Graphic Designer Job Profile: Male, age 31, from Las Vegas, NY (ID# 4930)

1. What exactly do you do?

What field is your job in?

Graphic Design
What is your job title?

Graphic Designer
Please provide a brief description of the firm or organization that you currently work for (size and general description of what type of organization it is)

I run my own design firm called "Cesaretti Design". I do print marketing for various clients in Las Vegas, NV.
How long have you been employed in this position?

Over 4 years.
How many hours do you work a week on average?

30-40 hours.
Please provide a BRIEF description of your duties and responsibilities. (job description)

30-40 hours.
Please provide a BRIEF description of your duties and responsibilities. (job description)

I handle and oversee graphic design projects for various clients. I also deal with print shops in the Las Vegas area and work with them until the final product is delivered to the client.
What was your gross income last year? Please include any bonuses or incentives received.

25000
What is your expected gross income for this year? Please include any bonuses or incentives you expect to receive.

25000
Please list any benefits you have (Please include number of weeks vacation, sick leave and type of health insurance, retirement plan 401k)

Health insurance
Do you feel you are under/well/over compensated at your current position?

Well

Does your job entail you working with others on a daily basis? Is this something you like/dislike about your job? Explain

Yes, I must work with the client on a daily basis by phone or email. Sometimes we meet in person if there is a lot to cover. It's an important aspect of my job to communicate with other people. More times than not, I like this communication. Sometimes, we will get a client who isn't much fun too deal with though.
Do you work collaboratively with supervisors/managers?
Do you work collaboratively with your co-workers?
Describe your work location (e.g., office, home, theatre, in the field) and what you like/dislike about working in it

I work from home & being a father with two young girls, it's a luxury to not have to worry about day-care.
Please rank in order of importance from 1-8 (1- most important 8- least important) Assign each number once.
- 1 Income
- 7 Work Environment - co-workers
- 6 Work Environment - supervisors
- 2 Benefits
- 3 Hours
- 5 Level of responsibility
- 4 The actual "work" you do at your job
- 8 Job Title

If someone wanted to go about getting a job similar to yours, what would you recommend for him or her to do?

Make sure you do not over extend yourself. It is easy to try and pile on more work because you don't want to miss an opportunity to make more money. But in the end, it can come back to haunt you. Also, protect yourself and do not take on a project with there being some kind of written agreement between the client and yourself.
What skills do you think a person should have if they want to pursue a position like yours? Please be specific and explain why (e.g., social skills, organization skills, technical skills)

You must have good social, organization, and technical skills.
Do you feel that you need a certain level of education or training to be successful in your job?

I would definitely recommend getting a college degree as I think that will best prepare you for real work experience. Having a degree only means so much in this day & age, but experience is what really pays off.
What advice would you give to someone who was about to start work in your position/ line of work?

Challenge yourself daily. Don't go through the motions as this is a creative field; you'll need to feel inspired by every project you take on.

How did you find your current job? (e.g. newspaper, internet, referral, etc.)

I used to work in a design firm. A few years ago and many layoffs later, I was kind of "forced" to work for myself.
What was the application process for your job? (e.g. submitted resume, paper application, electronic application, all, etc.)

Being a business owner, no applications or interviews were needed.
Did you have to interview for your current job? If yes, what did the interview process entail? (e.g., number of interviews, who you interviewed with, group interview, individual interview, etc.)

No.
If you can remember, what questions were you asked at your interview?

None.
Is this the job / field you planned to work in?

No
If your job is in a different field from your original plan how did you get here? Explain (Plan can be from high school/college/post college/personal plan)

I used to work in a design firm, but after being laid off, I was in a position where I could freelance. And that was something I had considered since college.

Was there training for your current position? If yes, what did it entail?

Yes, I was in an internship at the end of college.
Do you feel your employer properly prepared you for your job? Explain

Yes, it was a window into what the "real" working world was like. College did help prepare me, but the internship opened my eyes.
Do you feel your educational background prepared you for your job? Explain

Yes, it offered me a taste of what to expect once I was out on my own. College did a good job of preparing me for that.
If applicable, do you feel your internship experience helped you prepare you for your job?

If someone were to observe you at work, what would he or she say is "fun" about your job?

It can be very creative and new each time a project is started. Many times, my clients are very engaging and want to explore new avenues of marketing.
What is (are) the most fulfilling aspect(s) and least fulfilling aspect(s) of your current employment? (e.g. fiscal, spiritual, type of work, hours, commute, compensation, etc.)

Most fulfilling: Creativity Least fulfilling: Boring clients
Is your current employment part of your career plan? Why or why not?

Yes, I'd like to expand my business even more.
What are your current career goals? (Can be broad or specific)

I'd like to make the business grow to where I have many reliable clients and we are pushing the limit to new ideas.
Is there anything else you would like to share about your career?

I'm passionate about what I do.