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Delaney, Graphic Designer at Multidisciplinary Architecture Company: Advize Career Interview

Delaney's journey from a political science background to a thriving career as a graphic designer at a multidisciplinary architecture firm is inspiring.

A passion project blossomed into a full-time role showcasing a portfolio and eagerness to learn. The work is multifaceted, encompassing illustrations, presentations, and marketing for both internal and external clients.

A typical day involves prioritizing tasks, utilizing design software, and collaborating on projects, highlighting a blend of artistic and mathematical skills.

Success in this industry, according to Delaney, requires a collaborative spirit, a playful approach, and the ability to embrace the iterative design process.

While perfectionism is a challenge, learning to define one's own worth and the crucial ability to adapt and learn new skills are paramount.

Delaney's experience emphasizes the importance of seeking a tolerant and understanding work environment, the value of freelancing, and the exciting intersection of art and architecture.

The interview provides valuable insights into career paths, entry-level positions, and the ever-evolving nature of graphic design in a multidisciplinary setting.

Advizer Information

Name

Job Title

Company

Undergrad

Grad Programs

Delaney Wells

Graphic Designer

Multidisciplinary Architecture Company

California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo

N/A

Majors

Industries

Job Functions

Traits

Political Science, American Studies

Construction

Creative

Disabled, Worked 20+ Hours in School, Greek Life Member, LGBTQ

Watch all of this Advizer's videos below

Career Path of a Graphic Designer at a Multidisciplinary Architecture Company

Delaney's career path took an unexpected turn from a political science degree and legal career, where they "wasn't happy with what I was doing," to graphic design. After freelancing during the pandemic, their passion project blossomed into a full-time position at an architecture firm, landing the role by showcasing their portfolio and eagerness to learn.

Career Path of a Graphic Designer at a Multidisciplinary Architecture Company

Main Responsibilities Of A Graphic Designer At An Architecture Firm

Delaney's role as a Graphic Designer at a multidisciplinary architecture company is multifaceted, encompassing "illustrations and exhibits, presentation graphics," and illustrating architectural plans to "make it come to life" for presentations and submissions. This position also includes internal marketing and a recently expanded responsibility of providing marketing services to developer clients.

Main Responsibilities Of A Graphic Designer At An Architecture Firm

A Day in the Life of a Graphic Designer at an Architecture Firm

A typical day for Delaney, an in-house graphic designer, involves "looking at all the projects" and prioritizing tasks, delegating work, and then focusing on design software such as "Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, and SketchUp," with additional time dedicated to administrative tasks and project follow-up. This highlights the multifaceted nature of Delaney's role, combining design work with project management and collaboration.

A Day in the Life of a Graphic Designer at an Architecture Firm

Most Important Skills for a Graphic Designer at an Architecture Company

Delaney, a graphic designer in a multidisciplinary architecture company, appreciates the "blend between art and building and more mathematical concepts," finding fulfillment in applying design skills to engineering, construction, and architecture, fields where "everybody needs some kind of designer."

Most Important Skills for a Graphic Designer at an Architecture Company

Favorite Parts of Being a Graphic Designer in Multidisciplinary Architecture

Delaney enjoys the breadth of experience in their graphic design role at a multidisciplinary architecture company, citing the opportunity to "wear many hats" and learn about various industries. This allows for a wide scope of work and continuous learning about the ever-present need for graphic design across different sectors.

Favorite Parts of Being a Graphic Designer in Multidisciplinary Architecture

Biggest Challenges Faced by a Graphic Designer at a Multidisciplinary Architecture Firm

Delaney's biggest challenge as a graphic designer is perfectionism, admitting that "it wastes time and...is less efficient," even if the final product is excellent. To counteract this, Delaney is working on adopting a "good enough" mentality, focusing on producing "quality work" rather than striving for unnecessary perfection.

Biggest Challenges Faced by a Graphic Designer at a Multidisciplinary Architecture Firm

What Type Of Person Thrives In Architecture According To A Graphic Designer At A Multidisciplinary Architecture Firm

Delaney, a graphic designer in a multidisciplinary architecture company, appreciates the "blend between art and building and more mathematical concepts," finding fulfillment in applying design skills across engineering, construction, and architecture, where "everybody needs some kind of designer."

What Type Of Person Thrives In Architecture According To A Graphic Designer At A Multidisciplinary Architecture Firm

What A Graphic Designer At An Architecture Company Wishes They Had Known Before Entering The Architecture Industry

Delaney, a graphic designer in the architectural, engineering, and construction industry, finds that success comes to those who "don't take themselves too seriously," enjoying a collaborative environment and possessing strong social skills to navigate the industry's teamwork-oriented nature. The ability to balance fun with focused work is key.

What A Graphic Designer At An Architecture Company Wishes They Had Known Before Entering The Architecture Industry

Entry-Level Positions for Aspiring Graphic Designers

Delaney, a graphic designer, wishes someone had explained the iterative nature of the work; "countless iterations...it doesn't mean that I'm making mistakes," are part of the design process, refining initial illustrations through client feedback cycles. This iterative process, while initially frustrating, ultimately showcases the evolution of the work from "your first illustration versus your last one."

Entry-Level Positions for Aspiring Graphic Designers

Significant Career Lesson From a Graphic Designer at an Architecture Company

Delaney, a graphic designer, identified internships and junior graphic designer roles as entry-level options, noting that "there are normally tiers" within such positions. Freelancing is also a viable path, with many graphic designers "at some point...taking contract jobs."

Significant Career Lesson From a Graphic Designer at an Architecture Company

College Experiences That Helped a Graphic Designer at an Architecture Firm Succeed

Delaney, a graphic designer, learned that "your worth...you define," meaning that underpaid, overworked, or disrespected positions do not reflect inherent value. This lesson, particularly relevant to freelancing where one sets their rates, empowers professionals to determine their own value and advocate for it, even if some clients disagree.

College Experiences That Helped a Graphic Designer at an Architecture Firm Succeed

How Identity Has Influenced a Graphic Designer's Career at an Architecture Firm

Delaney's undergraduate education wasn't directly related to graphic design, yet it equipped them with the crucial skill of "learning how to learn," emphasizing the importance of "being okay with not knowing the answer" and developing creative problem-solving strategies. This adaptability, more than any specific design coursework, proved invaluable in navigating a career in a multidisciplinary architecture firm.

How Identity Has Influenced a Graphic Designer's Career at an Architecture Firm

Advizer Personal Links

www.linkedin.com/in/delaneywells

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