What Do You Do?

Maybe it the job "graphic designer" or maybe it is the creative field in general or maybe everyone has a difficult time describing what they do for a living. I have talked with some of my fellow graduates and we discussed what is the best way to describe to our grandparents what we do.

"I make art on the computer"

It's not quite accurate, but they art and computer are easy enough concepts to understand. Graphic Design can be so inter-disciplinary that it is difficult to describe with the field that it is no wonder "outsiders" struggle to grasp the concept. (My grandparents probably think I play in Microsoft Paint all day).

What I do on a day-to-day basis:

• Receptionist: Answer and Direct calls
• Media Buyer: Monitor and Purchase Facebook Ads
• Graphic Designer: From sketch book to digital files to final prints
• Direct Mail—yep, someone has to make that junk mail and keep the USPS in business
• Newspaper and Magazine ads 
• Email Designs 
• Business Collateral: business cards, brochures, posters, and ect...
• Magazine Layouts: Small publications for local non-profits
• T-shirts
• ...and the occasional logo
• Web Designer:
• Flash Ads
• Website Development
• Website Coding
• Email Coding and Sending
• Facebook Page Management
• Website and Email hosting

My job has really shifted over the last six months and I have become more responsible for the web development and facebook management. I have had to work faster, and expand my skill-set. New projects and opportunities are definitely a blessing, but they have left me worn out and burnt out (which is why I have a vacation soon—I am counting the days). There are skills that are sitting on the back burner but would love to get out again: branding, photography, illustration, aftereffects, and drawing. (and work with more open-minded clients)

So what do you do for a living and what would you LIKE to do?