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Graphic Designer in Columbus (Compensation (The average base pay for a…
Graphic Designer in Columbus
Compensation
The average base pay for a graphic designer in Columbus, OH is $47,500 per year. For 1-3 years experience, the average is $42,600 per year.
Benefits for this job include: free parking downtown, education assistance, subsidized medical insurance, fully paid dental and life insurance, vacation and sick leave, retirement benefits and an on-site fitness center.
The cost of living in Bowling Green vs. Columbus is essentially the same. But, the average cost of rent in Columbus is $1,063 while I am currently paying about half that in Bowling Green.
The median rent for a 2 bedroom apartment in Columbus is $1,058 as of January 2020.
The monthly recommended minimum amount of money for food per person in Columbus is $340.72
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Life-Long Learner
I'm sure that during my lifetime technology will change quite a bit. I plan on staying up to date by reading about the industry and possibly going to graphic design conferences if my company is willing to help pay for it. I can also continue learning through getting certifications.
A trend I have noticed, especially when reading job descriptions, is that to stay competitive, you have to know how to do it all. Companies want someone who can design all their print pieces and traditional media but also update and design their website and also design apps and also run social media and take videos, etc. The VCT program makes us competitive in this regard. But this trend to me seems like companies smashing what should be multiple job positions into one position to save money.
The job growth for graphic design from 2018-2028 is projected to be 3% which is slower than average. It is expected that there will be strong competition for jobs.
I don't think I will get another degree unless my company wants me to and/or will help pay for it. I am debt-free right now and I do not want to have student loan debt for a degree I may not need. Also, getting a masters could make me over-qualified for positions and make employers not want to hire me since they would have to pay more. So I would not do this unless I think it's necessary to move into management.
Long Term Goals
When I was working at Therma-Tru, they gave me a 401K during the end of my internship. After leaving, I had to convert it to an IRA. So now I have an IRA started that I can continue investing in and I'm sure my future employer will give me a new 401K plan. I recently made my first investment with my IRA by purchasing my first stock. And as I said in the fiscal responsibility section, I plan on putting a lot of effort into saving for an emergency fund and car.
My first long term savings goal is saving for a newer used car, maybe one that's only about 3 years old. Then I would like to start saving for a house downpayment because I'm sure that will take a while to save up. I will also be saving money each month to invest in my retirement accounts.
My manager at Therma-Tru was a Senior Graphic Designer. The average salary for that position in Columbus is $57,000. The salary range is $42k-$76k. The position above her was Creative Manager. In Columbus, the average salary for that position is $99,000. The salary range is $60k-$139k.
Me at Work
I have a good work ethic because I am very self-motivated to get things done on time and do my best work. My organization skills make me very capable of working on several projects at once and keeping them on schedule. It definitely helps to be passionate about what I'm working on, but I will get it done even if I don't enjoy it a lot.
I value a position where I have a team that supports me, helps me learn and communicates well. I believe the people can really make all the difference. I also would like a position where I can work on creative projects that keep me learning and engaged. And of course a decent paycheck would be great too, for practical reasons.
Personality Type: ISFJ, "Defender"
"Though sensitive, Defenders have excellent analytical abilities; though reserved, they have well-developed people skills and robust social relationships; and though they are generally a conservative type, Defenders are often receptive to change and new ideas."
This personality type is described as humble, earnest and loyal. ISFJ's make very reliable employees who are supportive of their coworkers and well-liked. I think this would help me in any career. I might not be as outgoing as some creative-types, but I am very dedicated to me work.
In design, you must follow a code of ethics when using resources and creating original work. You must not steal or plagiarize work, and if you do use something as inspiration, you must do something to make the work your own. You should always make sure you have permission to use photos, fonts, etc. for both ethical and legal reasons.