1) On a typical day in your position, what do you do?

Mostly look for gigs. I always am backed up on work, but looking for new clients builds a pipeline that ensures that the money keeps coming.

2) What training or education is required for this kind of work?

I taught myself how to edit. My wife does most of the creative drawing stuff, I mostly do formatting, cleaning and text work. So I guess, no formal education.

3) What personal qualities or abilities are important for being successful in this profession?

Self starting. If you work on your own as I do, No one is ever gonna tell you to finish a job, you just gotta do it. If you don't, you wont get paid and if you don't get paid, well you have to find a new job.

4) What part of this career do you find most satisfying? Most Challenging?

It's nice to see a completed project reach the market. Mostly, we've done logos and children s books. And to see them reach the market, it's just cool.

5) How did you get your current position?

Started by building a website where I accepted donations for drawings. Just sort of evolved from there. My wife would draw them, Back then, I mostly just ran the site for her. But I've been given the opportunity to move into more of a design role as time has passed.

6) What opportunities for advancement are in this field?

For me, only the one's I make for myself. When you're self employed, you have to make your own opportunities.

7) What entry level jobs (if any) are best for learning as much as possible?

I can't say. Having done everything on our own, I don't know about formal employment in design.

8) What are the salary ranges for for various levels within this field?

Right now we average a few hundred a month. Not enough to live on, but enough to have only part time jobs to help with rent.

9) How do you see jobs changing within this field in the future?

There is a lot of talent coming into the market. But the kind of talent we have can't be learned by playing with photo shop. I'm very lucky to have my wife as a partner. While, I'm just an amateur with an eye for detail, shes a master artiest.

10) Is there a demand for people in this occupation?

As far as I can tell, yes, but a lot of people also turn to pre fab templates or stock art. That's frustrating.

11) What special advice would you give someone entering the field?

Don't stop evolving. Once you master one thing, move on to the nest.

12) What are the basic prerequisites for entering this career?

As a freelancer, none.

13) From your perspective, what are the problems you see working in this field?

It's not a steady pay check. You have to love what you do