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.

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 December 2022

What exactly is graphic design? This might seem like a really obvious starting point to this blog post—but it's key to knowing if this career path is truly right for you.

Examples of student work from the Herzing College Graphic Design Program (Toronto campus)

When most people think "graphic designer," they immediately imagine someone who designs for websites, posters, or advertisements. But the truth is, there's a whole world of other graphic design applications and career paths out there.

From film and television to book and album covers to public services—talented designers are wanted across industries to communicate ideas in creative and compelling ways.

Updated November 2022

When most people think about graphic design jobs, they envision working in marketing or advertising, doing websites and logos and creating promotional materials for print or digital.