I need to interview someone working in the graphic design field...

I don't have a really "big" graphic design job. But it's my job anyway. Sorry I don't know if I'll be much help...

What is your current job title and what are some important aspects and responsibilities of your job?

Graphic artist (production) for sign/graphics shop. I'm responsible for managing the jobs, sending proofs to customers, and get stuff ready for production. I handle layout and printing all the different things we make - banners, signs, stickers, etc.

· What was your first full time graphic design job, and how did you go about acquiring it?

Graphics production for a box printing company. Applied for on Monster.com

· What other jobs have you held in the graphic design field and which have been the most rewarding and/or enjoyable?

Sign production where I handle printing and graphics.

· What are some of the salary ranges in the graphic design field? Are they generally an hourly rate, determined by individual projects, or something else entirely?

In my experience, hourly rate.

· Have you done any freelance design work, and if so, what sort of time frames do you have for project deadlines compared to design work for a full time company?

No.

· Do you prefer doing design work for the web or for print, and why?

Either. I don't do a lot of professional websites though, just personal ones.

· What has been some of the biggest difficulties you've faced as a graphic designer and how have you overcome them?

Sometimes clients are flakes. Just forget them...

· How many hours a week, on average, does a full time graphic designer work, and how much work can be done at home?

I'm 40 hours a week.

· I know this must vary, but how much input do clients have on the actual design work?

A lot. I think we need to put their wants first and work around them. Usually they defer to us though.

· Where are some of the best places, in your opinion, to look for design work locally (Southern California) and/or nationwide?

Hm, try Monster.com, Signonsandiego.com, and Craig's list.

· How important are grades and academic history in the job hiring process?

I think it's sufficiently important.

· Most of the graphic design curriculum at my school is based around branding and corporate identity, but what are some other lucrative graphic design fields?

Layout designs in all types of mediums and sizes.

· Do you have any other advice for someone preparing to enter the graphic design workforce?

Hmm... verse yourself in a lot of different computer applications, keep building your skills... sorry I can't think of anything better.

Jam it back in, in the dark.