Let’s be honest.
Many graphic designers in Ghana, Nigeria, and across Africa lose interviews not because they are bad designers, but because they don’t know how to talk about their work.
You walk into the interview confident. Your laptop is ready. Your portfolio is clean. The interviewer nods… then asks a simple question. Suddenly, your mind goes blank. You know the answer in your head, but you can’t structure it. You say something vague like, “I just liked the colour”—and that’s where things quietly fall apart.
At DesignPulse Innovation Hub , this pattern shows up again and again. Designers have skills, but they haven’t learned how to translate skills into professional answers.
Below is a realistic interview-style conversation—employer vs graphic designer—covering 10 critical questions many designers fail to answer properly, with expanded, professional explanations tailored for the African creative industry.
1. “Tell me about yourself as a graphic designer.”
Employer:
“Tell me about yourself.”
Designer (weak answer):
“I’m a graphic designer. I design flyers, logos, banners, social media posts… I’ve been designing for about three years.”
What the Employer Is Really Asking
They are not asking for your life story.
They are asking:
Who are you professionally?
What type of designer are you?
What value do you bring?
Strong Professional Answer
“I’m a graphic designer with a strong focus on visual communication and brand identity. I help businesses and organisations communicate clearly through design—whether it’s branding, social media visuals, or marketing materials. Over the past three years, I’ve worked on projects that required understanding target audiences, creating consistent visual systems, and delivering designs that support business goals.”
This answer shows clarity, confidence, and direction—something emphasised through mentorship and portfolio development at DesignPulse Africa.
2. “Walk me through this project in your portfolio.”
Employer:
“Can you explain this design?”
Designer (weak answer):
“I just wanted to make it look nice, so I chose these colours.”
What the Employer Is Really Asking
They want to see:
How you think
How you solve problems
Whether your design decisions are intentional
Strong Professional Answer
“This project was designed for a small business targeting young professionals. The main challenge was to communicate trust and affordability at the same time. I used a clean layout to improve readability, selected a colour palette that feels professional but friendly, and structured the content hierarchy to guide the viewer’s attention.”
This kind of explanation is what separates visual decorators from professional designers.
3. “How do you approach a new design brief?”
Employer:
“When a client gives you a brief, what do you do first?”
Designer (weak answer):
“I open Photoshop and start designing.”
What the Employer Is Really Asking
They want to know:
Do you jump blindly into tools?
Or do you think before you design?
Strong Professional Answer
“I start by understanding the objective of the project—what problem the design needs to solve. Then I consider the target audience, the platform where the design will be used, and any brand guidelines involved. Once I’m clear on these, I sketch ideas and explore concepts before moving into digital execution.”
This mindset aligns with design thinking and innovation strategy, core to professional training at DesignPulse Innovation Hub.
4. “Why did you choose these colours and fonts?”
Employer:
“Why these colours?”
Designer (weak answer):
“I like blue, and it looks cool.”
What the Employer Is Really Asking
They are testing:
Your understanding of design principles
Your ability to justify decisions
Strong Professional Answer
“The colour choice was influenced by the brand’s need to appear trustworthy and professional. Blue communicates reliability, while the accent colour adds energy and contrast. The typography was chosen for clarity and legibility, especially because the content would be viewed on mobile devices.”
Professional designers don’t design based on feelings alone—they design based on purpose.
5. “How do you handle feedback or criticism?”
Employer:
“What happens when a client doesn’t like your design?”
Designer (weak answer):
“I change it.”
What the Employer Is Really Asking
They want to know:
Are you defensive?
Can you collaborate?
Can you improve based on feedback?
Strong Professional Answer
“I listen carefully to understand the reason behind the feedback. Sometimes the issue is not the design itself but the objective. I ask clarifying questions, explain my design decisions where necessary, and then refine the work to better meet the client’s expectations.”
This shows maturity and professionalism—skills sharpened through mentorship and real-world critique.
6. “What design tools do you use—and why?”
Employer:
“What tools are you comfortable with?”
Designer (weak answer):
“I use Photoshop, Illustrator, Canva… everything.”
What the Employer Is Really Asking
They are not impressed by long lists.
They want to know:
Do you understand your tools?
Do you choose tools intentionally?
Strong Professional Answer
“I primarily use Adobe Illustrator for vector-based designs like logos and brand assets, Photoshop for image editing, and Canva when quick turnaround is required for social media. I choose tools based on the project needs, efficiency, and output quality.”
Professionals choose tools strategically, not emotionally.
7. “How do you manage deadlines and multiple projects?”
Employer:
“How do you handle pressure?”
Designer (weak answer):
“I just try my best.”
What the Employer Is Really Asking
They are assessing:
Reliability
Time management
Work discipline
Strong Professional Answer
“I plan my tasks by priority and deadline. I break projects into stages and communicate clearly if timelines need adjustment. This helps me stay organised and deliver quality work without compromising deadlines.”
This answer signals trustworthiness, which employers value deeply.
8. “What makes you different from other graphic designers?”
Employer:
“Why should we choose you?”
Designer (weak answer):
“I’m very creative.”
What the Employer Is Really Asking
They want to know:
What is your edge?
What value do you bring?
Strong Professional Answer
“What sets me apart is my ability to think beyond visuals. I focus on understanding the message, the audience, and the desired outcome before designing. This allows me to create designs that don’t just look good, but actually work.”
This aligns with DesignPulse Africa’s philosophy of design as problem-solving.
9. “How do you keep improving your skills?”
Employer:
“How do you grow as a designer?”
Designer (weak answer):
“I watch YouTube.”
What the Employer Is Really Asking
They want to know:
Are you intentional about growth?
Do you take learning seriously?
Strong Professional Answer
“I actively learn by studying design trends, reviewing other designers’ work, seeking feedback, and working on personal projects. I also participate in design communities and mentorship programs that challenge me to grow.”
Growth through community and continuous learning is a major pillar of DesignPulse Innovation Hub.
10. “Where do you see yourself in the next few years?”
Employer:
“What are your career goals?”
Designer (weak answer):
“I just want to design.”
What the Employer Is Really Asking
They want to see:
Vision
Commitment
Alignment with their organisation
Strong Professional Answer
“In the next few years, I see myself growing into a more strategic designer—handling bigger projects, contributing to brand development, and mentoring younger creatives. I’m committed to continuous improvement and building a strong professional career in design.”
This shows ambition without arrogance.
Final Thoughts for African Designers
The creative industry is growing—but so is competition. Employers are no longer impressed by tools alone. They want designers who can think, explain, collaborate, and deliver value.
At DesignPulse Innovation Hub (DesignPulse Africa), we emphasise:
Mentorship & portfolio development
Professional communication
Career coaching
Design thinking and innovation strategy
Because the difference between rejection and employment is often how well you answer simple questions.
If you are a young designer preparing for interviews, remember this:
Your portfolio opens the door. Your answers determine whether you stay.
Design smart. Speak clearly. And show that you are more than just someone who “makes designs.”
