How Do You Stay Up
Graphic design is rapidly evolving. As a graphic designer, you need to keep up with the trends to remain competitive in the job market. Interviewers ask this question to determine whether you’re passionate about graphic design.
Example: “I subscribe to my favourite graphic designer’s blogs and vlogs. I also attend graphic design hangouts where I meet other designers and exchange ideas to broaden my skill set. I create designs with newly launched software applications and maintain an active profile on Beehance.”
Do You Prefer Working On Your Own Or As Part Of A Team
This is as close to a ‘trick question’ as you’re likely to get. In practice, design studios will need you to do both on different projects. So the best answer is probably going to be along the lines of I’m happy to do both.
It’s easy for this answer to turn into a panicked waffle. So, to avoid this happening by focusing on specific projects you’ve worked on, ideally one where you worked independently and one where it was as part of a team. Demonstrate you understand why these two different approaches were well suited to each particular project.
Again, though, stick to the truth. So if you’ve genuinely never worked independently or as part of a team, then say so. Importantly, add that you’re willing to do so when the studio needs you to and that you relish the opportunity to expand your experience and skillset.
How Would You Handle Negative Client Feedback On One Of Your Designs
An interviewer might ask this question to see how well you are accustomed to receiving critical feedback. Your answer should reflect a positive outlook on the situation and how you approach such situations.
Example:”Negative comments are always disappointing, as you want to deliver the best quality of work to represent your company and please the client. In these situations, I would use the client’s feedback as fuel to revamp the project to incorporate their new vision and restructure my design based on the elements they disliked.”
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Why Do You Want This Graphic Design Job
“Stripe has a fantastic reputation. I have a few former colleagues working here, and I’ve seen how much Stripe’s mission to increase the GDP of the Internet bleeds into everything you do. You’re also trendsetters in the design industry and clear evidence that great design can be a differentiator. I recently helped Intercom overhaul their entire visual design identity and differentiate them from other CRMs and chatbots, and I believe I could contribute significantly to the visual design and improvement of Stripe’s design identity, particularly across your growing portfolio of products.”
Why this is a good answer
Hiring managers love candidates who are passionate about company values. This goes far above the job. Highlighting an aspect of their culture shows you’ve done the research. This particular candidate has also highlighted that they’ve worked as a brand designer for another highly successful company, which implies they understand the problem deeply and have relevant experience and skills to have a great impact.
What Qualities And Skills Should A Great Graphic Designer Have
An important quality in a graphic designer is the ability to communicate, both verbally and visually. A great graphic designer should be able to create work that conveys a brands vision and solves problems. It also doesn’t hurt if you keep up with trends in graphic design.
Tip: Most job descriptions go over what they are looking for in a designer. List out what you agree with and think of a couple talking points behind them.
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Do You Have Any Questions For Me
With all the pressure and anxiety of being under the microscope during a job interview, people often tend to forget that youre just as much interviewing them as much as they are interviewing you. You should always come prepared with questions to ask at the end of the interview. Not only does this make you seem engaged and show your interest in the position, but it also gives you a chance to make sure this job is the right fit for you.
Try to avoid bringing up questions about pay rates or vacation days unless youre in a position where you absolutely have to. Most employers dont like to discuss pay until a follow-up interview, so try to wait out these questions if you can.
Questions about the company, the people youd be working with, and what the job itself entails are all good places to start. However, youll want to find questions that make you seem engaged, not just going through the motions. Instead of just asking what their company is all about, inquire about the future of the company: where its heading, what projects are coming up, and what the future means for the position youre applying for.
Can You Explain Some Of The Concepts That Are Critical In Digital Design
Sample answer:
With digital design, I always keep in mind the following: not only should the design be easy to navigate, but it should also be tested and previewed on different devices.
Despite being intangible, the design can be viewed before being finalized, so paying attention to the quality of the image and its resolution is important.
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List Of Graphic Design Interview Questions: Design
When interviewing for a Graphic Designer job, you will likely be asked several questions about your design process, career, and background.
In addition, interviewers may test you on your knowledge of graphic design principles and tools.
Examples of design-related interview questions and answers include:
Focus On Quality Not Quantity
Although the amount of work included in your portfolio will vary from person to person, that doesn’t mean you should cram it full with everything but the kitchen sink. “The thing is, a portfolio is simply a vehicle to show off your talent and attitude,” says creative director John McFaul. “Don’t stuff it with fluff and crap to make up the numbers we can see through all that.”
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Select The Right Clothing
Make sure you wear the right clothes for your job interview. While business casual attire is often acceptable, ensure you reach out to the recruiter and confirm the appropriate clothing for the interview. If you’re in doubt between two outfits, choose the more formal option.
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Have You Ever Had To Make Significant Changes To A Project While Working On It Explain How You Made The Changes
Sample answer:
Despite my ability to interpret design briefs well and ask clarifying questions as needed, on one occasion, one of my clients suggested that the webpage I had designed wasnt aligned with the brand. They didnt like the typography I had chosen.
Although I thought the typography reflected Company 123s brand , the client requested that I vary the font.
We decided to make changes, and I incorporated his ideas by asking a few questions to further clarify the brief. The final result reflected the clients goals and vision.
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What Software Do You Use
Can they go beyond Photoshop and InDesign toward newcomers like Sketch and UXPin? Do they have extra skills like animation, video, or illustration, which could come in handy for other projects? Are there languages or programs they would like to learn? Do they have print skills for layout and production work? Can they back up their design with coding skills? If youre not familiar with the creative design world, get someone on your team who is to jump into the interview or check out our job descriptions to get a better understanding of the skills needed by role.
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Go For The Right Format
Displaying your graphic design portfolio in traditional print is now outdated, and employers won’t show much interest. It’s a good idea to showcase your work on an iPad because it is a much more comfortable and convenient way to display your work.
Otherwise, you can keep both with you a printed portfolio or an iPad. Photoshoot and illustration look great on iPad. If you have a work sample done on a different piece of paper, you can go for the printed one.
It’s up to you to know you want to present your graphic design portfolio, choose the best format and go for that.
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Actively Listen To Your Interviewers
When the hiring manager asks you a question, use active-listening skills like nodding, maintaining eye contact and asking clarifying questions when necessary. Active-listening skills can help you understand the questions the hiring manager asks you and allow you to prepare responses that answer the entire question. Using active-listening skills can also show the hiring manager that you have strong communication skills, a quality that is valuable in many workplaces.
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Final Words: Tips For Graphic Design Interview
When youâre going to the job interview, you will feel nervous, and your hearth will start pounding like crazy.
One way you can help to ease a bit is to take deep breaths and focus on breathing, but in a highly stressful situation, this is easier said than done. However, give it a try, and you might find yourself more relaxed.
Also, donât worry, these symptoms are common, and the majority of the candidates will feel the same.
If you follow the tips in this article and you prepare yourself for the D-day, there is nothing that can stop you!
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Opportunities And Average Salary
When looking for a graphic designer job, you should understand that salary is determined by experience, location and skill. An entry-level graphic designer can expect to earn between 25,000 /mo. However, a principal graphic designer who has been working in this field for 15 years can make up to 15L per year.
How Do You Handle Negative Feedback On Your Designs
Interviewers ask this question to assess whether you’re comfortable receiving negative feedback and using it to improve your designs. When answering this question, explain your positive outlook to criticism and how you approach such situations.
Example: “I always try to meet the client’s expectations for my design. While I don’t hope for critical feedback, I understand its importance in improving my designs and satisfying the client’s needs. In these situations, I use the client’s feedback to restructure my design. I’m very flexible and adaptable, and just strive to meet my client’s expectations.”
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What Are The Four Critical Fundamental Graphic Design Concepts That Every Designer Should Understand
- Visual Hierarchy: Assigning visual weight to design pieces based on their significance. Segregation can be accomplished by using fonts, size, and texture.
- Color boosts the designs overall atmosphere and expresses its tone and sophistication.
- Contrast: Combining two or more opposed components in style, color, or appearance. It assists the observer in concentrating on critical components.
- Proportion works in conjunction with dominance and priority and is concerned with the size of elements.
Question #: You Have Designed A Campaign You’re Proud Of But The Client Suddenly Wants To Change Everything How Do You Handle This
How to answer: Customer service, communication, and problem-solving skills are essential for this position. Show the hiring manager that your skill set includes these abilities. Propose a strategy with tactics such as learning why the client wants the changes and providing any necessary explanations about your work. Additionally, reevaluating your designs, collaborating with the client to decide on essential changes, and revising your work can be included.
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Review Your Portfolio Focusing On Major Projects
While hiring managers can ask questions about your entire graphic design career, they might focus their attention on your major projects, which can provide a wide overview of your skills. Before your interview, consider reviewing your major projects, starting with any notes you took during the planning process and ending with the finished product. Reflect on why you made certain design choices and how you overcame any challenges while creating the collateral. That way, you can feel prepared for any questions the hiring manager asks about those projects and your work process.
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Common Product Design Interview Questions
Here are thirteen common graphic design interview questions that you can expect to be asked. We’ve included some example answers for you to use as a base for your answers.
These interview questions are specific to graphic designer job interviews. Make sure you also check our list of common job interview questions and behavioral interview questions as part of your preparation.
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Speaking About Your Portfolio
As a designer, you need to be able to stand by the quality of your work and the results you produced for your clients. With that in mind, you need to be able to discuss this when necessary. Review each piece in your portfolio and think about what inspired you when working on a particular project.
Think about interesting conversations youve had with others or with the client about the work you did, and the process necessary to achieve the ultimate result. While its true that your work should speak for itself, dont underestimate the power of storytelling and creating additional context. Remember, you are trying to position yourself as a good investment.
What Drew You To Pursuing A Profession As A Graphic Designer In The First Place
I chose to pursue a career as a Graphic Designer because it matched my creative energy and allowed me to demonstrate my abilities. Since I was a child, Ive enjoyed drawing and painting. Graphic design allows me to turn my passion into a business and produce visually stunning designs that influence people. With a bachelors degree in graphic design from ABC College and a diploma in design, I believe that graphic design is the ideal job for me.
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Learning Roadmap And Tools: Required Skills
Aspiring graphic designers have to have a high level of design skills and some art knowledge to get a leg up. Common tools required by all graphic designers include Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign. Some graphic designers also use OpenOffice, Flash and CorelDRAW. All of these programs are essential for creating vector-based graphics that can be scaled easily. Additionally, they may be used to create logos or other branding items. When youre interviewing for a graphic design position, its always important to do your homework on prospective employers and think about how you could add value to their business. During an interview, you should ask questions about your role within their organization and learn more about where your work fits into the bigger picture.
What Are Your Graphic Design Career Goals
This is an interview minefield that can be tricky to cross, especially if your career goals dont necessarily include staying with a company for an extended period of time. You want to be honest, but you dont want to come off as someone who is simply using this job as a stepping stone to something bigger. Employers realize that their employees arent always going to stay with the company for the entirety of their career, but they also want to work with people who are committed.
Express your career goals as a designer in a way that makes you seem favorable to the employer. For example, saying that you want to eventually leave to work with bigger brands and hopefully gain larger recognition might sound like a good goal to strive for, but saying as much could hurt your chances of getting the job.
Instead you might say something like One day, I want to create a logo that is as recognizable as the McDonalds golden arches. Youre telling the employer that you have lofty goals, but youre framing them in a way where the employer might be able to benefit from them. In the employers mind, it might be their logo that you make into a nationally recognized icon.
Its important that you have goals. Saying that your career goal is to do the exact job youre interviewing for is just going to make you look desperate and directionless. The company youre interviewing with wants to expand and grow, and they want to work with designers who also want to expand and grow.
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Practice Answering These Design Interview Questions
Taking time to figure out your answers to these graphic design interview questions before stepping into an interview will make you more comfortable and confident in the actual interview. You might even consider enlisting a friend or colleague for a practice interview if you havent interviewed much in the past, for some extra preparation. Good luck, youve got this!
Review Graphic Design Industry Terms Before Your Interview
When they’re discussing your work samples and experience, the hiring manager might ask you questions about the specific design aspects of your examples, so it can be helpful to review key terms about fonts, layout and colors. They might also ask you questions about your experience on the business side of graphic design, including working with brand identities, trademarks or style guides. Reviewing common graphic design terms can help you have a productive conversation with them and also show your knowledge of the industry.
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