The career of a graphic designer

If you’re fascinated by the differences between the fonts Times New Roman and Geneva – or simply enjoy arranging photos on a page; if you can see your ideas in living color in print and online; if you can create designs under deadline pressure; if you are ready to revise designs in response to feedback; if you are going to learn the latest computer software; if you are glad to meet with clients; if you are ready to prepare documents for the printer; if you are organized, creative, and computer savvy, if you have a good eye and an ability to use the computer as a tool for achieving your vision – the job of a graphic designer is for you. Flexibility is also a key: if your client wants purple type on a peach background, you’ll have to swallow your artistic pride and deliver.

Everywhere we look, colors are competing for user’s attention. A graphic designer creates art to communicate your thoughts, feelings, and ideas through graphic component, logo or illustration. Designers create an effect by visual means, using different illustration techniques and typography. This field welcomes creativity and originality, letting a graphic designer further explore his or her imagination.

Graphic designers are not primarily computer or digital artists, although they may be highly skilled at drawing or painting. Creating different designs graphic designers involve both manual and computer artwork. And a creative designer must be not only familiar and expert with the range of computer visual tools and application, but he or she must also be familiar with a wide range of typefaces and know how to incorporate them for the right effect. Because design tends to change in a similar way to fashion, graphic designers have to be up-to-date.

Graphic designers create the visual presentation and design of goods, including websites, detergent boxes, album covers, and dog food cans. Their work is usually done on a project basis. A graphic designer must be able to use research prepared by a marketing department and cost specifications determined by a budgeting department, and produce a variety of sketches and models that demonstrate different approaches to the product. This takes a person who can listen to comments and has a good eye for aesthetic design, a flair for color, and a solid understanding of the needs of the corporate world. “Graphic design isn’t one job. It’s 20,” wrote one overworked designer. “Sales skills are very important if you want to see your designs accepted,” wrote another. Communication skills are nearly the most important for success in this profession. When projects are under way, graphic designers can expect to work long hours brainstorming and meeting with executives to discuss ideas. The job is highly visible; successes and failures alike are recognized and are put on display. Also, be warned: an artist’s style may be very hot one season and turn into a parody the next. People who are unwilling or unable to change could find promising careers declining.

Graphic designers must also have a talent and an understanding of the business world, including issues of finance and production, and should be familiar with computer software such as InDesign, Quark XPress, Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, and other painting and graphic design tools. Graphic designers should be able to work in a variety of media and meet deadlines, sizing limits, and financial restrictions, especially those designers who wish to work as freelance graphic designers rather than in-house salaried designers.

Many artists turn to graphic design to make a living during their lean years and then return to art. A number of them become gallery owners and patrons and use the contacts they made as designers to help new talents in their work. Others take positions as design consultants and as magazine layout editors.

Date: 2016-04-22; view: 636