Working conditions and places of employment vary. Graphic designers employed by large advertising, publishing, or design firms generally work regular hours in well-lighted and comfortable settings. Designers in smaller design consulting firms and those who freelance generally work on a contract, or job, basis. They frequently adjust their workday to suit their clients' schedules and deadlines. Consultants and self-employed designers tend to work longer hours and in smaller, more congested, environments. Designers may work in their own offices or studios or in clients' offices. Designers who are paid by the assignment are under pressure to please existing clients and to find new ones to maintain a steady income. All designers sometimes face frustration when their designs are rejected or when their work is not as creative as they wish. Graphic designers may work evenings or weekends to meet production schedules, especially in the printing and publishing industries where deadlines are shorter and more frequent. Graphic designers must be familiar with computer graphics and design software. A bachelor’s degree in graphic design is usually required. Creativity, communication, and problem solving skills are important, as are a familiarity with computer graphics and design software. Jobseekers are expected to face keen competition; individuals with Website design and animation experience will have the best opportunities. Graphic designers must keep up with new and updated computer graphics and design software, either on their own or through formal software training programs. Graphic designers must be creative and able to communicate their ideas visually, verbally, and in writing. They also must have an eye for details. Designers show employers these traits by putting together a portfolio — a collection of examples of a person's best work. A good portfolio often is the deciding factor in getting a job. Because consumer tastes can change fairly quickly, designers also need to be well-read, open to new ideas and influences, and quick to react to changing trends. The abilities to work independently and under pressure are equally important traits. People in this field need self-discipline to start projects on their own, to budget their time, and to meet deadlines and production schedules. Beginning graphic designers usually need 1 to 3 years of working experience before they can advance to higher positions. Experienced graphic designers in large firms may advance to chief designer, art or creative director, or other supervisory positions. Some experienced designers open their own firms or choose to specialize in one area of graphic design. Most graphic designers work in specialized design services; advertising and related services; printing and related support activities; or newspaper, periodical, book, and directory publishers. A small number of designers produced computer graphics for computer systems design firms. Some designers do freelance work — full time or part time — in addition to holding a salaried job in design or in other occupations. Graphic designers with Website design and animation experience will especially be needed as demand increases for design projects for interactive media — Websites, mobile phones, and other technology. Demand for graphic designers also will increase as advertising firms create print and Web marketing and promotional materials for a growing number of products and services. Growth in Internet advertising, in particular, is expected to increase the number of designers. However, growth may be tempered by reduced demand in print publishing, where many graphic designers are employed.