Bill Acheson, Graphic Designer

More involved

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"A lot of people seem to think they can do this job because they have the programs and the computers.

"Most people don't realize exactly what's involved in seeing projects through from beginning to end in terms of conceptualization to print production, even just having contacts with the right people to get the job done for your clients."

Where I work

I've been a graphic designer with Spacecadet Design Inc for three years. Spacecadet is a small graphic design studio in the Exchange District with four designers, two of whom are co-owners.

Our clients range from small businesses to large corporations. Our jobs range from creating just a brochure to designing entire campaigns with billboards, print advertising and web design. We have about a 50-50 mix between print and web design and advertising.

Novel ideas = happy client

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"We recently finished a website for a film producer who we rebranded. We created a logo, identity package and website. That was particularly interesting.

"I was able to cut loose and be a little bit more creative, push the boundaries more than I generally would with our corporate clients.

"They wanted to be perceived differently and came to us through reference. I think they were happy with what we came up with."

Small firm

Depending on the size of the company you work for, there are different levels for a graphic designer, from junior graphic designer to senior graphic designer. Usually junior graphic designer is the first job you get after graduating.

Because we're a small firm, there are no senior designers and everyone works at the same level. We all pitch in and answer the phones or cover for each other if someone's out and their client calls. We wear a number of different hats.

Oral communication

Oral communication is extremely important in this business. Most of my communication with clients is over the phone or through email. I need to come across as professional and competent.

I do meet face to face with clients, particularly at the inception of a project. We'll get together and go over the project details while sitting across the table from one another. I have to know what I'm talking about and present in a confident way.

Tools I use

I work on a computer with a Macintosh platform, a G5 with standard graphic design programs like Quark Express, Freehand, Illustrator, Photoshop, Dreamweaver, Fireworks and In Design.

Some jobs call for illustrations and I'll get to do something by hand. A lot of times I start projects with rough sketches but the final output is always digital. We have a drafting table where we prepare proofs. I'll print them out and paste them up on boards for my client.

Skateboarding a passion

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"My main pastime over the last fourteen years or so has been skateboarding; skateboarding, filming, photography, some of which involves skateboarding as well.

"In winter I actually skateboard as well. I've got an indoor ramp that I pay rent for."

Overcoming challenges

In the past two years, I've had to deal with the passing of my father, which was difficult. Losing my father was one of the most devastating things I've had to deal with in my lifetime.

Getting through school was another big one because I've always struggled with school. When I started at Red River it was a lot more demanding than high school and I'm actually proud of myself for getting through that.

Rewarding myself

Whether it's buying things for myself, going on a trip, giving myself some time to relax or taking time to do things that I normally don't get time to do, I like to reward myself for my accomplishments with lots of different things.

For the most part, I like treating myself and my girlfriend to a nice meal. It's nice to go out for dinner and enjoy an evening together.

Managing time

Balancing home and work has always been a struggle for me. I think it's a struggle for a lot of people.

For me, I suppose it comes down to a time management issue. I'm trying to grow professionally and get better at my job as time passes.

I realize that I need to find a way to work differently so I'm less overwhelmed. I don't know if I have any specific techniques for achieving balance other than working to manage my time better.

Dealing with stress

I often feel stressed at work. I try to deal with it by enjoying my free time. What works best for me is making sure I have plans outside of work to take my mind off things and clear my head.

I enjoy spending time on my own and it's very important to me. I like to spend a lot of time with my girlfriend but also enjoy time together with my friends and family. It helps to have something to look forward to after a hectic day.

Collaboration

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"Collaboration is a big part of our job. Depending on the project it will require more or less. On a big job sometimes we'll get everyone involved in pitching ideas.

"Collaboration with our clients is also extremely important because no one knows their business better than they do. It's very important to collaborate with our clients and internally to make sure we get the best product possible."

Keeping current

Professional development is something that never really stops because of the nature of the industry. I'm expected to be constantly looking around for what's happening in advertising, print and web media in the world to make sure I'm in step with what I'm bringing to the table for my clients.

It's important to keep up so my work doesn't get stagnant. Things are constantly changing. New versions of programs are coming out and I need to keep up with those.

Positive attitude

I want clients to be confident with what I'm doing. Some of that involves convincing them that what I'm doing is the right direction for them. Another part is explaining to them and showing them why it's right.

I have to make sure I'm staying positive around my co-workers as well as with clients to keep morale up. If I'm stressing out, it makes for a tough work environment. Because we work in such tight quarters it affects other people.

Flexible nine-to-five

I work a seven hour day and a thirty-five hour work week. Usually at five o'clock I wrap for the day. There's a lot of flexibility in my schedule. If I need to get away for a personal matter, my boss is understanding about letting me take time to do what I need to do.

For the most part I'm expected to be here from nine to five, largely because those are our set work hours and when most of our clients are working. It makes sense for me to be here during the day.

Fast paced workday

Generally the pace is pretty fast here. We get periods when it's very stressful because some clients want things from us right away. It becomes tough to prioritize which client gets top priority.

My boss will help with prioritizing so it's not just on me to make that decision. In our office, everyone has pretty much the same workload and as much work as we can handle.

Creative on demand

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"Being creative is sometimes not fun but difficult. Being creative within a timeframe and having to come up with things right away is a tough thing to do sometimes and can be extremely challenging.

"You're not always on, as much as you try to be. If someone just isn't hitting the nail on the head for a project, we might pass it on to another designer to give it a shot or get their input on it."

Juggling tasks

On any given day, I'm working on a number of projects. I might be working on five websites at a time but they're all for different clients. I get to research five different people and their lives or businesses.

I'm always able to find something to do and turn to another project while waiting for a response from other clients. There's generally not a lot of down time. The biggest trick is knowing what to do when and balancing my priorities.

Playing at work

There is definitely playing involved in my job. That's part of the creative process. I have to tinker around with different ideas and I don't always come up with a solution right off the bat. Certain projects allow me to play more than others.

Sometimes the client comes to me with a really specific idea of what they want, while other clients ask me to come up with something. I get most of my inspiration from people I know: my family, my parents and my friends.

Having an impact

My work is significant because not only am I making my clients happy, but I'm making sure they're portrayed in the right way.

I work for so many different clients and my job makes my client's work meaningful by bringing relevance and attention to it through my designs and ideas.

At this firm, we try to work for clients we believe in. It's not just about money. We want to make sure we're supporting something legit.

Attention to detail

I am extremely detail oriented. When I start a new project I generally don't know a lot about my client and their industry. I research as much as I can so I can portray them in a creative, dynamic way. Sometimes inspiration comes from the interesting details I discover in my research.

When working on anything, whether it's advertising, websites or brochures, I have to watch for typos, even if my client supplied the content.

Guided toward art

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"My parents always were incredibly supportive. I would say they even guided me towards this career. I didn't know much about this industry before I started at Red River.

"Art was always one of my interests growing up. I always drew lots as a kid, so this was the industry they directed me towards."

Strong portfolio

One of the things you need in order to get into Red River is a portfolio. They give you a few months to prepare it, which I suppose is plenty of time, but I procrastinated and got it in last minute. I didn't get into the program the first year I applied.

I took a graphic design course at Tec Voc called Advertising Art where they helped me develop my portfolio to get into Red River. The next year when I submitted my application and portfolio to Red River, I was accepted.

Learning job skills

I learned my current job skills at Red River College, where I took the three year Graphic Design program. It's a two year program with a third year advanced diploma. I felt I wasn't quite ready after the second year so I opted to take the third year and I think that helped a lot.

Any further learning I've done has been on the job, things like figuring out how things really work when you're setting things up for press and dealing with clients and suppliers.

First job

My first job after graduating from Red River was at a publication house. For the most part, I did a lot of magazine production. I had a chance to use what I learned while I discovered even more about print production and getting things set up for press, beyond what I learned in school.

I also started to develop general office skills. I was there for a few months when I was hired here at Spacecadet, where I've been for the past three years.

My advice

Immerse yourself while you're in school. Soak up as much as you can from your instructors. Keep an eye on what's out there. See what people have done in the past and what they're currently doing, both in advertising and pop culture.

Be as diligent as you can. It's an industry where you have to be immersed in things to do your job. It's not really something you can do casually because I think that to be a strong professional this kind of has to be your life.

Great opportunities

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"The opportunities I've gotten while living here have been great. Going to Red River, for example, I didn't have to leave to do that. It was a great program and the job I'm in now makes me happy here.

"I am planning to stay here as long as my job is going well. I really have no reason to leave unless I am forced to pursue work in another province."

Video editing

Because of the nature of my work, I'm always learning to stay on top of things. I would like to learn more about video editing. We've talked about exploring it here at the office but it's tough to get around to given we're really busy with our regular clients. Right now our jobs don't require it.

I'll pursue professional development opportunities in general because I think learning helps make me a better designer.

Happy here

I'm not the type of person who wants to start their own business. I enjoy working for someone else and as part of a team. I don't know that I would want to lead a team per se.

I'm comfortable in the position that I'm in. That might change in the future but right now I'm comfortable in my current position.

In five years

I don't know if I can really say what I want most in life at this point. My goals are to grow as a designer and become more competent at what I'm doing here at Spacecadet.

I would like to be more organized and comfortable with my life. I would like to be at a level where I can better balance my work and home life. I hope to be better at it and hopefully making more money.

Outlook for designers

Local companies understand the benefits of having a web site or a brochure professionally designed so I think as long as there are companies with goods and services they need to promote, there will be work for graphic designers in Manitoba.

The industry is currently very technology-oriented so I believe changing technology, like new programs or new versions of programs, will continue to impact graphic design.

Job market info

The links below take you to federal and regional government information on employment, education, salary ranges and long range prospects for this career.

The official title for Bill's occupation is "Graphic Designers and Illustrators" and its NOC* code is 5241.

Manitoba Job Futures

Who Hires? - Manitoba Labour Market Information

*Each occupation has an official name and unique number called the 'National Occupation Classification' code or 'NOC'.

Education

High School

Useful High School Subjects*

- Visual Arts
- Graphic Design
- Computer-related courses
- English

*Source: JobFutures.ca

For those out of school, Adult Learning Centres can help you get or upgrade your high school diploma, including adding subjects that are required for work or further education. All Manitobans are normally entitled to 4 free courses.

After High School

Red River College

Full Time Programs

3D Computer Graphics

Graphic Design

Graphic Design-Advanced

Photography - Enhanced

Continuing Education Programs

Computer Graphics Cert Program

Digital A/V Production

Graphic Design Workshops

Graphics Communications

Project Management

University of Manitoba

Bachelor of Fine Arts (Studio Degree or Art History) and Fine Arts Diploma

Assiniboine Community College

Web Design

Winnipeg Technical College

Production Art

Skills

Useful Experience/Skills*

- Colour
- Design
- Innovation
- Computers
- Marketing

*Source: Job Futures.ca

There is not yet an Essential Skills* profile for this occupation.

*Essential Skills provide the foundation for learning all other skills and enables people to evolve with their jobs and adapt to workplace change.

Professional resources

Advertising Association of Winnipeg
An organization providing networking, professional development and educational opportunities for Manitoba professionals in the advertising industry

Society of Graphic Designers of Canada
A national organization providing advocacy and resources for graphic designers

Sign Association of Canada
A national organization promoting and furthering professionals who use, design and manufacture commercial images.
Manitoba Chapter

New Media Manitoba
A provincial organization providing training, advocacy and networking opportunities for professionals in new media, interactive media and video game development

Manitoba New Media
The previous web site for New Media Manitoba

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