What should a graphic designer wear?
As freelance graphic designers we enjoy a lot of freedom; the freedom to work from home - in a comfortable environment, the freedom to work the hours that are suitable for us and the freedom to decline projects that we think just aren’t right for us.
One freedom I particularly enjoy, which I’ve never really noticed until now, is the freedom to wear what we want. From working at home in your favourite jogging bottoms or your fluffy pj’s to meeting clients in jeans and Led Zeppelin t-shirts, we have the choice to present ourselves as we see fit.
I usually dress quite smart, particularly if I am meeting a client (especially if it’s for the first time). It’s often the norm to find graphic designers, photographers and artists in a more casual dress code and I believe it is acceptable due to the creative industry we are in. I don’t think it compromises our professionalism or work ethic. I love the Mac vs PC adverts and think the difference in dress demonstrates the difference between a “creative” and “non creative” excellently.
However, do you ever feel under pressure to dress a little more quirky or colourful due to your job title? I was recently off to meet a client for the first time and looked at my outfit and thought I looked a little dull and I needed something to show I was a “creative”. Everyone has heard of wearing a bright tie in an interview to make them stand out from all the other candidates, so do you think that as a graphic designer you are under pressure to make a statement with what you wear? If so what happens when you get this wrong? Could it do more harm than good?
Overall I think it is a practical choice to work in something comfortable rather than having to sit in a stiff suit for eight hours a day. And when it comes to meeting clients I believe there is no right or wrong in our industry it all depends on how you prefer to be seen.
So what do you think? Do you think that as a graphic designer it is perfectly acceptable to dress down? Or do you think this damages the industry and makes us appear too relaxed and casual? Have you ever felt the need to dress a little quirky to define your role as a stereotypical designer?
Posted by lu
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on Wednesday, October 15th, 2008 at 9:15 am
Posted In Freelancing, Graphic Design | Tags: dress code, freelance, Graphic Design
For several years I’ve had long(ish) hair and a big bushy beard. One day the VP of Marketing for one of my bigger clients came up to me and said, “James, you look like you’re homeless.” To which I immediately replied, “I’m simply projecting an image of creativity.” He laughed, and never bothered me about my appearance again.
I’ve found that if I dress in clothing that suits my personality I end up getting more clients than if I dress in conventional business clothing. Maybe it’s because I’m more relaxed and thus more confident; maybe clients are looking for a certain level of creativity in whom they hire and thus skip over the guy who showed up in a suit. Who knows. All I know is, I’m glad I can wear jeans, vans, a ripped up vintage jacket, not shave, and still get business.
Thanks again, for another great article.
I think some clients like and almost expect that designers will dress casually or differently. In the past I’ve been along to meetings at quite stuffy corporate offices where the clients will come in in their suits and there’s almost a look of jealously in their eyes that you more smart casual with abit of personality! Or is that just me reading to much into those eyes?
I think wearing what you want is one of the perks of the job!
Hi James,
Glad you liked the article! Perfect scenario, thanks for sharing. I do agree that dressing in clothing you feel comfortable in allows you to feel more confident as you are able to be yourself and don’t have to pretend to be anyone else.
Hi Gareth
I do think that people expect designers to dress differently, which I hope they find refreshing and as you mention it allows us to show a bit of personality.
Thank you both for your thoughts.
Lu
I have always enjoyed dressing in business attire to go to work or other places that allow me to. When I get my Graphic Design degree, I will love to know that I am a white collar worker, so dressing down would give me a big sense of pride in my career.