Graduate brand design and artwork assistant — Matthew Short

Matthew studied an undergraduate degree in Illustration with Animation at Manchester Metropolitan University School of Art before beginning a role as a brand design and artwork assistant

Why did this area of work appeal to you? 

From a young age, I've been driven by creativity which was an unexpected trait amidst a family of hospital workers and accountants.

Despite the misconception that creative careers are limited and financially unrewarding, I chose a creative qualification because I wanted to do something meaningful to me. With my current role, I find myself in a position where I can fulfil my creative passions while earning a wage.

What does a typical day in your job look like?

My days as a design assistant are a blend of creative and administrative tasks, primarily focused on supporting the artwork team and streamlining their workflow. My responsibilities vary depending on the day, season, and project workload. I may find myself retouching and editing product images, handling typesetting tasks, or editing product advertising videos.

How did you create a winning portfolio?

My university coursework provided the foundation of my portfolio, but it wasn't specifically tailored to graphic design jobs (my current field). It's crucial to align your portfolio with the type of job you're seeking. Strike a balance between showcasing your favourite pieces and those that resonate with potential employers.

I learned that applying for graphic design jobs with an illustration portfolio initially yielded few results. However, once I started creating work that aligned more closely with graphics, using the skills I acquired through my degree, I began receiving more responses from employers.

What was the recruitment process like?

Securing my current position involved a lengthy yet rewarding recruitment process. After applying for the role, I waited for a response for about a month. I was then invited to a Zoom interview, followed by two psychometric tests assessing my personality traits.

Subsequently, I attended an in-person interview where the hiring staff asked design-related questions regarding my degree, work style, and career aspirations.

Finally, I completed an hour-long design test, where I applied my skills to create a piece of work in-house.

The whole process was quite vigorous, however being offered a job at the end of it all was incredibly rewarding. 

What qualities do you think are important for a graphic designer?

The qualities required for graphic design vary, as different specialisations demand specific skills and proficiency levels. However, an exceptional eye for detail is a universal requirement across all design roles.

Since the chances of finding a job that perfectly mirrors your academic training are slim, you'll need to integrate your existing skills into the workflow of your role. This adaptability is essential for thriving in the design landscape.

What are the most stressful parts of your job?

The workload in my field can be unpredictable and demanding. At times, we may be inundated with hundreds of product briefs, while other periods may be relatively calm. The design, packaging, and digital marketing of our products require attention to detail, making the efficiency of the design team important when meeting deadlines.

Occasionally, unforeseen circumstances, such as factory issues or technical glitches, can disrupt our workflow, meaning we need to take action to salvage project timelines. Failure to meet deadlines can result in financial penalties or even product cancellations, adding to the stress of ensuring timely deliveries. Striking a balance between producing high-quality work and meeting tight deadlines is a challenge that requires experience, organisation, and the ability to adapt to changing circumstances.

What advice would you give to aspiring graphic designers?

• Embrace constructive criticism - while I initially struggled to accept feedback, it's an inevitable aspect of the design industry. As you embark on your career, prepare to encounter criticism, but view it as an opportunity for growth rather than a personal attack. Remember, design is subjective, and it's impossible to please everyone. However, your willingness to incorporate feedback will enhance your work's appeal to potential employers.
• Develop time management and organisational skills - being organised not only streamlines your workflow but also contributes to your team's overall efficiency. As mentioned earlier, many projects involve multiple teams and individuals working towards common deadlines. Regardless of your specific role, organisation allows you to plan effectively, stay on track, and minimise stress, enabling you to operate at your full potential.
• Be open-minded when it comes to employment - embarking on a graphic design career requires patience and perseverance. Initially, you may find yourself handling fewer creative tasks and more administrative responsibilities, but these experiences are crucial for developing an understanding of the design process and industry standards. If you pursue a freelance career, be prepared to acquire business skills alongside your creative expertise, as marketing and client management become integral aspects of your work. View these responsibilities as opportunities to enhance your organisational skills and gain insights into the broader operations of the company.

Find out more

• Learn more about the role of a graphic designer.
• Read our guidance on putting together a creative portfolio.
• Discover how to get a creative job.
• Consider what you can do with an illustration degree.