Salary

[ll_xstarx_ll]

I have a review coming up in October and I am planning on asking for a significant raise, as I have essentially taken on a lot more responsibilities. I was looking on salary.com to get an idea of what i *should* be making. Their numbers seem a little high...or everyone I know is significantly underpaid. So

Comments

[ll_xstarx_ll]

I started out of school with the company, which at the time I was the 6th person, as a designer. I have been there a little over 4 years and we are now at 12 people. Before june there was a creativ director, senior designer and designer (myself). Both the CD and senior left in June, mostly because they were unhappy there. Now it is myself and a kid fresh out of school. We are currently heavily relying on freelancers.

Since they left I have basically taken on all the responsibilities the CD previously had. I lead the brainstorms, art direct for the new designer as well as teeing up freelancers. I handle all files that go to print (checking files and reviewing proofs), and review every single project before the design is considered complete. I also have had for about a year and continue to have primary responsibility for our biggest client. I previously worked on print and motion grahics projects. I was not previously given the opportunity to work on web (long story) but am currently getting my hands dirty in that as well.

Since we are looking for a thrid designer to hire I review portfolios, sit in on interviews and have the final say on if we want to extend an offer. Saying that, we are struggling to find someone that we are confident is a good fit for the team and won't require a lot of ramp up time. I am additionally taking on a lot of the extra work in the evenings.

I think that covers about everything. I have received a 2k raise at two of my previous reviews. Raises were frozen in 2009 due to economy. I am confident we are doing well financially at the moment as we are architecturally building out an adjoining space, receiving little gifts throughout the year, etc.

[ll_xstarx_ll]

Thanks. This is very good advice.