen PericleousHost, Social Media Manager, Social Media Content Creator, & Editor  - Dan Lawson

In this episode, guest Crystal Black talks about issues related to doing design work for friends and the pitfalls of not using a contract. Egg Timer News: Canva buys Affinity!Host, Producer, & Editor - Mark CelaHost, Director, & Script Writer - Kristen PericleousHost, Social Media Manager, Social Media Content Creator, & Editor  - Dan Lawson

In this episode, The Team attempts to stay on task and talk about work-life balance for Graphic Designers. Show Notes:General OverviewWhat is work/life balance? Specific SituationsSchool vs. “Real World”Extra cirriculars, friends, social life, after-work events, side gig (??), hobbiesKristen’s advice: don’t take on too much directly out of school!!Traditional Agency (9-5) JobOccasional out of hours work requirements Additional learning/professional developmentTeaching in Higher EducationFreelance DesignerLifestyle choices that affect your productivity Caffeine and sugar crashes, Physical Fitness, Diet, Sleep, Drink WaterHost, Producer, & Editor - Mark CelaHost, Director, & Script Writer - Kristen PericleousHost, Social Media Manager, Social Media Content Creator, & Editor  - Dan Lawson

In this episode, The Team explore different software used in professional graphic design. Show Notes:Today we’re going to address a question we get all the time:“There are SO many programs, what do I really need to learn?!”School won’t teach you everything, but it will teach you how to learn, where to find tutorials, what questions to ask, etc. You’ll also learn on the job! Some is experience-basedIn tech, based on security approvalLet’s cover some of the big ones:Canvas vs. Illustrator vs. Corel, Canva, Adobe, iPads, 3D, Maya, Figma, Buckets“Traditional” designUXAnimationIllustrationBrainstorming & collaboration (idea stages) Free vs. paid resources (https://github.com/KenneyNL/Adobe-Alternatives)Host, Producer, & Editor - Mark CelaHost, Director, & Script Writer - Kristen PericleousHost, Social Media Manager, Social Media Content Creator, & Editor  - Dan Lawson

In this episode, The Team explores the graphic design interviewing process and the tough questions and situations that may arise during the process. Show notes:Interview Questions, Answers, and Etiquette.Not every question ever, just some of the hard ones! Tell us about yourself!What’s the weakest piece in your portfolio? Answering questions about team projectsWhy isn’t work from (X seen on your resume) in your portfolio? How to handle showing “real world” workIf you could choose one project to represent you, which would it be and why?Being asked a question and you want to use a piece or experience that was not in your portfolioQuestions about “design process”Why did you leave your last job? Other questions: Work experience before collegeWork experience during collegeWhy do you want to work hereWhy are you the right person for this job?What are your strengths? What are your weaknesses?What could you bring to this company?How do you think you could grow as a designer? If we hire you, where do you see yourself in 5 years?What is your end career goal?What is the toughest part of a project?What is the biggest obstacle you’ve faced in a project? In life?Host, Producer, & Editor - Mark CelaHost, Director, & Script Writer - Kristen PericleousHost, Social Media Manager, Social Media Content Creator, & Editor  - Dan Lawson

In this episode The Team Interviews UX Designer Lauren DeMarks! Lauren talks about her time as a design student, intern, and Senior UX Designer.Show Notes:Working as a designer in a very specific niche and how I adjusted out of schoolapprehensive about diving right into edtech right out of college because it sounded kind of limiting on its face, but really it’s been a lot of funalso probably more common for designers to see than they thinkIt’s also just the reality for any designer that ends up being an in-house designerThey’re going to have to become familiar with a specific vertical or industryYoung designers could just kind of naturally gravitate toward the more sexy-sounding agency jobs but there’s a lot out there outside of that!A few questions for Lauren: Topic: being ok with going into a very niche career right out of school?  Introduce yourself! How did you find this job? Is this your first job? How do you build and maintain excitement about working within a specific industry—especially one you didn't expect to be working in? How did you adjust to working within a niche? What did you have to do to adjust in your role that you might not have expected when you got into edtech?How and what skills can transfer from one industry to another? How do I communicate and show those skills to future employers?Host, Producer, & Editor - Mark CelaHost, Director, & Script Writer - Kristen PericleousHost, Social Media Manager, Social Media Content Creator, & Editor  - Dan Lawson

Host, Producer, & Editor - Mark CelaHost, Director, & Script Writer - Kristen PericleousHost, Social Media Manager, Social Media Content Creator, & Editor  - Dan Lawson

In this episode, The Team chats about the positive and negative influences of Artificial Intelligence on Graphic Design and Design Education. Show Notes:Where do we see AI right now in our industry?Photoshop, Midjourney, ChatGPT, Adobe Premiere… any others?Is Adobe getting too powerful? Will it kill the industry professional? Who owns the rights to AI generated work? Can I use AI generated art in my work in school? Can I use purchased graphics/Adobe library free images in my school work or professional?With all the new technology, HOW do I become a designer worthy of being hired?How do Designers remain relevant in the age of AI (when you can just “generate” anything)?Practice: Don’t be afraid to suck at something“You’ve got to be a disaster before you’re a master” ~Pat FlynnTrying is more important than succeedingYour Brain:Big sexy brain (Lauren and Kayla websites, case studies) This is why they are hiring you! AI can’t do this, they can’t think for you. The ones who just do, and don’t think, are in danger. Research: Keep up on the newest AI advancesIndustry TrendsHost, Producer, & Editor - Mark CelaHost, Director, & Script Writer - Kristen PericleousHost, Social Media Manager, Social Media Content Creator, & Editor  - Dan Lawson

In this episode, The Team answers listener questions, discusses ImagineFX Magazine, and finally answers the question, "Does Kristen own a tiara?"Time stamp information:(07:41) How do you overcome imposter syndrome when starting your job?(08:24) I'm going to be a new designer  going into the field after getting married, my partners job often has us relocate to different states semi- often. How do I search for jobs and communicate my situation without making myself seem like a weakness/ liability?(10:56) What is the best way to deal with not being graded for the first time? (i.e. how do you measure success without a letter grade?)(12:22) Can you talk about the equipment you use in your line of work? For starters, laptop vs desktop? Mouse vs trackpad? Etc. (17:22)What are some good goals to set when starting out in your first year of work?(19:17) How do you guys go about, deal with, and take the next step after making a costly design mistake at your job?(22:55) What are some projects that you were not sure about taking on, but you're glad you did because it turned out cool/the experience was great?(25:15) How do you deal with disappointments and failures in your career, with yourself and clients you might be working with?How do you deal with disappointments in your career? When something doesn't go perfect I take it very personally, how do you get over the disappointment?(26:29) Is it OK to add your own personal touch to a piece that some believe should be done a certain way? (something personal like a mark or a shape that only the artist would know or even realize was there.)(30:09) What does your typical work flow look like and do you work on more than one project at a time?(33:00) For someone pursuing a career in graphic design, what are employers looking for in a portfolio? How many different projects should be included? Do employers want to see sketches/before and afters? Is there such thing as too much in a portfolio? Is creating your own website to display your work better than some of the portfolio building apps (apps such as Behance)?(35:49) What will my first day on the job be like?(37:22) I love my job, and the co-workers and benefits are great, but im feeling bored. What should I do?(39:44) I’m ready to change jobs. How do I go about scheduling interviews while still working at my current job?(41:40) I’m a design student discouraged by my professors’ negative talk of the profession. So I want to ask you: do love the work, why? and how to stay motivated and driven? (45:34) What should I expect my boss to talk about in my first year review? (47:22) How should I address my superiors at work?(48:19) I see a lot of job listings that only mention Canva as their main program. I find that program very limiting both creatively and aesthetically. Do I just apply for these jobs so I can get a paycheck and experience or do I hold out for a job that is more in the world of adobe products?(51:38) How do you give critique that is honest, but not hurtful?(53:29) What are the top three things new designers should be really good at?Host, Producer, & Editor - Mark CelaHost, Director, & Script Writer - Kristen PericleousHost, Social Media Manager, Social Media Content Creator, & Editor  - Dan Lawson

In this episode, The Team covers salary negotiating techniques, cost of living considerations, and how to calculate how much you should ask for when negotiating your salary for a graphic design job!Show Notes:Negotiate a SalaryKnow your worthTrack all your expenses for a month:Needs: Rent, gas, insurance, bills, etc. Wants: Dinner, dates, going out, Netflix subscription, clothes, etc. Saving: Are you saving? - now multiply each of those by 12 and add up = yearly expenses. - If everything you do is $1,800 a month, you can live as a cheap college student in Oxford for $21,600. - Say you take a $35,000 salary, removing expenses, you have an extra $13,400/year which is $1,116 a month. --- consider student debt payments, things your parents will make you pay for once you have a job, ---all of this is before taxes: that's a lot of your money based on state and federal taxes. ---Nothing will be as cheap as it is in Oxford. Set up a realistic budget for your living expenses (50/30/20 rule)https://www.nerdwallet.com/cost-of-living-calculator50% - NEEDS: Bills, expenses, groceries, student loan bills, etc. 30% - WANTS: Discretionary spending20% - SAVING: This is anything towards your longer-term financial goals and things like your 401k/IRA (retirement plan)Do your homework:Find the salary range for your job titlePayscale.com, Salary.com, AIGA’s salary data, Glassdoorhttps://www.payscale.com/research/US/Jobhttps://www.creativecircle.com/salary-guide/?utm_source=DSMN8&utm_medium=LinkedInIdentify a target salary in the 25-50% for your area(compare that range to your living expenses)Set a bolstering rage (top dollar) that is 20% higher than targetSet a resistance point (bottom dollar) that fits within your budgetOther things to consider:Factor in benefits value: what would sweeten the deal?PTO (paid time off, aka vacation days) Negotiate a Salary: Tips and Tricks In an interview:They put a number out: Ask to hear more about the position before giving a firm answerThey ask YOU what you’re looking to make, or ask for a range: bring in your research! This city, this position, with my skills, make xyz. I’m looking to make close to xyzNO RANGE Host, Producer, & Editor - Mark CelaHost, Director, & Script Writer - Kristen PericleousHost, Social Media Manager, Social Media Content Creator, & Editor  - Dan Lawson

In this episode The Team explores how and why designers should catalog their successes in order to become more confident and well-rounded in their careers. Show notes:Purpose:Promotes Professional ConfidencePractice self-promotionBrag!Demonstrate breadth of experienceKeep public-facing spaces currentIdentify holes in skill or experienceDiff success hold diff value to every company, team, clientPrepare for hard interview questionsTypes of Success:Professional Formal:Jobs, Internships, Co-opsProBono, VolunteerFreelance Experiential: MentorshipsProfessional WorkshopsTeam-based WorkRelated CourseworkOther design experiences PersonalProject, process, personal breakthroughsGrowth ExperiencesLeadership Exp. Out of the box OR Out of your comfort zonePlaces to Brag:VisualWebsiteDribbleInstagramWrittenLinkedInWebsiteResumeMedium/Blogs (writing skills)Case Study (Website or linkedin)Opportunities for new Success:SchoolProjects, classes, teams, Professional workInternships, jobs, freelance, on-campus organizations, et . Enhance Communication and personal SkillsNegotiation, time management, marketing, writing, photography, correspondence, etcProfessional OrganizationsContent to Consider:Success metricsKey outcomes/takeawaysInvisible successNew skills/learnings (interpersonal or professional) Processes Barriers overcamenegatives/weaknesses turned positiveManeuvering through changes in client askHost, Producer, & Editor - Mark CelaHost, Director, & Script Writer - Kristen PericleousHost, Social Media Manager, Social Media Content Creator, & Editor  - Dan Lawson

In this episode The Team talks about what they do to overcome creative ruts, advice on coming up with unique ideas, and how the struggle to be original is actually positive for you. Show Notes:Let’s talk about something that I’m sure is on everyone’s mind, especially as we are getting closer and closer to the holidays: Getting in and out of a creative rut. Or even, just avoiding burnout. Creative rut/burnout and how most people find themselves in it. Generally, a rut can be just a complete lack of creative juices flowing. How to get out of a creative rut:Mark: Look at artists that I like, read books, watch videos on creativity and other artistDan: force myself to put “pencil to paper.” Sketching/doodling/hand-workKristen: Creative procrastination (work on passion projects)At the start of a new project when you are just staring at a blank piece of paper and don’t know where to start. Brainstorming & creative processMark: Initial drawings, test concepts:Dan: ThumbnailsKristen: Brand squares, design webs, list of words, picture compilations, mood boards***Keep in mind our young audience. ***Teaching techniquesWhere you look for/find inspirationStudent questions: How do you come up with ideas?NO Midjourney/Chat GPTIdea generationsHow to come up with something originalIdeate verbally with othersBig picture problem, move into smaller.  How to make your design work when it’s not workingYou have the idea of what you’re trying to designBut then get stuck Host, Producer, & Editor - Mark CelaHost, Director, & Script Writer - Kristen PericleousHost, Social Media Manager, Social Media Content Creator, & Editor  - Dan Lawson

In this episode, The Team discusses what it's like to be a freelance Graphic Designer with cohost Dan Lawson.Show Notes:High Level OverviewHow you got started freelancingWhat your typical day or week looks likeDesign time vs business development Prospecting/getting new clientsmeeting/communicating with clientsDive deeper into the nitty gritty/less-glamorous sideTracking your timeInvoicesfinancials/taxes/getting paidMost Common Questions from Students:How much do I charge?Do I need a contract? How to invoice? How to find clients?Can I use this in my portfolio?...Should I?Can I freelance full-time directly out of school?Dan, any last pieces of advice for young designers hoping to make it on their own as a freelance designer?Host, Producer, & Editor - Mark CelaHost, Director, & Script Writer - Kristen PericleousHost, Social Media Manager, Social Media Content Creator, & Editor  - Dan Lawson

In this episode, The Team examines the career path to becoming a college-level educator in Graphic Design. We talk about degree requirements, expectations on the job, and just how easy/difficult it is to land one of these positions at various institutional levels!Show Notes:Deep Dive Educator Levels:Job Titles (Adjunct, Visiting Professor, Instructor, Tenure/Tenure Track)Level of Schooling Needed/Requirements to ApplyJob Description/ResponsibilitiesApplication: Differences in CV vs. ResumeInterview Process (What to expect)Differences in processPortfolioPresentationIn-class teachingMeetings & ToursWhat they hopefully shouldn’t ask youUnexpected Responsibilities ?? (committees, curriculum building, recruitment, advising, etc) Differences between Agency and Education? Host, Producer, & Editor - Mark CelaHost, Director, & Script Writer - Kristen PericleousHost, Social Media Manager, Social Media Content Creator, & Editor  - Dan Lawson

In this episode the Team continues the discussion about career paths in Graphic Design, what makes each career path unique, and provides advice that may help you decide if a specific discipline is right for you!Buckets of Design Jobs: There are ways to drill down even further, but this is a high-level view of the different directions you can take your career!Branding/IdentityMore than just logo design. Create a system, entire look, feel, and tone of a brand. Can include developing color palettes, typography choices, image direction, tone of voice in written elements, etc. All things to communicate the brand’s personality to the consumers across all touchpoints (packaging, ads, web, in-store, etc)UX/UI/Web (User Experience, User Interface) Development of apps and websites. UI (user interface) design is the creation of elements that a user will interact with when using a website or service, ensuring the interface has elements that are easy to understand and access. UX (user experience) design is the process of designing a user's journey throughout their time spent with a product or service and focusing on making sure each user finds value from their interactions with a brand, product, or service. Both elements are crucial to a product and work closely together, but the roles themselves are quite different, referring to very different aspects of the product development process and the design discipline.Marketing/AdvertisingPromotional strategy for the brand or product with intense focus on how consumers make purchase decisions. Often some amount of research or study of behavioral psychology comes into play to understand consumer behavior. Push the brand across touchpoints such as print and digital ads, emails, social media, influencers, motion, etc. Environmental/ExhibitionApplication of graphic design in a physical space to help guide users through a space or towards an intended goal. Usually part of a larger team of architects or industrial designers that work together to create large scale systems. Work can be produced on signage, walls, floors, outdoor spaces, spacial layouts, even smart cities. Work can be produced as print-based touchpoints or interactive displays that can engage users. PackagingMain role is to design the packaging of a product to attract the eye of the target consumer and push for a purchase decision over that of any competitors on shelf. Can also include in-store environmental design or POP designs. Designers can specialize in a specific industry, need to have a strong knowledge of printing solutions/capabilities, production costs and styles, package structures, and be able to work with provided research/data on consumer trends and store requirements. Print/Publication/EditorialUse the principles of good design to guide readers through long-form print pieces such as books, magazines, newspapers, etc. Designers can also focus on smaller content pieces like brochures, signage, etc. This design now also delves into the digital world as many publications also have a digital presence. Ability to create and work with templates and InDesign is huge. Animation/MotionSpecialize in the creation of motion-based graphics and often work as part of a larger team focused on one brand. Work can be shown on tv, games, social media, corporate videos, etc and can include things like tv show bumpers, movie title sequences, brand animations, motion graphics for brands or products, etc. IllustrationDesign and creation of illustrations for brands that can be purely digital work or a mix of hand-media/analogHost, Producer, & Editor - Mark CelaHost, Director, & Script Writer - Kristen PericleousHost, Social Media Manager, Social Media Content Creator, & Editor  - Dan Lawson

In this episode Mark Cela, Kristen Pericleous, and Dan Lawson begin a two-part discussion about education and career paths for graphic designers. The conversation covers the positives and negatives of higher education, and what types of degrees designers may consider for different career paths.Show notes:Is design education necessary?What it did/didn’t do for usDiscussion of different paths and how it’s up to each person to take initiative, dive deep, take the extra effort, tailor their education to reach your goals. Host, Producer, & Editor - Mark CelaHost, Director, & Script Writer - Kristen PericleousHost, Social Media Manager, Social Media Content Creator, & Editor  - Dan Lawson

In this episode, the team discusses the moment each of them knew Graphic Design was the correct career path for them.Show Notes:I saw something in the "real world" that made me realize "Ooooh, someone had to have designed that!"What was the moment you KNEW choosing art would work out for you? Advice for young artist, either just getting into their education or into the field. How to balance fine art with production art:Dan: until Procreate/Siege I said for decades that Graphic Design killed the Artist in meKristen: Show it in your work and employers will value it, and find ways to utilize you.Host, Producer, & Editor - Mark CelaHost, Director, & Script Writer - Kristen PericleousHost, Social Media Manager, Social Media Content Creator, & Editor  - Dan Lawson

On our first episode, Graphic Designers Mark Cela, Kristen Pericleous, and Dan Lawson discuss what inspired them to pursue art and design as a career.Host, Producer, & Editor - Mark CelaHost, Director, & Script Writer - Kristen PericleousHost, Social Media Manager, Social Media Content Creator, & Editor  - Dan Lawson