Design Your Career: How the Design Industry Functions, Career Paths, and How to Succeed

From marketing agencies, to working in-house, to working for yourself as a freelancer, the different organizations a designer can choose to work for can take many forms and offer a variety of creative opportunities. Each design career path has its own rewarding attributes which differ in lifestyle, salary, growth, and creative pursuits. Some designers enjoy working in teams for a variety of clients and brands within an agency environment. Other designers prefer working in-house for an organization whose values or products they identify with. Whether your career is just beginning to take shape, or if you are considering making a change, it is important to be aware of the different avenues for success and fulfillment that are available to you within the wonderfully diverse industry that is design.

Brett Valls, currently a Senior Designer at Walker & Dunlop, has been a designer, strategist, and leader for the past twelve years. He has experience working as a designer within different business models such as marketing agencies, software companies, industrial design firms, and education. Brett is passionate about design education and mentorship, helping students and young professionals find their footing in the design industry. In this presentation Brett will discuss the primary differences between different design business models and offer advice for fulfillment and success.

Tickets

$10 for non-members

$5 for members

Free for students

*AIGA members please login to your AIGA account to see pricing discount

**Students please bring a valid student ID to check-in

About the Presenter

Brett Valls has been a designer, strategist, and leader for clients who crave beautiful brands, products, and experiences for the past twelve years. For the past year Brett has been working as a Senior Designer for Walker & Dunlop, and has previous experience working within marketing agencies, software companies, industrial design firms, and has taught New Media courses at the University of Cincinnati. His broad range of design, interpersonal, and leadership skills are used to help clients connect with their target audience and increase their revenue. Brett is passionate about design education and mentorship, helping students and young professionals find their footing in the design industry. He lives in Cincinnati with his wife and son, and when he isn’t designing you can usually find Brett in the kitchen cooking and baking.

Parking Info

Gateway Garage: 1071 Jackson St, Cincinnati, OH 45202

Limited, paid street parking is also available.