Herzing Blog

Getting ready to offer your graphic design skills to the world?

Before you begin applying for jobs or going after clients, it’s good to be aware of common missteps that can derail your efforts and damage your credibility.

After all, everyone makes mistakes—especially when they’re just starting out.

But knowing about the pitfalls you might encounter can help you navigate the field and get your design career off to a smoother start.

In this post, we outline five common blunders new graphic designers make and provide advice on how you can avoid them.

Let’s dive in.

Many students start off by working freelance after graphic design school. They're attracted to the idea of being their own boss, having control over their own work schedule, and pocketing profits directly.

But it's crucial for new grads to understand some of the drawbacks and challenges that come along with these (legitimately awesome) benefits. And how to set themselves up for freelancing success right from day one. 

So, let's walk through some of the typical pros and cons of freelance design work—plus a few important tips for students considering this career path after graphic design school.

Updated December 2024

Industrial drafters come up with the precise plans necessary to turn an engineering concept into an actual physical object. They play a key role in the production of everything from engine components and HVAC equipment to lighting fixtures and medical devices.

If you’re detail-oriented and enjoy thinking about how things go together, a career as an industrial drafter could be ideal.

But before you jump in, you need some more detailed info about this role. For instance, you should understand what exactly you would do, where you could work, and how much you could earn.

In this post, we cover all of that and more.

Here’s what you need to know to decide if industrial drafting is the right career choice for you.

When Catherine Iaxamana came to Canada from the Philippines, she worked a series of jobs in childcare, food service, and financial services.

But her real interest was design. She had already completed a course in industrial design back in the Philippines, but she knew she needed additional training to start a career here in Toronto.

With two young sons at home, flexibility was important. She did her research and discovered that Herzing’s Building Design Technician program was a perfect fit.

We interviewed Catherine recently to find out what she thought of the program and how it prepared her for career success.

Here’s what she had to say.

Raymond Nestor had worked in IT for a couple of years before coming to Canada as a live-in caregiver.

Before long, he decided he wanted to do something different with his life. He had always enjoyed sketching and design, so he started looking into graphic design courses.

He wanted quality training that was flexible enough to fit around his work commitments. He enroled in the graphic design certificate at Herzing College and never looked back.

Shortly after graduating, he landed a job as an artist at The Sandbox, a gaming ecosystem that allows users to create and monetize virtual worlds and experiences.

We caught up with Raymond to learn about his experience in Herzing’s program and how it changed the course of his career.

Here’s his full story.

Updated January 2024

Architectural technicians play a key role in bringing homes, offices, and other buildings to life. They create the detailed technical drawings that transform an architect’s or engineer’s vision into reality.

If you have an eye for structure and form, and enjoy being both creative and methodical, this could be an excellent career choice for you.

Even better: The training to become an architectural technician is relatively quick (no degree required!) 

So how do you go about becoming an architectural technician? These five simple steps can get you started.

Updated December 2024

Digital designers and graphic designers are alike in many ways. Both produce visual images that communicate a message and meet a business objective. Both are paid to increase brand awareness and inspire consumers to action.

So what’s the difference between them?

It basically comes down to this: Graphic designers tend to focus on static images, while digital designers create graphics that incorporate motion and interactivity.

They must each consider different factors, but they rely on many of the same design fundamentals.

Here’s a detailed breakdown of how digital designers and graphic designers compare.

Updated December 2024

Like the idea of coming up with detailed plans for bringing buildings, machines, and other new products to life? An AutoCAD career could be perfect for you.

AutoCAD is computer-aided drafting software that allows you to create and edit 2D and 3D drawings and models. Those drawings and models provide the precise specifications for assembling a structure or product.

Becoming skilled in AutoCAD opens up career options in a wide range of industries, from architecture and manufacturing to engineering and industrial design.

Interested in working in this field? Hoping to get started as soon as possible?

In this post, we take you through the quickest way to launch an AutoCAD career in Canada.

Here are 5 steps that can help you reach your goal.

Updated December 2023

Graphic designers are experts at using images to communicate ideas and solve problems.

They create logos, posters, banners, infographics, websites, game interfaces, album covers, magazines, product packaging, promotional videos, and more.

The final product needs to not only look good, but also meet specific branding and business goals.

Ultimately, a graphic designer’s job is to use visual elements to inform and inspire an audience.

But how do they go about doing that? What does a graphic designer’s daily routine look like?

In this post, we walk you through a typical workflow for a graphic design project.

Learn more about the steps designers go through and their role in project development.

Updated December 2023

This really is an exciting time to launch a career in graphic design.

The rise of digital media has created so many new opportunities for designers to stretch their skills, adopt new tech, and experiment with new product design ideas.

There are numerous ways to specialize in this field, and a broad range of skills to master.

In this post, we're breaking down the most important technical knowledge and characteristics needed to become a successful graphic designer.