AIGA | AQUENT
Survey of Design Salaries 2008
Entry-Level Designer Defined:
An entry level designer is one to two years out of school and requires mentoring in all aspects of design conception and implementation.
The AIGA | AQUENT Survey of Design Salaries is commissioned by AIGA, with the support of its partner, Aquent, AIGA,'s official sponsor for professional development, and in cooperation with Communication Arts magazine. The salary survey is part of a comprehensive program of AIGA activities developed to serve the professional designer with strategies for success as well as sources of inspiration. AIGA is the principal source of information on the design economy.
GRADUATE PERSPECTIVE
SFCC Alumni Perspectives
With Suzanne Demaine, Employer: USDA (United States Department Of Agriculture) (SFCC Graduate 2008)
What made you choose SFCC?
I heard nothing but good things about the graphic design program at SFCC...and they were all right on. It says something to employers when they know that you have graduated from SFCC graphic design program.
What's your favorite thing about your current job?
Being able to create, design, and work with clients...
What designer's do you currently look to for inspiration?
Design firms: 45 DegreesNorth, Visible Theory, Lounge Lizard, Salty Design, Pierpoint Media, Klundt | Hosmer, Sage Media, BHW1, Ascentium, and many others...
What's the best advice you have received?
keep in mind that graphic design is Visual communication...You are solving a problem for your clients and delivering a message...not just making a pretty picture. Before you begin to design, you MUST research, know what the client is trying to get across and understanding your target audience is everything.
If you could do it all over again, what would you change?
I would have more fun, and get more involved with my classmates and making connections with anyone and everyone in the design industry.
What advice do you have for students entering the field?
Take advantage of every oppportunity, put all you have into every project, always be teachable and soak in all the constructive criticism you can.
