A beautiful portfolio can land you an interview, but the interview is the final boss to getting the job. I’ve interviewed dozens of designers over the years across NYC’s largest publishers. In this post, I break down the questions I typically ask as a hiring creative director, what I’m looking to hear, and where most designers get stuck. If you’ve been wondering how to prepare for a Graphic Design Interview, this guide is for you.
You can either watch the video or read below.
Before you even walk in
Whether you’re walking into the office or hopping on a video call, your mindset going into the interview affects everything that follows. Be mindful of the energy you’re bringing.
Remember, it’s a conversation. You’re there to talk about your work, but it’s not just about reciting case studies.
Prepare talking points, not a script. When I meet a designer who delivers a monologue, I couldn’t be less interested. Your goal is to connect, engage, and ask questions.
Confidence shows in dialogue. I can always tell when someone is confident in their thinking because they’re not afraid to ask questions or push back, respectfully.
Teams are hiring humans. Show how you’d fit on the team. Are you someone who listens? Who’s curious? That helps me picture working with you long-term.
Do your research. Understand what their design language says about them. Speak to why you’re interested in the role and share an observation about a recent project. This is how you stand out.
Speak their language. If it’s a Creative Director, focus on how design choices supported the concept. If it’s marketing, they care more about outcomes and messaging.
Inside A Graphic Design Interview: My Strategy as a Creative Director
Hiring any designer is risky. The interview is there to filter out those who were heavily art directed or don’t work well on a team. Here is what I tend to ask, and more importantly, what I’m listening for.
1. Tell me about yourself.
I’m not looking for your entire life story. I want to know how you see yourself as a designer. Talk about your background, what design you enjoy, and what lights you up creatively.
2. Why are you interested in this position/company?
Don’t patronize me. If you say you love the brand, you must follow up with why. I appreciate candidates who are honest about what they do or don’t know, but show they’ve looked at our specific work.
3. Describe your design process.
I don’t want you to recite a textbook; give me your version. I pay attention to the phrase “I created.” I need a designer who can create their vision, not just put something together from received assets.
4. What design work do you feel strongest in, and where do you want to grow?
This is a softened version of strengths and weaknesses. Be honest—maybe you’re strongest in layout and typography but want to get comfortable in motion.
5. What inspires you? And how do you bring that into your design work?
This question makes or breaks the interview. Don’t just say “travel.” Connect it to something tangible—how does it inform your color, composition, or lighting? I’m holding you accountable for making sure that inspiration is represented in your work.
Interview Them Back
It’s a red flag if they don’t give you time to ask questions. You need to decide if you even want to work for that person.
Ask about the typical day or how many teams are involved in feedback.
Force a real answer on growth. Instead of “is there room for growth?”, ask: “How do you manage individual goals for each designer?”
Reciprocate the process question: “Can you walk me through some of the obstacles you run into with projects?”
Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Be respectful, professional, and let the conversation unfold naturally. Design with purpose.
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