The Post: Junior Graphic Designer at Page Setup Design
The Post Holder: Rebecca Hughes
Through perseverance and determination Rebecca Hughes was successful in landing a full-time graphic design job. “My job is important as it brings ideas to life. It promotes a lifestyle or an event and even the most mundane things can be made exciting through graphic design.
Give a brief outline of your career to date.
A lot of my early career consisted of retail jobs and I also freelanced in graphic design whilst working in retail to help kickstart things. My earlier jobs in retail helped me develop a lot of skills, which in turn set me up for my career today.
What was your favourite subject at school?
Media Studies and Photography were the classes I always looked forward to attending. I loved Photography as it was where I was able to incorporate my love for graphic design and enjoyed digitally manipulating my photographs to test my editing ability.
Did you go on to further/higher education, if so what did you study and where?
After finishing my A-levels in St Louise’s Comprehensive College, I went on to study at Belfast Metropolitan College for two years, where I completed a HND in Graphic Design and Illustration.
How did you get into your area of work?
Initially, I found it quite challenging to break into the industry. I found myself doing as much freelance work as I could to help build up my portfolio. I freelanced alongside my retail job, whilst continuing to apply for all the design jobs I came across. It became part of my daily routine, looking for a full-time graphic design post where I fitted the job criteria. Then the post for a Graphic Designer in Page Setup Design based at Innovation Factory appeared. The post had no specific qualification requirements/criteria, so it would have been silly for me to ignore. I applied for the post and got invited for an informal interview. During the interview I showed my portfolio of work and answered a few questions. Not long after, I was offered the job and I haven’t looked back since.
Is this what you always wanted to do?
Without a doubt, I’ve always wanted to be a graphic designer. I have always been a creative person and always enjoyed looking at movie posters, billboards, CD artwork, etc and thinking ‘I really want to create something like these’.
Were there any particular essential qualifications or experience needed?
Most Graphic Designer job listings require a minimum of two to three years’ experience, alongside a degree in graphic design, or an equivalent creative qualification. My HND qualification and lack of industry experience wouldn’t have been enough for me to get considered for 99.9% of the graphic designer job posts, which is why I jumped at the opportunity to work with Page Setup Design.
Alan and Gareth (Page Setup Design, Partners) have a more open-minded approach to bringing new young designers into the industry. They look more at their creative skills and potential, rather than how qualified they are. As a result of their open-mindedness, and because they believed and trusted the creative potential they seen in me, I have been fortunate to work in my dream job. I am learning new skills every day, which is a huge bonus – every day is completely different.
Are there alternative routes into the job?
Having a social media presence could help you land a job in Graphic Design. I’ve seen a few posts on Facebook and Instagram scouting for creative talent in a more relaxed manner. Personally speaking, I got most of my freelance work through clients spotting my work online and enquiring for more information about commissions.
What are the main personal skills your job requires?
You’ve got to be motivated to think creatively. Staying motivated makes your job more enjoyable and pushes you to the best of your ability. Surrounding myself with creative people helps keep me motivated. Being able to problem solve is a bonus. Clients present many requirements but they rely on your creative ability to deliver it visually, to a high standard and on time.
What does a typical day entail?
Gathering job briefs and creating concepts for clients would be the main task of every day. I am normally working on numerous design different briefs throughout the day, some more challenging than others. Throughout the day I email clients updates on the status of their job and what is required to complete it. Communicating with clients helps improve my business skills.
What are the best and most challenging aspects of the job?
The best aspects of my job are when clients are happy with the final product. It makes all the hard work worth it. Deadlines can be challenging but tight deadlines mean I manage my time better as I must plan more efficiently to keep my work flow from falling behind.
Why is what you do important?
Graphic design is important in general as it makes everything more visually appealing to people. My job is important as it brings ideas to life. It promotes a lifestyle or an event and even the most mundane things can be made exciting through graphic design.
How has Covid-19 impacted your business/role?
I was able to spend time expanding my knowledge on graphic design. I invested in new equipment to learn new editing software. I expanded my skills on existing editing software which helped improve my design work. In turn, this all massively boosted my confidence in myself and my work.
What adjustments have you had to make?
Initially I had to adjust to working from home which was challenging and disjointed at times. Fast forward a year on and we’re back in the office again which I much prefer. Our office is situated in the Innovation Factory on the Springfield Road which is a great space to work from.
What advice would you give anyone looking to follow a similar career path?
Apply for every graphic design job, even if you feel like you don’t meet the criteria. You never know what could happen and you could end up being exactly what an employer is looking for. Surround yourself with creative people and take note of any advice/contacts/leads they give you. Keep an eye on the latest design trends and see how you can bring them into your own work style.
If you weren’t doing this what would you like to do?
I think I’d still be doing a creative job. Maybe a visual merchandiser for a clothing brand or working in the art department of a TV show or film.
What is the one piece of advice you would give to yourself on your first day?
Keep working hard and prepare to start drinking coffee every day.
Describe your ideal day off.
My ideal day off would be one that includes a lie in, a nice walk in the Mournes, lots of cuddles from my dog and sitting down to a tasty meal.
And finally, what’s the key to any successful job search?
Consistency! Spend 30 minutes every day checking for new job listings.
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