Graphics Design Career
To land a career in the graphic design field, most people earn their four year degree. This is a highly creative, yet technical field that involves using special software to design images. The difference between fine art and graphic design is that a message is communicated to a viewer, typically to sell something by using a call to action. Graphic designers typically complete work on a project basis, sometimes headed up by a project manager. This job entails tight time constraints to make sure everything is finished by the designated deadline.Graphic Designer Tasks
The following typically make up the lifecycle of a graphic design project.
- The following typically make up the lifecycle of a graphic design project.
- Meet with clients to discuss the requested project, budget, and timelines
- Research the target audience, including demographics, of the project
- Determine how to portray the image so it is not just aesthetically appropriate, but conveys a message
- Brainstorm design ideas
- Create mock up compositions and rough drafts
- Meet with the client to make sure the design meets their expectations and to get the approval to move forward
- Create drafts on the computer using numerous programs depending on the project
- Prepare the final project files so they are ready for printers and programmers
Graphic Design Projects
Graphic designers design images for a variety of communication vehicles, including but not limited to:
- 3D design - Package design and Product design
- Identity design - logos
- Layout design – Brochures, Magazines, Books, Annuals, Newspapers, ect.
- Typography design – Fonts and Scripts
- Web design – Websites and Banner
- Ad design - Conceptual design, Visual communications, Ads
Programs used by Graphics Designers
There are a variety of different programs used by graphic designers to create images and designs. The following are a few of these programs.
- Adobe Photoshop – all bitmap design including image preparations, retouching, and resolution.
- Adobe Illustrator and Macromedia Freehand – All vector design, logo creation, illustration, unique font creation.
- Quark and Indesign – Layout-based program, magazine and ad layout with numerous pages.
- Adobe Flash – Animation-based program for web effects and movement. Dreamweaver – Web design and development program
How to Become a Graphics Designer
So you’ve decided this field is a good fit for you but you aren’t sure how to become a graphic design professional, or the necessary steps to get into this profession. In this field, oftentimes an associate’s degree, which takes around two years to complete, is sufficient. However, with only a two year degree, most of the jobs available will be junior level so they can gain skills on the job. With talent and hard work, you can easily work your way up the ladder into a mid-level position. Internships are also a great way to get in with a certain company of interest while you are wrapping up your schooling.
A bachelor’s degree, which typically takes four years to complete, more sufficiently prepares you for employment and gives you more time to build up your portfolio. The quality of work and variety of kinds of work included in your portfolio is going to be a huge factor in helping you get better jobs. The longer you have to learn new skills and build that portfolio, the better chances you have for landing that perfect job. Employers might be looking for a specific style to fill their position, which is the reason a portfolio is so important.
If you prefer the multimedia field, you probably are wondering how to become a multimedia professional. The amount and kind of experience is going to come into play more when it comes to both multimedia design as well as web design. Employers want to know that you have the experience to implement certain larger projects. It will be important to have a good deal of experience with all adobe and macromedia software whether; it be through self teaching, certification courses, or schooling.
if you are interested in freelancing in graphics design, multimedia design, or web design, create an online portfolio to show clients. There are many websites to get freelance jobs such as craigslist or through your career center at the school you attended. It is also important to familiarize yourself with quality stock photo websites in order to have access to high quality, yet inexpensive imagery. It is also a good idea to search online for design studios in your area and send your work to them.
Some general advice for someone looking to better their skills in graphics design or multimedia design is to get influence from everywhere around you. Keep your eyes open. Graphic design is everywhere!
Day in the Life of a Graphic Designer
Below are examples of individuals who have careers in graphic design, and their experiences and viewpoints about the field.
Other Graphic Design / Mutlimedia Categories
To learn more about Graphic Design / Multimedia careers, degrees, schools, and salaries, visit the following links/pages.
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