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Graphic design is among the most versatile of all media niches, in high demand in both the online and traditional sectors. However, a graphic designer looking to enter the profession these days might be best served by working under contract for several different companies. The full-time, on-staff graphic designer is becoming somewhat a relic of the past, as design staffs thin out to accommodate leaner budgets. Jonathan Kleinow, one such relic, agreed it would be more difficult nowadays to find a full-time page designer job like his for the Kansas City Star. Ironically, he chose his graphic design career in college because he considered it a less competitive field than most journalism jobs for entry-level professionals. “In terms of a career, if I were coming in now instead of just two years ago, I’m not sure I’d be able to make a career in newspaper design because it has become so competitive and the economic prospects of newspapers have become so horrible, frankly,” Kleinow said. “I have fun here and my work is valued, but I couldn’t guarantee that somebody coming in now could luck out like I did,” he added. “Whereas, at times, there may have been 12 people working on one thing, as things get pared down, you’ve got people working on more things.” Those who are able to land a full-time graphic design job often choose to expand their income potential through contract work on the side or by developing web design skills. Web abilities are critical now, as even traditional media outlets are becoming ever more reliant on their Internet sites. Besides, a multi-talented employee is all the more vital to an organization, often rewarded with better pay and job security. The advent of the Internet, however, does not necessarily indicate the end of the print graphic designer, Kleinow contends.  “I think the web is, in general, going to become the paramount concern more than page design,” he said. “But I think page design is an important function. If a paper can’t look well-organized and presentable, then readers can’t delve in and find value in the content.” Graphic design for most media outlets is considered a form of visual journalism, helping tell a story through the placement of words and graphics. To understand the editorial staff’s point of view, a graphic designer could benefit from a background in journalism studies and maybe even a little reporting experience on a student or community newspaper. However, working for a media outlet can also be one of the most stressful of journalism jobs out there for a graphic designer, with curve balls like last-minute tweaks and late-breaking news. “You have to be able to withstand a lot of feedback coming at you at once about what you are doing,” Kleinow said, adding that time crunches are also a factor when working in the news industry. “A lot of other designers have weeks and months to go over the design and make sure everyone signs off on it,” he said. “In newspapers, it’s often, ‘Here are the photos and here’s the deadline.’ It’s an exciting challenge, but frustrating – even if I had to throw it together, it can’t look that way.” One challenge shared by all graphic designers is keeping abreast of the latest technology. While the fundamentals of design may not change, there is certainly a continually evolving line of newer and better programs to aid the process. A working knowledge of such programs can improve finding journalism jobs and further increase a candidate’s appeal – something that is always valuable in a field as competitive as graphic design has become.

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