31 Graphic Design Interview Questions & Answers
Behavioral
1. Tell me about a time you went above and beyond for a client.
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
The interviewer is looking for someone who understands the importance of client relationships. The other unspoken facets to this question are accountability and work ethic. Going above and beyond for a client indicates that you are willing to work hard to make a client happy. And, it speaks to your business savvy as to why it is important to nurture and delight clients.
Written by Gentry Edwards on January 28th, 2022
The Goal
The goal of your answer is to communicate that you understand the importance of client relationships and that delighting a client leads to return business and often to new business from others in the client's circle. You want the interviewer to see that you will work hard by not only doing the work, but doing more than a client expected.
Written by Gentry Edwards on January 28th, 2022
How to Answer
Choose an example that you can distill down to a good story. If you include too much unnecessary detail in your answer, the interviewer might lose interest. Focus on the situation, the expectation of what needed to be done, your actions and the final outcome. If possible, tie it back to how it impacted the business and the bottom line.
Written by Gentry Edwards on January 28th, 2022
Above and Beyond for a client Example
I think it is really important to go above and beyond for clients when possible. A good example of this is a recent brochure I created for a new client. The client needed the file delivered to their printer by noon that Friday to ensure the it could be printed and shipped on time. I uploaded the file to the printer's FTP site early that morning and sent them an email asking them to let me know they got the file. When I hadn't heard anything by 11:00 AM I called the printer and found out their server was down. I got in the car and personally drove it down to the printer because I knew it would damage my client's reputation if the brochures weren't delivered on time. The client was incredibly appreciative of my efforts and we've been working together ever since.
Written by Gentry Edwards on January 28th, 2022
Behavioral
2. Have you ever told a client "no?"
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Inevitably, we will all have a client that wants something that cannot be delivered. The interviewer wants to find out if you accept the reality of this issue. And, the interviewer wants to hear how you will approach it when it happens.
Written by Gentry Edwards on January 28th, 2022
The Goal
The goal of your answer is to acknowledge that at some point we will have a client that wants the impossible. You need to demonstrate your comfort level and competency in navigating the situation. You want to show that you can create solutions in challenging situations.
Written by Gentry Edwards on January 28th, 2022
How to Answer
This isn't a trick question. You shouldn't say something like "I would never tell a client no." You should choose an example where you found a resolution to the situation that led to a compromise.
Written by Gentry Edwards on January 28th, 2022
Telling a client 'no" Example
I think it is important to tell a client "no" if what they are asking is overly ambitious or could result in a negative outcome. The last thing I want to do is promise to deliver on something that I can't. My approach is not just telling a client "no, this can't be done." My approach is telling the client, "I can't accomplish that, but here is what I can do." By taking time to explore with the client, you may be able to find a solution or compromise that results in most of what they wanted to accomplish.
Written by Gentry Edwards on January 28th, 2022
Behavioral
3. How do you approach client revisions to your work?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
The interviewer asks this question to learn how open you are to feedback on your design work. It helps the interviewer to understand whether or not you can adapt and incorporate feedback. Beyond that, it speaks to your professionalism and your abilities to navigate the client relationship.
Written by Gentry Edwards on January 28th, 2022
The Goal
The goal is to show that you value feedback and client input. You should demonstrate that feedback and revision is a natural part of the creative process. This is an opportunity to showcase your professionalism as a designer.
Written by Gentry Edwards on January 28th, 2022
What You Need to Know
In asking this question, the interviewer is indicating that he/she has encountered designers in the past who struggle with feedback and/or revisions from clients. Often creatives get very close to their work and take revisions personally. Taking feedback personally isn't professional. Revisions almost always result in a better deliverable.
Written by Gentry Edwards on January 28th, 2022
Client Revisions Example
I am very open to feedback and want to make sure I'm delivering what my client needs. In the beginning of my career, I took client revisions personally. But, over time, I've grown to understand the importance of feedback on my design work. The reality is that design is an iterative process. It should evolve over the course of revisions into a stronger design.
Written by Gentry Edwards on January 28th, 2022
Behavioral
4. How do you deal with creative block?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
The interviewer asks this question for a couple of reasons. First, everyone has creative block and the interviewer is acknowledging it. The interviewer is also probing to see if you will acknowledge it as well. Second, the interviewer is probing to see if you have tactics to offset the issue.
Written by Gentry Edwards on January 28th, 2022
The Goal
The goal of your answer should be to acknowledge creative block as part of the design process. You should share your approach to this issue and the tactics you use to get "unstuck."
Written by Gentry Edwards on January 28th, 2022
How to Answer
Share your approach to dealing with creative block. Be honest about how you deal with it, but if possible share something you do that will be memorable or resonate with the interviewer. If possible, share an example of a time you were experiencing creative block, what you did to get "unstuck" and the final outcome.
Written by Gentry Edwards on January 28th, 2022
Answer Example
Creative block is a something that creatives deal with all of the time. I think that it is an important part of the process when you are developing a really creative design. I've found that getting past creative block usually leads to your best work. Once you get the ideas flowing again, you can have amazing results. For me, I love to go for a walk and listen to music. Being outside helps me mentally reset and I can take a step back and think through my design choices. I love listening to music at the same time because it stimulates several areas of the brain. Usually when I'm out walking and listening to music, a great idea comes to me and I run back to finish my design work.
Written by Gentry Edwards on January 28th, 2022
Behavioral
5. Tell me something you struggle with as a designer. How do you work to overcome it?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
The interviewer asks this question to get a sense of your self-awareness and your ability to self-correct. The interviewer is looking for someone who understands their own shortcomings and has developed tactics to overcome them. The interviewer is looking for someone who is in touch with himself/herself.
Written by Gentry Edwards on January 28th, 2022
What You Need to Know
This is an alternative form of the classic strengths/weaknesses question. This question implies that everyone has weaknesses and it is an accepted part of the company's culture. That said, if you can't demonstrate that you are self-aware and you are working to improve on something that is a known struggle, this question can be a trap.
Written by Gentry Edwards on January 28th, 2022
How to Answer
Answer authentically. Speak to something that you do actually struggle with and how you've worked to improve in that area. Avoid trying to show that your weakness is actually a strength (i.e. I care too much about my work and this can cause delays). This doesn't resonate as an authentic answer.
Written by Gentry Edwards on January 28th, 2022
Overcoming a struggle Example
One thing I struggle with is a tendency to jump into execution versus taking the time to fully understand what a client needs or what they want to accomplish. This is why I believe using a creative brief is so important. It enables me to slow down and make sure I'm considering all facets of a project before I jump straight into design execution.
Written by Gentry Edwards on January 28th, 2022
Capability
6. What is your approach to designing an infographic?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
The interviewer asks this question to get a sense of your experience designing infographics. He/she wants to know how well you understand the basic principles of infographic design.
Written by Gentry Edwards on January 28th, 2022
Focus Your Answer On
Focus your answer on the way you prepare and approach infographic design. Make sure you convey the importance of simplicity, storytelling and data visualization. If possible, tie your answer back to your experience with infographics. Ideally, you'll have some examples of infographics in your portfolio to share.
Written by Gentry Edwards on January 28th, 2022
The Goal
The goal is to share your command of the design principles that go into an infographic. Infographics should be a beautifully designed graphic that tells a story. They are most commonly used to visualize data in a simple and impactful way.
Written by Gentry Edwards on January 28th, 2022
Infographic Design Example
An infographic should be beautifully designed and simple to understand. My approach to building an infographic is to fully understand the goal of the design. As a designer, you are essentially creating one graphic that will tell an entire story. You have to spend the time to research and truly understand that story before you start designing anything. For example, I recently built an infographic that visualized the entire lifecycle of a product and the impact the product had at different stages. I spent several hours with the program manager of the product to understand everything I could about it. I took that information and crafted a cyclic design framework that represented the product's life. I incorporated additional information along the cycle graphic that spoke the impact at each stage.
Written by Gentry Edwards on January 28th, 2022
Capability
7. Do you see yourself as a print designer or a digital designer?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
The interviewer asks this question based on their own needs for the position. They may be looking for someone who has a blend of both skillsets. Or, they may be looking for one over the other.
Written by Gentry Edwards on January 28th, 2022
What You Need to Know
In general, the design world is trending towards digital. Having a print design background can be useful, but if you aren't growing in the digital design arena, this is likely a focus area for you. This is another area where researching the agency/company is really important. If you research their work, you will gain an understanding about their deliverables, be it print or digital.
Written by Gentry Edwards on January 28th, 2022
The Goal
Your goal in this situation is to share your expertise in one or both areas. You should be prepared to show examples in your portfolio that showcase your abilities. If you have the expertise, but it isn't in your portfolio due to editorial reasons, off to send them examples after the interview.
Written by Gentry Edwards on January 28th, 2022
If you do both print and digital design Example
I have a solid background in both print and digital design. I started my career doing basic print work - newsletters, brochures, marketing slicks, etc. But, I grew my skillset to do digital work as well given the trend in that direction. At this point, I'm very comfortable working in both arenas.
Written by Gentry Edwards on January 28th, 2022
If you only do one type of design work Example
I see myself as primarily a print designer. I've done a lot of branding work designed for print - newsletters, brochures, marketing slicks, etc. That said, I've been working to grow my skillset in the digital arena. I've done a lot of self-study on digital design and I'm picking it up very quickly. But, I wouldn't call myself a digital designer at this point.
Written by Gentry Edwards on January 28th, 2022
Capability
8. How do you approach the client relationship?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
If this question is being asked, you'll be interfacing directly with clients. This means that there is an expectation in this role that you will have business acumen as a designer. The interviewer wants to learn how comfortable you are managing a client relationship. In most agencies, an account manager will own the client relationship. However, many in-house agencies expect designers to work directly with in-house clients.
Written by Gentry Edwards on January 28th, 2022
Focus Your Answer On
This is a broad question. Focus your answer on successful client relationships you've had or still have. If you've done freelancing, you'll have plenty of client relationships to potentially choose as examples. Make sure you explain why they are successful relationships by talking about how you established the relationship and how you nurture it. You should discuss communication, working through design iterations and repeat business.
Written by Gentry Edwards on January 28th, 2022
Client relationship approach Example
Establishing a solid client relationship is critical to maintaining business and producing outstanding design work. I like to spend a lot of time getting to know a client and understanding their expectations. Once I have that established, I can really create work that will help them be successful in their goals. I make sure I stay in touch with updates on their project and maintain clear and open communication about what is and isn't working with my deliverables. Once I'm familiar with their goals and needs, I can offer up other design solutions that they may not have considered.
Written by Gentry Edwards on January 28th, 2022
Capability
9. On a scale from 1-10, with 10 being the highest, how would you rate your competency in Adobe CC applications?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
The interviewer wants to find out which Adobe CC apps you are comfortable with and your level of expertise. This will help the interviewer determine if you are a fit for the role and/or if you bring knowledge of apps that their existing team lacks.
Written by Gentry Edwards on January 28th, 2022
How to Answer
Make sure you include your expertise on the most prevalent apps: Illustrator, InDesign and Photoshop. If you have other CC expertise such as Adobe After Effects, Adobe XD, Adobe AEM or Adobe Premiere this is a huge bonus.
Written by Gentry Edwards on January 28th, 2022
Pro Tip
Avoid rating yourself a 10 unless you are an absolute authority or expert on a particular application. Rating yourself at 10 on multiple apps can come across as cocky. And, it is unlikely that someone will be a 10 on multiple applications.
Written by Gentry Edwards on January 28th, 2022
Competency Rating Answer Example
I work in Photoshop, Illustrator and InDesign on a daily basis. I would rate myself as an 8 in Photoshop, a 9 in Illustrator and a 9.5 in InDesign. I wouldn't rate myself a 10 in any of them because there is always more to learn. I have been working through some tutorials in After Effects because of my interest in motion graphics. At this point, I would say I'm a 5 in that application. These aren't Adobe CC applications, but I do have some experience in html5 markup, WordPress and Sketch. I actually used WordPress to develop my portfolio site.
Written by Gentry Edwards on January 28th, 2022
Capability
10. What is universal design?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
The interviewer asks this to gain insight into your depth of design and how it relates to human nature and society. Understanding universal design ultimately means you have a command of design and how others interact with it.
Written by Gentry Edwards on January 28th, 2022
Focus Your Answer On
Focus on what universal design is and why it is important. Make sure you include examples of work you've done that ties in with the concept of universal design. This shows that not only do you know what it is, you understand how it informs the work that you do as a designer.
Written by Gentry Edwards on January 28th, 2022
The Goal
The goal is to showcase that you have a deep knowledge of design that goes beyond basic aesthetic principles. When answering, you have an opportunity to tie in the ethics of design and the need for diversity and inclusion in design. Answering this question correctly takes you out of the realm of being someone who just likes to design and into the realm of someone who is a deep thinker and considers all factors that should inform design deliverables.
Written by Gentry Edwards on January 28th, 2022
Universal Design Example
Universal design is good design. It is creating design that is accessible to people with a wide range of abilities, disabilities, and other characteristics. It ensures that design is inclusive. A good example of universal design is any consumer-facing website. It should have the option to change the appearance or functionality of the site for those who are visually impaired.
Written by Gentry Edwards on January 28th, 2022
Capability
11. Are you familiar with interactive elements in PowerPoint?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
The interviewer is signaling that he/she has a need for interactive elements in PowerPoint decks. The interviewer is looking for advanced PowerPoint skills that go beyond basic slide creation. The interviewer is looking for a candidate who is creative and explores different ways to use tools.
Written by Gentry Edwards on January 28th, 2022
How to Answer
When you answer the question, make sure you consider different facets of interactivity. The elements that go into interactivity could be visual or auditory. Try to use an example that not only shows know how to make elements interactive, but that you have a command of when and you should use interactive elements. If you haven't done any work with interactive elements in PowerPoint, share your level of experience and offer to focus on learning how to grow that skillset.
Written by Gentry Edwards on January 28th, 2022
The Goal
The goal is to show that you have advanced skills in PowerPoint. You want to showcase your ability to use interactive elements and share your philosophy on when to use those elements in a PowerPoint. Make it clear that not every project needs interactive elements. But, some project will greatly benefit from the use of interactivity as a method of simplifying content-heavy slides and making them more digestible.
Written by Gentry Edwards on January 28th, 2022
Interactive PowerPoint Elements Example
I like to use interactive elements in my PowerPoint work when it is a beneficial way to deliver content. A recent example is a deck I put together for a client that had several interrelated slides. The client had to go forward and backwards with the slides several times to help explain the content and to address questions from the audience. I set the deck up with an interface that was tab-based. This enabled to presenter to select different tabs when discussing the content. It lead to a much smoother presentation that didn't require going backwards and forwards to facilitate a discussion.
Written by Gentry Edwards on January 28th, 2022
Capability
12. How do you deal with a client when the project's scope begins to creep?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
The interviewer is asking this question to get a greater sense of how your problem-solving skills when a client is involved. The interviewer wants to get a gauge of your comfort level with client communication and your ability to manage a project. This question also indicates that part of your role will be working directly with clients.
Written by Gentry Edwards on January 28th, 2022
The Goal
The best way to answer this question is with an example that explains a situation, your actions and the outcome. You want to show that you are confident working with clients and adaptable when things change. You want to demonstrate your level of tact and business acumen.
Written by Gentry Edwards on January 28th, 2022
What You Need to Know
The use of a creative brief for large projects is very common in agencies. There is a growing trend to use a creative brief in corporate in-house agency work. This question is an excellent opportunity to tie back to the use of a creative brief. The creative brief is essentially a contract that explains the original scope of the project. When a project scope begins to creep, the creative brief is updated and shared with the client to help show that the terms of the project have changed.
Written by Gentry Edwards on January 28th, 2022
Scope Creep Example
When I'm working on a project that has scope creep, I think it really important to have a conversation about it with the client. Scope creep can create risk for a project in multiple ways. It can lead to missing deadlines, rushed work close to the deadline that could be of lower quality and cost increases. Creative briefs are really helpful in this situation. A creative brief not only lays out the tone, feel and goals of design work, it specifies that deadlines, deliverables, budget and logistics. If things change with a project, you can leverage the creative brief to help drive the conversation with the client. For example, if they want more work than originally listed in the creative brief, they need to understand that the project's deadline may need to be pushed or that the cost will increase. You can update the creative brief together to reflect the scope creep.
Written by Gentry Edwards on January 28th, 2022
Discovery
13. How do you stay up to speed on design trends?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
The interviewer is asking this question to see if you are focused on trends and shifts in design work. The interviewer is looking for specific examples of things you are doing in this space. The interviewer wants to understand whether or not you place importance staying up to date on trends.
Written by Gentry Edwards on January 28th, 2022
Focus Your Answer On
Focus your answer on why it is important to follow and understand design trends. If possible, share an example of a trend you've been tracking and why it is useful to do so. This is a common question, so try to find a way to stand out in the interviewer's mind by using an interesting and memorable example.
Written by Gentry Edwards on January 28th, 2022
The Goal
The goal is twofold: You know it is important to stay up to speed on design trends and you are invested in doing so. This is an opportunity to showcase how proactive you are as a designer. Communicating that this is part of your approach as a designer tells the interviewer that you are engaged in your industry and you want to grow.
Written by Gentry Edwards on January 28th, 2022
Design Trends Example
I spend a lot of time thinking about design as both a professional designer and as a consumer who is out in the world. One big trend this year is simplifying and refreshing brand logos. It is important to understand trends because clients typically want to be on trend whenever possible. It is my job to help make that happen. One example is that I'm a huge NFL fan. I study and redesign team logos for fun. This is a great exercise and something that directly translates to my client work.
Written by Gentry Edwards on January 28th, 2022
Discovery
14. What is a brand that you love?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
The interviewer asks this question to learn how you view the brand experience. They want to see how you think about brand and if you can articulate it. Given brand experience can be personal preference, the interviewer also asks this question to get to know you.
Written by Gentry Edwards on January 28th, 2022
The Goal
You want to show the interviewer that you think about brand experience and the promise of a brand. Showing that you understand suggests that you will keep their brand or their client's brand promise/experience front and center with your design choices.
Written by Gentry Edwards on January 28th, 2022
How to Answer
Choose a brand that you have personally experienced and can articulate. Make sure you include the brand promise and how it affects the brand value. Translate your brand experience back to the work they are doing if possible.
Written by Gentry Edwards on January 28th, 2022
Favorite brand Example
The first brand that comes to mind for me is Apple. As a consumer of Apple products myself, I find their brand experience is outstanding. Apple products are expensive, but you get what you pay for - they work incredibly well, they're simple and they make everything easier. For example, if you buy an iPhone, it comes in packaging that feels well made and well designed. Everything is slick and the unboxing is intuitive and easy. The same can be said for the phone itself - it is well-made, has an intuitive interface and it is simple to use. That speaks to the brand promise. You know that by choosing Apple you are paying for a well-designed high quality device that is simple and intuitive to use.
Written by Gentry Edwards on January 28th, 2022
Discovery
15. Where do you see yourself in two years?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
The interviewer asks this question to get a sense of your ambition. Most interviewer's are looking for someone who wants to grow in their career. Be prepared for the potential follow up question of "what is your plan to get there?"
Written by Gentry Edwards on January 28th, 2022
What You Need to Know
Most companies/agencies want people who are ambitious and are looking for ways to grow. You don't have to answer this question with a specific title/role. It is perfectly acceptable to share what kind of work you want to be doing versus a specific role or title. Depending the company/agency that may be a preferable answer because it suggests that you are focused on the work versus a title/role.
Written by Gentry Edwards on January 28th, 2022
The Goal
The goal of your answer is to show that you view your career as a journey. You want to communicate your focus on growth and evolution as a designer. This is an area where doing research on the company/agency's work can really pay off. You might be able to tie your career ambitions to the work they are creating.
Written by Gentry Edwards on January 28th, 2022
Where do you see yourself in two years? Example
My long term goal is to be an art director. Over the next two years, I plan to immerse myself in work that helps me evolve as a designer. I'm looking for a position that will give me opportunities to grow. I want to be challenged and have a chance to create amazing design in the process. Beyond that, I want to work with team members who will inspire me. I'm not sure if I will be at the level of an art director in two years time, but I will do everything possible to be on that path.
Written by Gentry Edwards on January 28th, 2022
Discovery
16. What do you think makes a good designer?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
The interviewer asks this question because you will likely answer it by sharing your own traits as a designer. It is an indirect way of asking you about your approach to design. The interviewer can compare your perspective with their own and it can ultimately be a question that speaks to your fit in their agency/company.
Written by Gentry Edwards on January 28th, 2022
Focus Your Answer On
Focus your answer on the behavioral traits of a designer versus skillset. Good design isn't about being an expert in Adobe illustrator, it's about creating a design that fulfills the goal of a project.
Written by Gentry Edwards on January 28th, 2022
What You Need to Know
This is another question that speaks to the importance of researching the agency/company. Understanding the kind of work they create will give you insight into what they consider "good design" which you can use to tailor your answer on what makes a good designer. Many interviewees will want to talk about how creative they are because they think that is what makes a good designer. However, it isn't about being incredibly creative, it is about creating design deliverables that fulfill the goals outlined by a client or contained in a creative brief.
Written by Gentry Edwards on January 28th, 2022
What makes a good designer? Example
A good designer is someone who asks questions and focuses on the goals of the design. Design should be purposeful and thoughtful. A strong skill set and creative ideas are important, but it is ultimately about creating design that takes into account everything laid out in the creative brief.
Written by Gentry Edwards on January 28th, 2022
Discovery
17. What are your superpowers?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
The interviewer is asking this question to get a bottom line response on where your strengths lie as an individual. By asking about superpowers, it is designed to be a fun, casual version of the classic strengths/weaknesses question.
Written by Gentry Edwards on January 28th, 2022
The Goal
The goal is to answer the question with your personal brand promise. What are you known for? Where do you excel compared to your peers? You ultimately want to share how you use those superpowers to do great work.
Written by Gentry Edwards on January 28th, 2022
What You Need to Know
Your answer is an opportunity to differentiate yourself as a candidate. This question gives the interviewer a short list of your strongest attributes. The interviewer will likely leave your session categorizing you based on your answer to this question and based on first impressions.
Written by Gentry Edwards on January 28th, 2022
Superpowers Example
I think of myself as having two superpowers: Curiosity and patience. Both of these help me to do my best work as a designer. My curiosity prompts me ask important questions and investigate why my client needs something and what are they trying to accomplish. My patience really helps when you get into design revisions. Sometimes clients have a hard time communicating what they like or don't like about design. Being patient with the process helps me to do my best work and helps them to get what they need from the design work.
Written by Gentry Edwards on January 28th, 2022
Discovery
18. What inspires you as a designer?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
The interviewer asks this question to get a sense of your interests and where you draw inspiration from and bring into your design work.
Written by Gentry Edwards on January 28th, 2022
The Goal
The goal of your answer is to connect things that interest or inspire you back to the work you do for a client. You also want to make it clear to the interviewer that there you do get inspired and that you immerse yourself in those inspirations because they directly contribute to you creativity as a designer.
Written by Gentry Edwards on January 28th, 2022
What You Need to Know
There is no right or wrong answer to this question. You should be authentic in your answer and make sure you are able to articulate what inspires you and why it inspires you.
Written by Gentry Edwards on January 28th, 2022
What inspires you? Example
I get a lot of inspiration from nature. I love going on hikes and looking closely at trees, streams, the ground, etc. When you look closely at things in nature, there is such detail and purpose in natural design. I take that inspiration and use it in my design work. I try to be thoughtful and purposeful in the design choices I make. Good design should be organic just like nature.
Written by Gentry Edwards on January 28th, 2022
Discovery
19. What questions for you have for me?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
The interviewer asks this question to gauge your curiosity about the role or the agency/company. The question will help the interviewer gauge how interested you are in the role.
Written by Gentry Edwards on January 28th, 2022
The Goal
The goal is to come to the interview with some prepared questions and to add any additional questions that organically evolved from discussion during the interview. You want to ask thoughtful questions that relate to the role, the organization, the culture or what a typical day involves.
Written by Gentry Edwards on January 28th, 2022
What You Need to Know
This is a deceptively simple question. It seems straightforward, but how you approach it can leave lasting impressions on the interviewer. If you have no questions for the interviewer it gives the impression that you aren't that interested in the role or the agency/company. The questions you ask will give the interviewer insight into what is important to you as a candidate.
Written by Gentry Edwards on January 28th, 2022
Questions for the interviewer Example
Below is a list of good questions to ask the interviewer and likely conclusions the interviewer will draw from your questions:
- Tell me about your team's culture.
Conclusion: Culture is likely a big driver for this candidate. They want to work somewhere that values a positive work environment and team culture.
- What do you like about working for the agency/company?
Conclusion: The candidate is interested in what I find appealing about the agency/company. They are curious about what is important to me as a leader and get more information about the team, leadership or culture.
- What is a typical day like?
Conclusion: The candidate is curious about the logistics, workflow, volume of work and the kind of routine work he/she will encounter.
- What would success look like in this role in the first 90 days or the first year?
Conclusion: The candidate is driven and wants to ensure success in the role.
- Is this a new position or a replacement position?
Conclusion: The candidate is evaluating possible risk in taking the job. If it is a new position, it could be vulnerable to being cut down the road. If it is a replacement position, the candidate is curious about why his/her predecessor left.
Written by Gentry Edwards on January 28th, 2022
Discovery
20. What is your favorite font to use in your design work?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
The interviewer wants to know how you approach the use of typeography in design. They are curious if you have a go-to font and why. That said, this is a question that can be a trap.
Written by Gentry Edwards on January 28th, 2022
What You Need to Know
This is a trick question at its core. Good designers don't have a favorite font to use in their design work. Good designers choose a font based on the kind of typeography that will best support the overall design work.
Written by Gentry Edwards on January 28th, 2022
How to Answer
The best way to answer this question is to explain that the font choice is beholden to the goal of the design. Articulate that you don't have a favorite font that you use, rather you choose a font based on the style of typeography that best supports the overall design of a project.
Written by Gentry Edwards on January 28th, 2022
Favorite Font? Example
I wouldn't say that I have a favorite font. When I'm working on a design project, I choose fonts on a case-by-case basis. To me, it really comes down to choosing typeography that fits the design. The right font will compliment and contribute to the overall design look and feel.
Written by Gentry Edwards on January 28th, 2022
Discovery
21. Tell me about yourself.
What You Need to Know
This is often the first question in an interview. It is a deceptively simple question. The interviewer wants to know about who you are and your career trajectory. But, you are making your first impression with your answer. If it is too personal or non-professional (i.e. "my name is Josh and I really like cats and Anime"), it can start the interview off on the wrong foot.
Written by Gentry Edwards on January 28th, 2022
Focus Your Answer On
Focus primarily on your career to date and where you hope to go with your career. It isn't necessary, but you can add something personal about yourself. That said, the best approach is something memorable and unique that might set you apart from others and adds to who you are as a designer.
Written by Gentry Edwards on January 28th, 2022
The Goal
Establish yourself as a strong, confident and worthy candidate. This is your chance to make a great first impression on the interviewer. This is your "elevator pitch" and should be rehearsed ahead of an interview. Be able to tell your career story in 30-45 seconds.
Written by Gentry Edwards on January 28th, 2022
About Me answer Example
My name is _____ and I'm passionate about design. I started my career as an intern at McCann and fell in love with the power of design and the impact it can make for a product or a campaign. At McCann, I had the opportunity to work with an Art Director who took me under her wing and gave me so many opportunities to grow as a designer. After two years at McCann, I worked my way up to the role of production artist. I'm ready to continue growing and I applied for this position based on the amazing work I've seen from your agency. What you are doing is something I want to be a part of.
Written by Gentry Edwards on January 28th, 2022
Discovery
22. What are you doing to grow your skillset as a designer?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
The interviewer wants to learn about your efforts to grow as a designer. Most employers want team members who are working to actively improve their skillset. This question helps the interviewer to probe how important learning and growth are to you.
Written by Gentry Edwards on January 28th, 2022
Focus Your Answer On
Focus your answer on growth areas that you are genuinely interested in pursuing. Try to align your answer to their design needs. If you realize you have a gap in your skillset when you read the job description, this is a good opportunity to proactively address that gap.
Written by Gentry Edwards on January 28th, 2022
What You Need to Know
Most employers in the creative industry are looking for candidates that want to continuously grow and evolve their skillset. If you can't speak to your efforts in this area, it is a red flag. With all the changes in technology, constantly evolving deliverables and competition in the marketplace, a growth mindset is more important than ever as a candidate.
Written by Gentry Edwards on January 28th, 2022
Skillset Growth Example
I consider myself a lifelong learner who is always looking for ways to grow as a designer. The most recent example I have is the time I've been spending learning CSS. I've completed three classes on CSS because I want to get better at designing for the web and I think understanding CSS will help me accomplish that goal.
Written by Gentry Edwards on January 28th, 2022
Discovery
23. Do you use creative briefs?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
If the interviewer asks this question, they view creative briefs as important. This means that it is important to them to be disciplined and thorough when approaching design work. They are looking for someone who wants to explore and understand the goals of the work, the intended audience and the intended outcome.
Written by Gentry Edwards on January 28th, 2022
The Goal
The goal is to show that you are thoughtful in your design execution. You should demonstrate that you understand the importance of asking questions and exploring all facets of a client's project and deliverables before you start to work on it.
Written by Gentry Edwards on January 28th, 2022
How to Answer
Focus your answer on your experience using creative briefs and why you view them as beneficial. If possible, try to include any examples of how creative briefs have influenced project outcomes for you in the past. If you don't have any good examples, share your philosophy on the value pf creative briefs.
Written by Gentry Edwards on January 28th, 2022
Creative Briefs Example
Unless I'm being asked to do a quick revision on something, I always start off a project with a creative brief. I think taking the time to explore all of the facets of a project is critical to the outcome. You have to understand your client's goals, their intended audience, the deliverable's tone of voice and what the client wants their audience to do after interacting with the deliverable. Projects change midstream or the scope shifts. The creative brief keeps you grounded on the original intent of the work.
Written by Gentry Edwards on January 28th, 2022
Discovery
24. Walk me through your portfolio.
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
The interviewer wants to hear you explain your work. They've likely already viewed it which is in large part why you landed an interview. But, they want to hear the rationale behind your design choices and they are curious to learn more about the work from you.
Written by Gentry Edwards on January 28th, 2022
The Goal
The goal is to show them that you are confident in your work and that you have the ability to speak to your work. This will be an important skill to showcase in the event the position is client-facing.
Written by Gentry Edwards on January 28th, 2022
Pro Tip
When you build your portfolio, include information about the goal goal of the project, your role in it and the final outcome. Frame each portfolio piece as a story. This will also make it easier to talk about your work. You should spend a considerable amount of time practicing the way you present your portfolio.
Written by Gentry Edwards on January 28th, 2022
What to Avoid
Avoid make excuses such as "we didn't really have any budget" or "this would have been better, but I ran out of time."
Written by Gentry Edwards on January 28th, 2022
Portfolio Answer Example
The first piece in my portfolio presented a great challenge. I was hired by a start-up to build a pitch deck for potential investors. I spent a lot of time with the owner of the start-up to truly understand their vision and the impact the company would make in the marketplace. Based on those conversations, I chose to use stock imagery that was bold and colorful. Using that as my foundation, I chose fonts that were understated because it best complimented the imagery. I'm proud to say that the pitch deck was directly responsible for the company receiving first round funding from an angel investor.
Written by Gentry Edwards on January 28th, 2022
Discovery
25. What interests you about working for our agency?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
This question is asked to determine how serious you are about applying for the job. If you come across as being casually interested, it will likely count against you as a candidate.
Written by Gentry Edwards on January 28th, 2022
The Goal
The goal is to show the interviewer that you are serious about working for the agency. You should make it clear that you targeted their agency for specific reasons. You want the interviewer to believe that you are excited about the opportunity.
Written by Gentry Edwards on January 28th, 2022
What You Need to Know
It is important to do research on the agency and the interviewer. Explore the agency's website and their past work. Do some research on the interviewer if you know the person's name. This will show the interviewer that you did your homework and that you are genuinely interested in working at the agency.
Written by Gentry Edwards on January 28th, 2022
Focus on Agency Example
I applied for this position based on the creative campaign work you did for Google. Your approach to generating buzz about their latest application was completely different than what your competitors have produced. The campaign was authentic and left me wanting to learn more as a consumer.
Written by Gentry Edwards on January 28th, 2022
Focus on Interviewer Example
I applied for this position because I want to work for you. The creative campaign work you did for Google was authentic and left me wanting to learn more as a consumer. I want to work with someone like you who can help me grow and evolve in my career.
Written by Gentry Edwards on January 28th, 2022
Leadership
26. Tell me about a time you solved a conflict with a co-worker.
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
The interviewer asks this question to get a sense of your experience with conflict. The interviewer wants to understand your approach to resolving conflict. The interviewer isn't just looking for detail of what led to a conflict. The interviewer wants to know your actions and the result of your actions. The ability to solve problems is ultimately a leadership quality.
Written by Gentry Edwards on January 28th, 2022
How to Answer
Focus your answer on a real conflict that you experienced and ultimately resolved. It is important to tell the story succinctly. You want to share enough information to fully explain the conflict without getting so mired in detail that your answer runs long. In your answer, you want to explain what happened, what you did to resolve it, and the ultimate outcome of the situation.
Written by Gentry Edwards on January 28th, 2022
The Goal
The goal of your answer is to acknowledge that conflicts will arise at work. How you resolve conflict demonstrates your professionalism and emotional intelligence. You want to leave the interviewer with confidence in your ability to solve problems.
Written by Gentry Edwards on January 28th, 2022
Conflict Resolution Example
A recent example of conflict that I experienced was working as a team to building a PowerPoint deck for our client to use at an industry conference. I was partnering with another graphic designer and a copywriter to build the deck. My roles was to create icons that the other designer leveraged to design each slide. Frequently, we would finish building a slide only to learn that there were changes from the copywriter that resulted in us having to redesign it. The designer and the copywriter were both getting very frustrated with each other. It occurred to me that if we changed our workflow so that we were getting the final content versus draft content from the copywriter we wouldn't have to redesign so often. We shifted the workflow and it saved us so much time. I learned a lot from this conflict. Now, when I start a new project, I ask a lot of questions to help determine the best workflow.
Written by Gentry Edwards on January 28th, 2022
Leadership
27. Tell me about a time you led a team.
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
The interviewer wants to learn about any experience you have leading a team. In asking the question, the interviewer wants to understand how you lead a team and your leadership style. Additionally, leading a team speaks to experience with larger projects.
Written by Gentry Edwards on January 28th, 2022
The Goal
The goal is to show that you have leadership skills. You want to showcase your ability to work as part of a design team and demonstrate that you've been a part of a larger project. Additionally, you want to give the interviewer a glimpse into your leadership style.
Written by Gentry Edwards on January 28th, 2022
How to Answer
Choose an example that shows your ability to lead and drive a team. If you don't have an example of this situation as a designer, you can substitute an example from your personal life. If you don't have any examples at all to share, talk about your facets of your personality that would make you a good choice to lead a team.
Written by Gentry Edwards on January 28th, 2022
Leading a team Example
I recently worked on a campaign that had multiple deliverables. We were tasked to produce marketing slicks, billboard signs and social cards with an aggressive deadline. I pulled two other designers into the project so that we could divide and conquer. I made sure everyone understood what the client needed and when it had to be completed. I routinely checked in with them to make sure they weren't running into any issues. I kept the lines of communication open so that our work was cohesive and consistent. As a team, we were able to meet the client's deadline.
Written by Gentry Edwards on January 28th, 2022
Technical
28. What is the recommended DPI for printing files?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
The interviewer is trying to gain an understanding of your technical understanding of the ideal file size when designing for print.
Written by Gentry Edwards on January 28th, 2022
What You Need to Know
The proper file size for print is 300 DPI. If you are printing a very large graphic, you would likely go up to 600 or 1200 DPI depending on the deliverable.
Written by Gentry Edwards on January 28th, 2022
The Goal
You goal is to show the interviewer that you have a full understanding of the importance of different resolutions in print design.
Written by Gentry Edwards on January 28th, 2022
Recommended DPI Example
The standard DPI for printing graphic files is 300 DPI. If you go below 300 DPI, you will likely start to experience image pixelation. You may need to increase the resolution for large format printing to 600 DPI or 1200 DPI depending on the end deliverable and how it is being used.
Written by Gentry Edwards on January 28th, 2022
Technical
29. How can typeography choices disrupt design work?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
The interviewer asks this question to get a sense of how you incorporate typeography principles into your design work. The interviewer is also asking to get your perspective on typeography as a whole.
Written by Gentry Edwards on January 28th, 2022
The Goal
The goal is to show that you have a strong command of typeography and how it relates to design. You are thoughtful and purposeful in your typeography choices.
Written by Gentry Edwards on January 28th, 2022
What You Need to Know
Typeography conveys the personality or tone of your design work. It will typically augment or detract from the goal of a design. One of the most important principles in typeography is to establish a hierarchy of style and to maintain consistency throughout the design work.
Written by Gentry Edwards on January 28th, 2022
Typography Example
Typeography is a really important part of design work. It helps convey the personality and tone of the design. Some of the ways that typeography can be disruptive include using multiple fonts inconsistently, choosing a font that isn't in alignment with the personality and tone and using font sizing that is too big or too small for the overall scale of the design.
Written by Gentry Edwards on January 28th, 2022
Technical
30. Why is color theory important in design?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
The interviewer asks this question to get your baseline knowledge of how color choices contribute to the overall impact of design work.
Written by Gentry Edwards on January 28th, 2022
The Goal
The goal in answering this question is to acknowledge the importance of color selection in design. From there, you want to explain why it is important and how it impacts the effectiveness of the design work.
Written by Gentry Edwards on January 28th, 2022
What You Need to Know
Color theory is an incredibly important element in design. Color informs mood, style, personality and overall brand promise. In a typical brand, you'll almost always have a primary and secondary color palette. The colors in these palettes will interact to create a theme.
Written by Gentry Edwards on January 28th, 2022
Color theory Example
Color theory is very important in design. The color palette for a brand should establish its presence and convey meaning. A designer should make color choices for specific reasons to communicate mood, style, personality and tone. For example, the color choice you'd make when designing the logo for a law firm would be very different than the color choices you'd make designing a logo for an athletic shoe company.
Written by Gentry Edwards on January 28th, 2022
Technical
31. What is bleed in printing?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
The interviewer is trying to gain an understanding of your technical understanding of designing for print.
Written by Gentry Edwards on January 28th, 2022
The Goal
You goal is to show the interviewer that you understand what bleed is and why it is important relative to designing for print.
Written by Gentry Edwards on January 28th, 2022
What You Need to Know
Bleed typically refers to an extra 1/8 of an inch beyond the trim line of a design/photo/color. Bleed is used to in printing to ensure that the design/photo/color goes to the full edge of a printed page, card or brochure. It is important to know if you'll need to allow for bleed up front to avoid issues with printing.
Written by Gentry Edwards on January 28th, 2022
What is bleed in printing? Example
Bleed is a technical specification used in printing that allows for a graphic to overlap print trim lines. This is used to completely fill a page, card or brochure cover with the design, color or a photo. I always work to understand what my client wants the final deliverable to look like when it is printed. Knowing this upfront can save time and money.
Written by Gentry Edwards on January 28th, 2022