Is it possible to combine a career in Graphic Design and Editing/Proofreading ?
Asked by Linda T
I would like to combine a career in both Graphic Design and Editing/Proofreading on a freelance basis. Any advice on this? Is it possible to combine? Thoughts?

Best Answer:
My experience is wholely within magazine publishing, so only applies to that sector. In magazines, a graphic designer starts out as an art editor, while a proofreader is known as a sub-editor. These are two very distinct positions, and it would be very rare to find a full-time job that offered a chance to do both. On a freelance basis, you could easily work as both a freelance art editor and a freelance sub. In fact, doing so would mean more offers of work and, therefore, more money. As in any freelancing, the most important thing is contacts. If you've ever had full-time experience within publishing, use your existing contacts to extend your network. If you have no experience, you'll find it very difficult to get freelance work. Freelancers are generally expected to be more experienced that full-time employees -- considering they are expected to jump in and fulfil a role at a workplace at which they have never worked, they need to be good at their job. Some magazines will need subs to do design -- in my first subbing job, I did quite a bit of dabbling in Photoshop and Illustrator. But you would need to pick the right mag, and you would need to do it full-time. I think that within the advertising or marketing sectors, you'd find a lot more crossovers between the two disciplines. Aim for a smaller firm, too, as there will be more opportunities to juggle a variety of roles. Hope this helps :-)

Sure, all you have to do is start your own AD firm so you can create that positon.
Answered by roskoroskorosko

I should think so! How wonderful that you have both verbal and visual talent. You will be in demand at any ad agency, public relations firm, publishing house or political campaign...I should imagine. Go for it!
Answered by Susan K

Absolutely! Any type of catalog, magazine or book layout/composition project can incorporate these two things. In fact, many employers will look for the added benefit of a editor and proofreader when hiring for graphic design. You get the benefit of a designer who can also do the creative part of the job- and make sure it's correct!
Answered by Jessica