Anyone working in E-Marketing Design?

[Cathy]

I am interviewing with a company (large home decor/home improvement company with catalogs, a few stores, and e-commerce sales) who is looking to hire a graphic designer to work with several different areas of their company - CP, Public Relations, Merchandising, E-marketing and Web design teams. Essentially, the position is to concept and design solutions for marketing their products via the web... banners, e-mail, design for their e-commerce site, etc.

For those who currently work in this area of design... do you have any bits of information or advice regarding a position such as this?

I am a soon-to-be graduate with educational and professional experience in print media... not web. What web knowledge I have is self-taught... though my goal is to either take additional web courses and/or get a certificate in this area. I am excited about this area of design, even though I don't feel like I know very much about it at this point in time. It seems as though they are impressed with my print design work... so much so that they are willing to take me on and allow me to learn about web design as I go.

If anyone has any tips, advice, or information about a position/career such as this, I'd love to hear from you. Thanks in advance!

[nyc_skater]

I'm confused, why are you interviewing for a position that your lacking skills in?

[Cathy]

I am looking for a position where I can utilize the skills I already possess, as well as one that allows me to grow those skills and learn more. I would be bored in a position that I'm not challenged in. It's not that I don't feel what I already know won't benefit me in this position, rather, I feel what I know will help me greatly. I currently work in publishing and advertising and have experience with branding and marketing for companies. This isn't a high level position by any means, and I definitely don't think I would be getting in over my head if that's what you’re asking.

[nyc_skater]

Well, in that case I think a lot of marketing skills are transferable to e-marketing, but I think a good knowledge of web development and the technical side is a necessity for the best outcome IMHO

[steve-o]

Take a look at this site:

http://www.clickz.com/

It's a news and resource site specifically for Interactive marketers. It'll give you a good idea of the issues, trends, and technology in the field.

Good luck!

[balou]

I'd say have some contacts of people that you can outsource to if it gets over your head. And be willing to admit when something is beyond your capabilites. Once you get into the job, and realize the type education you need to meet their needs, take the classes. But until you are up to speed, be a good manager and outsource. Need to be honest with your potential employer that you may be lacking in this area but also offer up how you will solve this problem.

[Cathy]

Thank you! This is exactly the sort of information I was looking for. And, for the record, I have been extremely honest to everyone regarding this position, including my knowledge in this area, or lack thereof. I don't see the point in allowing myself to get bombarded with work that I can't handle, nor do I wish to have them think I am capable of certain things when I may not be. Great point made about making sure to outsource work, or have a support system who I can turn to if necessary.

I have two courses left to take before obtaining my BFA in graphic design. I am looking into taking marketing courses and web design courses should I be offered and accept this position - regardless of if I do or not, though, I still wish to have these under my belt. It's amazing the wide variety of skills you need to be a successful designer.

Thanks again for everyone's input thus far.

[jena4]

I just wanted to throw in my two cents. Being that you went to school for graphic design, I would assume that you want to be a graphic designer. You'll find that with e-marketing, while you do get to be creative, you will probably not do graphic design. E-marketing and graphic design are slightly related, but still two very different things. You will probably not use most of the design programs you've learned and if you should ever want to actually do graphic design, you may have a hard time finding a job once you have this other experience. Just want to throw you something else to think about. Your first job out of school is important because the experience you are gaining is what future employers will look at...not just your schooling.

[handsome rob]

Just make sure that they know you are a designer and are not trying to hire you to do marketing, SEO, or SEM. You'd be surprised how often people think that, because you can do one thing, you can automatically do the rest.