Q + A

Can anyone be a designer?
In the words of the Pixar classic, Ratatouille, “Not everyone can become a great artist, but a great artist can come from anywhere.” You don’t necessarily need to have formal training, you don’t necessarily need to be able to draw. There’s no one place, or class, or region designers come from. There’s no right or wrong age to start. But you do very much need to have an eye for design. You need to have good instincts. You need to be obsessed with your craft. You need to be willing to learn all the time, and constantly improve yourself. If that sounds like you, then the rest doesn’t matter.

How do you build a portfolio? 
It sounds obvious, but design a lot. You can do this in school, or at work. Or, if you’re really self-motivated, do it on your own and get critique by a mentor or the people around you. If you’re going to showcase work you did through an agency in your portfolio, make sure to get permission before you put it on your site.

Should I go to design school?
That’s completely up to you, your background, your budget, and your learning style. If you want to make sure your theory is solid, and build a killer portfolio, design school can be a great way to get there. But if you’re driven, you can get that training on the job, and from the world around you. It may be a good idea to get a degree in something else that will enrich your perspective. But you will have to be prepared to convince at least your first few employers to take a chance on you, and there will be nobody to push you but yourself. Either way, be prepared to work hard, now and for the rest of your career.

Is it hard to find a job? 
Like any industry, there’s always a bit of a hustle. But if you’re motivated and talented, you’ll get a good job (or decide you’d rather go solo). Remember, everything needs to be designed. So ultimately everything needs a designer. That’s a lot of opportunity.