I have heard from most people that to get into what you really want to do the first step is simply just getting your foot on the door in something similar or in the industry. For example Alex Ross, a comic book artist got to become one by initially being a graphic designer. The idea is to always be working until you reach the position you want in similar fields. I have always heard this everywhere that talks about getting a job in the field you desire. The current job I have here at Essen Healthcare is a job that I will have even after this semester and hopefully when I graduate. at the end of this semester.

I currently am a part time employee because of attempting to earn my degree and hope to finish by the end of this semester. I’m currently taking internship, Senior Project, and Portfolio. I will most likely be full time when I’m finished with school. I hope to keep learning here, and to eventually keep improving my Illustration on the side to have a position in gaming and working on video game projects.

Considering that at Essen the team is made up of 2 Graphic Designers which includes myself. It is very different from what I expect and was tough in school at least compared to what I assume it is like working in a more dedicated Agency. While me and my co worker usually need to come up with everything from scratch based on what is asked for by our supervisor. We need to come up with copy, design, how we go about it etc. I would believe that in an agency or from my experience in class assignments I have usually obtained a brief. that includes what is needed, copy, expected tone, target audience, and the overall scope of the assignment.

So at first I was confused on how to go about things. Especially with my designs. Over time I got used to it. With my co worker helping me out whenever I reached a mental block, or just giving me knowledge on things I can do that I previously did not know before.

Comparing this workplace to my understanding based on what I would think a dedicated graphic design studio would be compared to being a direct employee to Essen Healthcare as a graphic designer/ marketing person. From what I understand Design Agency would normally be more high pressure, direct with what is needed, based on clients. I feel like here I’m learning at a more comfortable pace.

Now that I’m in a working environment. I spend a lot more hours improving my design skills.I’m usually free to come up with what I think is best. Usually sending 3 to 4 drafts starting starting from what I can come up with from the top of my head to sending those drafts and improvement on whichever is the best option.

Creating posts based on different health awareness days. Also creating content to promote different divisions within Essen Healthcare when asked to. Such as promoting their nutritionist or dentists. It can definitely feel daunting at times trying to come up with something from only what is asked that needs content. Since I usually don’t get a brief or copy. I need to come up with the concept and copy most of the time. Also do the research for the content I’m creating. Below are a few examples of post’s I have created in my opinion.

I believe these are the posts I have done the best on compared to the many I have done so far. I look forward to keep improving and get better at getting rid of bad ideas quicker to come up with good stuff for my portfolio and just overall keep improving in Graphic Design. Also Illustration since my goal is to create video game concept and character art. I feel that I can learn something even from the most mundane or repetitive tasks.

So far I have created more social media posts. Mainly for dental hygiene, different medical awareness days. I have also done some photo editing. I’m mainly working on different info graphics and have a time table to work on that includes different awareness days. This is so that I can have social media post’s ready to show that we support said day and are involved.

So far it is a pretty relaxing job. I have learned more about InDesign, Photoshop, and Illustrator. This is definitely a good starting job for me in my opinion. I feel like I’m mainly using this to have objectives and learn on the way to eventually much better positions and to enhance my portfolio in Graphic Design.