What does a graphic designer do on a typical workday? A day in the life of a graphic designer will vary depending on the type of work they focus on: logo design, brand identity, publications, or something else. If you’re thinking about a career in graphic design, it is always a good idea to learn about the details of a typical workday.
We asked one of the team members on our bench, Aimée Liriano, to tell us about her day.
Aimee explains that one of the best things about a career as a graphic designer is that she never feels bored because every project she works on is slightly different in terms of style or content. Regardless of the wide range of projects, Aimée maintains a consistent 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. work schedule, primarily since she works from home and needs to balance work and life.
So here’s a more detailed look at what a day in the life of a graphic designer can look like:
7 a.m. – I start my morning routine with a cup of coffee and breakfast. I begin replying to messages and getting up to date with the news. Then I get ready for the day. I try to have slow mornings and wake up early enough not to rush my morning routine; I find that’s better for my mental health.
9 a.m. – I sit at my office, which is currently a corner of my apartment in Philadelphia. I begin my work day by checking my calendar and replying to emails.
10 a.m. – After organizing my day and doing internal administrative tasks, I start with my first design task. I’m a freelance designer, so my workload and assignments vary from time to time, depending on the client.
11 a.m. – I follow up on emails or chats while working on the day’s first task.
Noon. – Lunchtime! I usually head out to grab lunch at local food trucks or make my own at home.
2 p.m. – After lunch, I follow up on some more emails or chats. If I have any meetings or appointments with clients, they usually happen around this time of the day.
3 – 5 p.m. – Start and finish my second design task of the day; by this time, I like to put on some music or my favorite podcasts. After completing and delivering the tasks, I turn off my computer for the day.
5 p.m. – If the weather is nice, I like to walk around the neighborhood for fresh air.
6 – 8 p.m. – By this time, I like to go shopping for ingredients to make dinner. I enjoy cooking and making my favorite meals to watch my favorite shows or FaceTime with my family.
8 – 10 p.m. – This is my time to decompress. Usually, I journal about my intentions for the next day and then prepare to rest.
Aimée Liriano (she/her) is a Philly-based Dominican graphic designer and illustrator. Her designs and illustrations let vibrant colors and shapes be the guide to striking compositions. As a designer, Aimée feels inspired by the motivation to learn new things and actively remain in motion. She thrives while being involved in collaborative projects that give back to her community. She has worked in poster design, event design, and illustration for local nonprofit organizations as an illustrator and designer. She is grateful for the past and future opportunities to design for mission-driven organizations that align with her social justice values.
