Many employed designers face an uphill battle to earn pay that reflects the value of their work. While not all designers experience this, studies in the UK reveal that designers often earn less than their counterparts in other fields. This isn’t just a local issue—it’s a global one. The reason? is due to self-created challenges, like the inability to clearly describe their value or communicate effectively.
On the flip side, designers like Ruth E. Carter, the costume designer for the 2022 Black Panther movie, enjoy tremendous success. With costume budgets exceeding $5,000,000, the earnings of designers on blockbuster films can be staggering. But what sets these successful designers apart? It boils down to their ability to showcase their value effectively. In the design industry, if you don’t communicate your worth, it’s easy to be overlooked.
Take, for example, our designer today who decided to switch jobs, moving to a new design firm for higher pay. His story supports findings from the ADP Research Institute, which shows that workers can earn up to 8% more after changing jobs. But before you rush to update your résumé and jump ship, his experience offers valuable insights on how to make the right move—if leaving is even necessary at all.
His story also highlights crucial tips on pricing your work properly, an area where many designers fall short. Knowing how to price your work like a pro can help you avoid getting shortchanged and ensure you earn what you’re truly worth. And, of course, don’t forget to show respect to those who’ve supported you along your design journey.
Let’s dig in
Did you quit before landing this design job? How did you get this job?
People have different responsibilities. I wouldn’t expect someone handling family expenses like school fees to jump ship without a stable job or a fallback plan. I had responsibilities, so I had to look for something solid before leaving.
How easy was it to job search while working?
If you can be free to look for a job, it’s better, though not always advisable.
Getting a job requires commitment, and if you’re already engaged, it’s hard to find one. Each time I went for interviews my main job suffered setbacks. There was this time I went for an interview and a print job had gone bad in the meantime. The Client kept calling and I was unreachable. When I got out of the interview my phone rang so much I felt it would explode that day.
The best thing is to be free to seek a job, but you should have one in hand before leaving.
You left for better pay. How did you negotiate it?
Employers can sense desperation and may offer you less. When I got my current job, I turned it down twice. I had worked with the guy previously, and he wanted me onboard. He initially hybrid which I refused. I suggested someone else, but he wanted me. Eventually, they accepted my terms. I had something else doing and could afford to hold out.
So why did you leave instead of just negotiating for a higher salary?
Sometimes your value is only recognized when it’s time to leave. As long as you’re there, everyone sees you as you came in; no one sees your growth. I had discussed pay raises several times but didn’t get much. When I was ready to leave, the company was ready to match my new offer.
So why didn’t you stay?
I had made sure to sign my contract with the new company before disclosing my plans to my current company so there would be no turning back. I really wanted to explore elsewhere.
If you weren’t happy with the pay, who would you fault: the employer or the designer?
Employers should consider growth and compensation. Period. You can always review and make the individual happy, provided they bring in value.
Does everyone have to leave their job to get better pay?
Not necessarily. It depends on how you play your cards. Look at what’s being paid out there, consider your scenario, your value to the company, what you’re currently earning, and your skill strength. These are things people should consider when discussing salary increases. Sometimes leaving doesn’t guarantee better pay; you need to learn how to showcase yourself and demonstrate your value.
So what’s the difference between your new design job and the previous one?
My current employer works on a personal level and has several design gigs, so they need a standby designer. The workload is less, the pay is more, and it usually increases when the workload gets heavier.
How did your employer react to your departure?
It was tough. The company was ready to match the new pay. It wasn’t easy for them, and it wasn’t easy for me either. But I had to explore other opportunities. The company helped me grow to my current level, and I had a deep attachment to it. But another pay offer was calling, and I wanted it. I made sure to give a two-month notice to help the company adjust, which helped soften the situation.
What’s your take on “japa” (emigration) now? Can designers look at “japa” as a valuable option?
Honestly, I’m not in a hurry. If you can earn in foreign currency while in Nigeria or something decent, why leave? I have a friend who left a decent-paying job, a family house, and two cars and moved abroad to start folding cartons. He recently lost a finger.
Learn the marketing Gimmicks For A Higher Pay
Salary policies remote workers should be cornered about is a nice read on preparing yourself for the marketplace as a designer. Along with reasons why creatives earn low. NGD believes each design work depends on the value designers ascribe to it. We know circumstances can create the 2kdesigners but circumstances can end this too.
Design skills are just one part of the equation and your market skills should be at par with your software skills. Learn how to price work correctly, show value by building incredible portfolios that demonstrate value to previous clients, and sell yourself.
This designer did it and we are sure you love the rewards.
Want something focused on pricing yourself? Then our upcoming NGDX masterclass is the show you’ve been waiting for.
Stay tuned for updates.
The name of the designer has been changed for the sake of anonymity.
