Includes bibliographical references (pages 186-187) and index.

Graphic design enterprise. Understanding graphic design ; Where do graphic designers work? ; The essential skills ; Attitude ; Developing your knowledge and staying ahead ; Spotlight on: Lisa Hassell, Inkygoodness & We Are Goodness -- The professional world of graphic design. The transition from education to work ; Your clients/commissioners ; The design process ; Preparing for the world of work ; Spotlight on: Bruno Maag, Dalton Maag ; Spotlight on: Jamie Sergeant, Crowd -- Getting out there, and getting noticed. Your personal brand ; Spotlight on: Jessica Walsh, Sagmeister & Walsh ; Promoting yourself ; Your portfolio ; Spotlight on: Cameron Sandage, IBM ; Spotlight on: Nick Clement, Glug -- Getting a job. Choosing the right direction ; Spotlight on: Janine Vangool, UPPERCASE magazine ; Looking for jobs ; Interview skills -- The workplace. The traditional design agency ; Spotlight on: Acm�e Paris ; Studio roles ; Spotlight on: Joshua Ogden, AKQA -- Going freelance. Working freelance ; Spotlight on: Jessica Hische ; Spotlight on: Lotta Nieminen ; Spotlight on: Rena Tom and Bryan Boyer ; Starting your own agency ; Spotlight on: Anne Brassier ; Spotlight on: Roger Proctor, Proctor Stevenson ; Ethics -- Activities -- Appendix -- Technical tips -- A guide to finances -- A guide to contracts.

"As students prepare to enter the world of work, there are many decisions that they need to make about what type of career they want: Freelancing? Working in a design agency? Setting up their own business? They also need the practical advice about how to work with clients, how to organize themselves, billing, etc. Through interviews with people at all levels of design, the author provides down to earth and straight forward information that is relevant to today's students looking to start a career in design."--Publisher's description.