Nina

Q%Hey Nina! Before you started your studies, what did you think your career would be like? 

A%I knew long before my studies that I would always work in the field of design and had firmly resolved to work in several renowned agencies. I actually wanted to climb the career ladder as a designer and take on everything from junior art director to creative director. I was definitely aware that it would be very stressful. But a career has always been very important to me. That’s why it was my absolute dream to lead a creative team and get a high position.

Q%Sounds to me like everything is going well, as you have already been the creative director of a whole team in an agency. So what went better than expected and what worries were unfounded?

A%Immediately after graduating, I was lucky enough to receive several job offers and was able to make a decision based on my gut feeling. Thanks to my dual education (training as a media designer in 2017 and studying design until 2021), I had practically all the skills I needed to start working. During this time I learnt everything about the craft (programmes, equipment, etc.) as well as the theoretical background. But I was still afraid that I was not good enough, that I was not well enough prepared. But this was unfounded, as I was allowed to ‘scrub away’ at smaller tasks for a long time at the beginning.

Q%And what surprised you the most after your studies?

A%What surprised me the most was that I didn’t have to attend a trial working day once. I got through everywhere with my portfolio. However, I have to say that I only got my second job in the industry (at Meiré und Meiré) through vitamin B.

Q%I can imagine that networking is also one of the most important ways to get a job in this industry. Now that you are part of the industry, would you say that you feel financially secure in terms of the industry and your job?

A%Let’s say I feel good financially. It could always be a lot more. I currently work part-time in a publishing house and the other half as a freelance art and creative director. The part-time job just gives me the security of knowing that my fixed costs are covered every month and that my health insurance is paid reliably. That’s the minimum I need to feel secure.

Q%Could you perhaps give us some insight into how you set your price and what is the financial value of your work?

A%I am responsible for my own finances. Ultimately, I have to ‘hope’ that my clients will pay the price I charge for my services. I’ve had to learn that I can’t undersell myself, but I can’t overcharge either, otherwise clients are likely to leave. The price depends on the service I provide or the daily rate I set myself. This depends on the client and their circumstances (small business or start-up or large corporation) and whether it is a project I would like to have on the ‘roll’ or in my portfolio or whether it is a purely monetary project.

Q%What projects are you proud of? And what makes you proud?

A%I’m particularly proud of the work I’ve been able to create for my own clients. For example, I designed a complete branding for a great client (now a friend) who is launching her first own brand of bags. The logo will soon be on the bags and that makes me very proud. To be able to hold something in my hands that I have had a hand in designing. I thought outside the box a lot on this job and I really got involved with the client and her vision and really shared it with her. The result was something unique!

Q%That sounds really amazing, congratulations! What advice would you give to students about starting a career as a designer? 

A%The most important thing is that design and creation is also your passion and unfortunately you can’t assume or expect that you’re going to break through straight out of design school and only be allowed to do cool things. If you have the desire to enter the agency world, then you start as the weakest link in the chain and are happy to sit in the agency from 8am to 11pm. But it was also the most educational time for me!

Q%And were there any difficulties at the beginning of your career? 

A%Luckily I didn’t have the biggest difficulties because I was able to find jobs quickly and easily with my portfolio and luckily I didn’t have a problem with overtime, haha, but there was no work-life balance at all. I was really just working.

Q%But did you still have fears after graduating? 

A%Of course I was afraid of not being good enough. Of being unprepared. I also found it extremely difficult to stand up for my own suggestions and work…

Q%Looking back, would you do it all again or is there anything you would change? 

A%I would do exactly the same! – However, I would have liked to have had more experience with new clients. And I wish I’d had the opportunity to be more selective. But unfortunately you can’t always choose, but I think I’m on the right track!

Thank you Nina for your time and the insight into your work!