Imagine this. You’re in a car driving down the highway you pass sign after sign. While you’re admiring the artistic styles, you notice how much art impacts your life on a day to day basis. You wonder what the world would be like if all of the graphic designers in the world would have vanished in a catastrophic event of ‘marvel’ proportions.
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What is Graphic Design? Job Requirements What to Expect How to Stand Out How to pursue a career in Graphic DesignWhat is Graphic Design?
Graphic Design is the art of explaining information and solutions to problems, using visual and text elements. – Designhill
Job Requirements
Usually, a Bachelor’s degree in graphic design or a related field is required before you can pursue this career. However, individuals with any other field can undergo technical training in graphic design to meet hiring qualifications as well. Naturally, going through this process will help you to demonstrate creative skill and originality through a professional portfolio that will feature the best you have to offer when you meet your clients.
It is a requirement for all graphic designers to keep up with new and updated design software. This can be self-taught or developed formal software training programs. Professional associations such as the American Institute of Graphic Arts (AIGA), offer courses that are specialized in design and help to preserve the skills of their members.
What to Expect
The role of a Graphic Designer
- Meet with clients or the art director to determine the scope of a project.
- Create designs with the use of photo editing software, digital illustration and layout software to create works of art that will meet the needs of your customer and build your portfolio of designs that will catch the eye of your next customer.
- Create visual elements such as logos, original images, and illustrations that help deliver the desired message. – Source: CollegeGrad
BYOB (Being Your Own Boss)
Generally, a vast number of graphic designers are self-employed. Self employment while daunting can be beneficial. It gives entrepreneurs financial freedom, the non-stifled independence and creativity they need to flourish in an artistic environment.
Working for “The Man”
Although many graphic designers choose to freelance, some also choose to work for specialised graphic design firms and are a part of a design team where they collaborate with colleagues or assist clients with projects.
Work Schedule
A graphic designers work schedule can vary. Big projects require more time and energy whereas smaller projects may need more attention to detail and easier to manage when deadlines arise. Therefore, the flexibility of freelancing may come in handy to meet the needs of clients.
How to Stand Out
To stand out, proof of quality work and potential is needed. Keep an up to date portfolio of your creations, as this will put you in good standing with potential employers and will attract clients.
Hound your craft to perfection by purchasing software such as Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator. Additionally you can do short courses online or watch YouTube tutorials. Examples of places where courses are available are Canva, Reed and Coursera.
Interested in digital sketching? Download the free app Adobe Fresco (only available on tablets or surface devices).
For User Experience or User Interface Design, download the free app Adobe XD.
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