Though graphic design is probably one of the more fun jobs fields I’ve ever had the pleasure of entering, it can, at times, be morally challenging. While you are in high school or beginning in college, it may not be as prevalent. But once in the work world, you may find yourself encountering situations that you wish you could have avoided.

Breaking it down, I suppose a good example would be smoking. If your client was a cigarette company, you were needing money badly, but you don’t believe people should smoke. Would you still do the ad? Would you consider the ramifications for doing such a thing if, say, the ad was aimed at young teens? Because of your profession, it’s intent is to influence people to think and feel a certain way. So where do you stand with issues? There are a lot of hot button causes, smoking almost being a mild one compared to say, abortion. If your art director asked you to work on a project you didn’t ‘believe in’, would you have the courage to say no and risk the consequences of such actions?

Although much of design is dedicated to creativity, these are also issues you must consider. Because your designs directly influence those who see it, you must consider your course carefully. So when searching for jobs, research what clients they pull in and so on. Be smart!