Innovative marketing and other types of visual communication are required, no matter what the state of the economy might be. That's why more and more people are taking up part-time design jobs. If you're a graphic design professional who's currently out of work, or you're someone who's always wanted to get into the design field but hasn't had the opportunity, this kind of part-time employment could be what you've been waiting for.
There are some real benefits to part-time graphic design jobs. They offer flexible scheduling and can mean a higher hourly rate if you've generally been working freelance. Part-time jobs may come with a limited range of benefits from the employer, too. They're generally not available with the full benefits that a full-time graphic design job might have, but some health insurance and a greater guarantee of work are generally available. For people who have been working as independent contractors, this can be a significant improvement. One down side, of course, is that graphic design professionals who take part-time work must live in the same area as the company, while freelancers can often live anywhere and send their work in digitally. No matter whether you'll be working full time or part time, your duties will generally be the same.
Most graphic designers work for or with marketing firms and departments and create images and layouts for all kinds of media. While business cards and advertisements are the most traditional options, billboard design, product package design, logo creation, and web design are becoming a lot more common. Use of the computer is vital if you're going to be working in this field. A part-time worker in graphic design won't be responsible for as much as a full-time employee in most cases. His or her job will probably be to help with an assignment or project, or to fill in for other employees. Some people go from full-time positions to part-time jobs because of medical problems, family responsibilities, or other occurrences in their lives. This can allow you to keep a good graphic design position without having to give up other things that are important in your life.
Alternatively, you might be called to fill in for someone else who has decided to go from full time to part time. If you're in a part-time graphic design job, you're going to have to cooperate, and there's a very good chance you'll have to share tools with someone else in the same job. Graphic designers can also be expected to need to work with copy writers, print managers, art directors, and designers in other fields to produce their desired end result. The products created are varied, and many people specialize in a particular type of design.
It's a good idea to think about your strengths and weaknesses, as well as your interests, to decide what your field of graphic design should be. It's important for everyone to maintain some general skills, but most people specialize to some degree. This is one of the few fields in which it is still possible to be self taught, and part-time jobs are an excellent way to get into the industry if you lack formal education. However, a degree or coursework in graphic design, as well as a quantity of experience, is required for most positions. That can make it extremely difficult for self-taught workers to get ahead. Consider taking continuing education, even if you're already in a good graphic design job. This will help you keep on top of the latest developments in the field. Remember that you're going to need to have a strong working knowledge of current professional-grade software and of industry standards in the area you'll be working in. Technology keeps on changing, and it's extremely important to keep up with it if you wish to remain competitive on the job market.
Generally, if you're looking for a part-time graphic design job, you'll average about $20 per hour. However, senior designers can command hourly wages over four times that rate, and in some smaller areas, wages will be much lower. Generally, freelancers are paid on a per-job basis, though hourly rates also exist. When thinking about pricing for a part-time or freelance graphic design job, remember to factor in the lack of vacation or sick days and medical benefits, which are generally paid to full-time workers. This will allow you to make sure you're receiving fair compensation for your work, even after all expenses have been removed. Part-time graphic design jobs represent a great opportunity, as long as you take the time to plan and know what you're doing.
