What kind of advancements are available in this career? Titles in this industry tend to get handed out like it's a bake-sale. Some will call you a designer of some level. Others will call you an art director. The term senior gets tossed around far too often, and it's weight varies from company to company. There's no certifications, like accounting or computer sciences. Some people will manage-up well and make more cash than you, without more experience or talent. Remember that it is a subjective field.

As you get later in your career, you may find that your responsibilities favor management more than design. Individuals that can reign in the creatives tend to make more cash than those who run parade around the office in Berkenstocks. This is a trade-off. Creative managers will have to delegate work to others, that even includes the great work sometimes.

Ideally, managers that keep an eye on design (keep current) can become directors of entire departments. Unfortunately, a large portion of directors I've worked with over the years have sucked, entirely. They either cannot manage their ass with two hands, or they are so far removed from anything that is current they cannot be responsible for any day-to-day activities. Try this, and then this. And, if you are still with me, this.

On average is hiring done on an internal or external basis?
External hires. I have yet to run into a creative that came from the accounting department, even though some accounting can be described as creative.

What are some major reasons that prevent people from advancing in this field?
See selling below. Creative, thoughtful, inspired work is only part of the equation. The other part is sales. The big idea has to be bought by a client. That client, most likely, doesn't have a background in art. That gap has to be bridged by somebody. It may be enough to present the creative work from within the safety of a larger team that has a strict division of labor, or you may be strung out on your own, waiting for the clients' lights to flicker on.

Not everybody can stand in front of a group of people and talk about why the picture of the baby blowing spit-bubbles connects with potential customers, and some cannot perform this task with a straight face. This is why some people get bored with the field and decide to move on. They do not have an appreciation or affinity for the sales side of the job.

What do you think it takes to succeed in this field?
Balls. Confidence. You are going to run into a wide range of individuals, with an even wider range of skill and talent. The industry is subjective. Anybody can walk toe-to-toe with anybody else, as long as they think they can. That's partly a bunch of crap, and partly true. If you have some talent, and are willing to put in some time, you'll get enough of experience that you will be able to defend your work. Once you can do that, then some doors will open up.

The other thing to keep in mind is the non-art side of the industry. Talent will only take you so far. Sooner or later you will have understand business, period. If you can fill-out a spreadsheet and handle a calendar, you'll be better off than most of the painting majors at Columbia.

What is the range of income possible for this field?
The top end of the spectrum can be quite high. If you are an owner, there is no limit to what you can earn. It just depends on how much you are willing to invest. If you choose to remain an employee, you can look towards a six-figure salary as a Director with a large firm. They don't hand those positions out for free. As you get closer to it, you'll find yourself selling more than designing. Those that do not hold selling as an interest can still earn a very respectable salary that ranges from $50 - $70k. At that point you are still going to have to talk a great deal about your work, and you will most likely have to be able to direct others that are younger than you. As with any trade, there's always an opportunity to pursue extra-cirricular work as well.

What is the starting salary?
These days, around $30-$35k. It totally depends on the shop. Big places will pay more due to the size of their coffers. They'll work your ass off. Small places, and there are a number of them these days, cannot pay great salaries. They'll be on average. Benefits are also a consideration. Most of the companies I've worked for offer major medical insurance, but it is pricey. Retirement plans are a bonus.

Are there any new developments in this field?
Anything web-related. Communication designers are finally getting a handle on interface design. That has to do with proximity, being in the same office as the teams that build stuff, and better software. It used to be that in order to get a handle on how code works, you needed to versed in a large amount of very foreign material. That is still true today. The difference is that with a basic understanding of how things work and current software, you can make dent in what would have had a steep learning curve before. That's not to say software can make you something you are not. With the correct application, it can take you farther and be a more versatile tool.

This has allowed a lot of great designers to cross into the web field without a web background.

What are the most popular jobs in this field? ...least favorable jobs in this field?
(this can be on a personal level)
Everybody likes record labels and wine bottles. Problem is: record and wine labels don't pay well. Some people will take a liking to advertising. They'll learn a few tricks and makes some bank selling more crap. Others will find that type of thing repugnant and seek positions with firms that offer more refined creative solutions. The two usually do not mix well. As I've said in the past: Advertising is to Design as Pornography is to Photography. Either way, most popular jobs would be anything on the cutting edge of technology--web-based design, audio-video presentations, virtual this and that. Add to that niché positions, packaging for trendy retail, branding for restaurants or clubs, etc.

Least favorite: mundane and average. Mops and detergent still get packaged in something. And there's more to it than you would initially think. There's fair amount of firms that have a big interest in the bottom-line and little interest in selling anything that passes as creative. You might not sniff them out right away, as I have worked for a few of them myself. Most likely they will offer stable employment. Figure out if those types of positions are something that you'd like to talk about at social parties. If it is--fair enough. If not, move-on before you cannot.

Is there a deficit/over staffing of qualified personnel in any part of this field?
 The commercial art industry is totally subjective when it comes to singling out candidates from its talent-pool. Some shops won't touch you in you have a clean haircut and meat-grinder hand shake. Others will look for creative personal that play well with others; others being people who do not speak creative. Most of the times, if you present abstract ideas with even a minute amount of articulation you will pass most of the pack by. If you can show-up for work on time you will do even better.

There will be other times when you are left scratching your head as to why you didn't get the gig. They may not have liked your stuff, or they may have taken a liking another flavor of the month that looks European.

Where is the best location to look for jobs?
Bingo, pretty much in their order of population. If you happen to be struggling to find something you like in Chicago, you might put off that move to St. Louis. If you are currently in the 'burbs looking for a job with a hot agency, you are going to have to look towards the lake.There's a few great shops out in places like Dundee, Samata-Mason, but they are remote. Chicago has a huge market for designers. The places run the gamut from cut-throat agencies like Leo Burnett and Draft to small shops where you can leave at a decent hour most nights and still have some self-respect.

Early on, you might be open to a commute from outside of the city. But these days an average commute can take over an hour. The cost of parking makes driving a distant second to public transit, as long as you are coming from an accessible area.

Are there many women or minorities in this field?
Women, yes--thankfully. Minorities, mostly asian. Everybody else is caucasian. I've worked with zero black creatives. But that's the B2B corporate world. Either way, I'm positive the lack of minorities has to with the fact that above median income, white individuals can afford to study things that may not be a huge bread winner, and potentially may present them with the notion that they suck and should try something else. Bored white kids study graphic design.