Sleep is for the Weak

Many people do not realize the amount of work that a graphic design student does. Most people just think that art students draw all day and don't get any homework. Are they ever WRONG! Graphic Design is probably one of the most intense programs that you could ever be in. Lets just say that, "Sleep is for the weak!" 

Since people that are not in Graphic Design do not know what it is all about, I thought I would give you a little taste of the Graphic Design world. 

When I first started this program I had no idea what I was getting into. Since I have been in the program for 2 years now, I have learned to expect the unexpected. You definitely have to learn how to multi-task and have your time well managed. There is really no time for you to slack off. Even when I do manage my time wisely I do have to stay up late just to get work finished. My body has definitely adjusted to staying up late  and waking up early. 

You may be thinking that there is no possible way that I can have that much work but are you ever wrong. It takes time to come up with concepts and once that is completed I have to finish my final artwork, which is no easy task. I have to pay attention to every little detail....what font, placement, colour, imagery, target market, etc. I have no time to waste, when I take a break I am constantly thinking of new ideas. Even when I sleep I think of ideas. It's CRAZY!!!!

Just so you have a better understanding of my work load here is a summary of what I am working on now. I have a packaging project that needs to be completely done in two weeks. This includes the branding of the product (logo/name) and a well designed package. I am also branding my own beer. In two weeks I have to have the name of my beer and a logo created. While doing this I have to be thinking about how I am going to create a package for the beer and a poster. I have to make sure that I have a theme that will be good for advertising. The logo is due in two weeks as well. On top of that I am creating a children's book that has to be a minimum of 20 pages. I am to create a story as well as illustrate the entire book. It is a very open project so I have to make sure I write a good story and illustrate in a style that works for me. The roughs are due in three weeks and then I have a month to complete the final book. That really isn't a lot of time, since it is very time consuming when doing artwork. I just want to spend all of my time on one piece to make it perfect, but I can't. These are the main projects that I have but I also have photography assignments, print tech, and client relation assignments. There is just so much and I know there is more coming. I get a project pretty much every day.

Most people are probably shocked about the amount of work that I have to do but I have learned to be  good delegator. When I don't have work I feel lost and like I should be working on things. Even though the work load is heavy I would not have it any other way because I am learning so much and am doing what I love.