Computers are becoming increasingly important in this area as they are used to plan layouts that can easily be changed to a client's specifications. All of these areas involve organizing and creating articles, products, or materials so that they serve a purpose and are visually pleasing. Some designers go on to teach their area of specialty in a college or university setting. For this reason, designers need the ability to work independently, to budget their time and to meet deadlines, and to be self-disciplined enough to start and finish projects on their own. While most designers employed by established firms work regular hours, doing freelance work, or working as a craftsperson, often involves irregular hours.
Pay is by assignment and often takes several years to show a profit.
Many professionals recommend a supervised work experience which will allow you to learn more about the field and how a business is run, as well as increase your skills, before attempting full-time freelance design work. New designers often start in entry level positions and work upward as talent is recognized. Often a first job is doing routine work, observing, running errands, record- keeping or cataloguing samples. Many new professional freelance or work part-time on the side for experience and money while holding entry positions. The field of design has a glamorous and exciting image, but it is highly competitive.