One debate that I’ve heard time and time again has been the issue of experience over education. Recently in the office we conducted this small debate in what appeals to a company more when looking for a web / graphic designer. When getting a full time job, or a contracted gig, does the company look more at your work experience, or your amount of education?

Personally, I leaned more towards work experience because said company is not only looking for designers who have a solid portfolio history, but have that experience of working in a fast paced environment and know how to handle a crazy multi-tasking place like a design studio. I’ve worked with a lot of fresh graduates who can do really awesome work, but taking a full day or more to do so. At the end of the day you get one really awesome mock-up / logo, but 10 more take it’s place in a high traffic design studio. Not saying this comes from all fresh graduates that are interning, but I’ve seen it a lot, and unfortunately move on due to stress.

On the flip side I’ve worked with some grads who can code up full Facebook style websites in just under 3 days, which is phenomenal by all sense of the word.

The downside of having work experience but no degree is the pay. It is very hard to convince the employer to be paid at a rate ( with appropriate research ) that seems consistent and fair with the work involved. The higher the degree you have in your field, the better chance you’ll have of getting a better rate. It’s just fact. A degree also has priority when it comes to office rank. The designer who has five years or more work experience gets a good position, but the man with the Bachelors gets title of Project Manager. Not saying this is fair or un-fair by any means, it’s just fact.

So, what has the upper hand in getting hired / staying hired, the work experience and a lengthy portfolio of work history, or the degree with a solid student portfolio? This also includes freelance contracts and gigs.

Let the debate begin!

Hey everyone, happy new year! 2009 was a very busy year for Sunfall Designs, so busy I wasn’t able to post a blog in a few months. I am planning on more consistent and relevant blog posts in the coming months, including some video and audio interviews, tutorials, tips and tricks, and Wordpress goodies! The website still has a lot of work ahead of it, but thanks to some great twitter feedback I was able to get it finished up rather quickly. Very soon I’ll have a more stylized comment look, but for now it works! Sunfall designs has also changed it’s name to Sunfall Studios.

Alright everyone, it’s about 2:30am and I’m about spent. I’ll have a fresh blog post ready in about a week, and a portfolio page to showcase a few of my many projects I finished last year!

– Casey Hald