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How to Become a Graphic Designer
In this era of digital and visual media, graphic designing has become a profession with a lot of opportunities. Many firms employ graphic designers to design their advertisements, logos, cards, banners, and other things. Creative people who are looking for a productive outlet to direct their creativity may want to consider this challenging and rewarding field. Before doing so, it is important to understand the nature of the work and the particulars of this career path. It is even more important to know the things individuals will need to do in order to prepare themselves for a successful career in this area. This article will describe the job and will review the requirements for success as a graphics designer.
What does a graphic designer do?
Graphic designers (also referred to as graphic artists) are responsible for creating effective visual means of communicating messages via print, electronic, and film media using a variety of techniques which may involve combinations of animation, photography, illustration, print, and layout design. Their work can be targeted towards publications such as magazines, newspapers, corporate reports, and journals. Or their work may appear on signs, corporate logos, promotional displays, packaging, and marketing brochures. Graphic designers are not limited to working with static media; they are increasingly called upon to create visual effects for not only television and movies, but also to an increasingly larger extent for web pages.
Graphic designers illustrate their vision for the design by preparing sketches reflecting layouts and design elements. They do this either by hand or with the aid of specialized computer software packages. Designers select the visual elements which comprise the design, including colors, artwork, photography, animation, and possibly more. They are also responsible for the sizing and arrangement of the different elements on the visual media. In doing all this, designers often consult with copywriters, printers, clients, and/or creative directors. Depending on whom they work for and the specific types of projects they are responsible for, graphic designers may have relatively stable working conditions or widely fluctuating ones. In many cases, graphic designers find themselves working evenings or weekends to meet production deadlines, especially in the printing and publishing industries. About 25% of designers are self-employed. Many of those who are salaried employees supplement their income by doing freelance work on the side.
The job outlook for graphic designers is expected to be one of moderate growth into the foreseeable future. An increase in demand due to expansion of the video entertainment market will be partially offset by outsourcing of lower-level layout and design work to design firms overseas. In general, graphic designers with website design and animation experience will be in special demand in response to the growth in interactive media (e.g., websites, video games, cellular telephones, and personal digital assistants). Freelancers in particular can find plenty of work available on an outsourced basis. Many parties require graphic designers to jazz up websites or to design logos, and there are several freelance websites where graphic designers can bid on work. Due to the attraction of this career field to talented individuals, competition for available positions is expected to be keen. According to the American Institute of Graphic Arts, median annual total cash compensation for staff-level graphic designers was $45,000 in 2007. Entry-level designers earned a median of $35,000, while senior designers, many of which have some degree of supervisory or decision-making authority, pulled in a median of $62,000.
What steps should one follow to become a graphic designer?
How can a person become a GREAT graphic designer?
Success in the graphics design business is often a combination of valuable character traits, knowledge, and hard work. Artistic ability, creative thinking, flexibility, and an ability to manage one's time and to meet deadlines are extremely good characteristics to start off with. Self-discipline, openness to new ideas, and the ability to work independently and/or under pressure are traits which will enhance one's chances. But the most important tools are knowledge of the business and a dedication to taking the necessary steps to properly prepare for success. Knowing what to do and committing to doing it can lead a prospective graphics designer to a fulfilling career.
Resources for Graphic Designers
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