Rob Kubala - Kubala Design & Vanguard

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (2019), the projected growth for graphic designers in the U.S. will only rise by 3 percent within the next 10 years; slower than the average for all occupations. This is due to professionals expecting to encounter strong competition for available positions. However, with most graphic design positions, there are an array of benefits that aren't offered in other professions. Graphic designers are usually offered the abilities to work flexible hours including how, when and where they want to work, the potential to use both creative and analytical aspects of their brain, and skills that are highly coveted in many industries. With this in mind, the potential for those hoping to pursue a rewarding career in this field have a strong likelihood if they commit their personal time & energy.

For this interview, we at Gen-Achievers wanted to learn more about what it takes to become successful in the world of graphic design. After further consideration, we reached out to graphic design & UX/UI professional, Robert Kubala, to learn more about how others can obtain a successful career in the graphic design and UX/UI industries. In our interview, Rob references that his educational journeys at Bucks County Community College & Temple University as well as his professional experiences throughout various internships and part-time jobs are key supporters for his growth towards the creation of his own company - Kubala Design.

In 2014, Rob began his college career at Bucks County Community College, studying Graphic Design with interests in logo design, branding concepts and advertising strategy. From 2016-2018, Rob went on to receive his Bachelor of Arts degree in Advertising while specializing in brand identity, UX/UI design, and advertising strategy from Temple University. Rob is currently a Freelance Designer at Kubala Design and a Senior User Experience Designer at Vanguard.... that's a lot to a handle at one time!

We'd like to thank Rob for his commitment in providing feedback to our interview questions as well as congratulating his success early on in his career. We hope that he continues to support others' through his expertise, and utilizes his knowledge to help those hoping to land promising careers in the field.

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Give us what a typical day looks like in the shoes of Rob Kubala.

I wake up around 7 AM every morning with coffee and eggs to start. After getting showered and dressed I take the subway from the Kensington area to center city Philadelphia. It’s around a 5 minute walk to get to my office from city hall. Every day at the Vanguard office inhibits a new problem to solve for clients across the United States.

I spend most of my time researching the psychology of our interactions with digital products. I apply my findings to various designs inside digital products across a handful of clients. After work I’ll usually hit the gym in the northern liberties area 3 days a week.

What made you passionate about pursuing a degree in Advertising & Graphic Design? How did it support your intentions to grow in this particular career?

Graphic design and Advertising were never careers I pursued until I hit rock bottom working at a restaurant washing dishes until 4 AM. I was 18, with nothing to my name and a year of student debt from a college I dropped out of. One day I researched careers in the creative industry and found graphic design. I was never an amazing artist, but I loved being creative.

I studied thousands of YouTube tutorials for around three months and managed to download an old copy of Adobe Illustrator. Three weeks later I had my first client. A month later that client paid me $2000. When I shook his hand and saw how happy he was with my work I realized this was the career I had to pursue.

Those who hope to obtain a career in the graphic design industry should have an array of certifications, portfolios, and additional experiences to showcase on their resume. Can you tell us more about what others should expect if they plan on going this route?

You’ll need a portfolio, website, personal brand, and a thorough understanding of design principles. There’s more things you’ll need but this is a start.

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Your company, Kubala Design, is a freelance designing company that specializes in UX/UI & Graphic Design. Can you tell us more about how companies and customers are able to benefit from utilizing your product? How can others see some of your previous work? What way can people contact you directly?

Companies who invest in their brand are the most successful. This is because as businesses we need to create a genuine relationship with consumers. By creating a brand that connects with others, businesses can surpass their competitors and innovate their industries. A real situation would be this. If a client comes to me with an idea for a business they have a goal for that business to achieve something.

Hypothetically let’s assume they want thousands of social media followers, a website that drives sales, and a brand that targets a specific audience. To achieve those goals, the client will need to invest time and money in their brand. I give clients the tools and strategies to create brands that achieve measurable goals. To see some of the work I’ve produced for my clients you can visit KubalaDesign.com. To contact me, use the contact page on my website or call 267-575-2951.

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It seems that a shadow follows over millennials and younger generations in that we are "lazy" or "dependent" on others, and we are not striving to become tomorrow's leaders. What can you say to steer this perception into a positive picture for us all?

Everyone has the potential to achieve their goals if they educate themselves. We are privileged with the ability to learn anything with the amazing devices in our hands. I am hopeful that all generations will navigate the digital landscape in a positive and educational way.

We're going to provide you with two situations, but would like you to chose only one of them with an explanation. 1.) Work a 9-5 job for a company where your efforts are not as valuable, but you have greater job security and a consistent schedule, or 2.) Be your own boss where you make up the hours as you go, but are likely committing 12-14 hours a day to grow your business.

I would pick neither option. You can work a 9-5 in combination with your own side hustles. Both paths can progress and eventually there will be a choice of which to pursue. If there is a chance to see your own company progress in your spare time why risk financial problems by quitting your 9-5?

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Which companies do you follow who are doing "big things" in the UX/UI & Graphic Design realm? Who do you see as a leader in the industry? Where do you see yourself in the next 5-10 years?

The Futur and Blind are creating some amazing content online to educate others on branding. They are great leaders in this industry and I encourage others to learn from their experiences. Check out their most recent series of: “building a brand”. In the next 5-10 years I hope to become a teacher, husband, father and agency founder.

Is there anything else you would like to share with our readers (e.g. tips, advice, etc.)?

My #1 tip: Learn to try.