What Does It Take To Become A Graphic Designer?
Lina Smith asked:
Being a graphic designer is a career that is ideal for anyone who loves to use words and pictures to communicate ideas and messages to other people. Graphic designers are used for a whole variety of different jobs in lots of different fields which can include things like:
• Advertising on posters and in magazines.
• Designing the layout of websites for companies.
• Creating CD-ROM pages.
• Designing logos, letterheads and other branded material for companies.
• Creating brochures.
• Designing leaflets and handouts.
• Designing effects and credits for movies and television.
A graphic designer can do all of these and more as it is such a wide ranging and challenging job, but many people choose to focus on one or two specific areas and make them their speciality. Being a graphic designer is also very rewarding for anyone who has a keen interest in advertising and the way that design can influence people.
So what does it take to become a graphic designer? Firstly it is a good idea to take art and design related courses whilst at school, as this will give you a good grounding as you start on the route to becoming a graphic designer. If you have not done this you might be able to get on a college course which will help you to learn more about being a graphic designer and will help you to further your education. To be really successful as a graphic designer you should really have a bachelor’s degree and this is one of the most basic requirements for many of the graphic design jobs that are advertised.
During your bachelor’s degree to become a graphic designer you will cover a great deal of difference mediums and types of design. This will help you to gain an understanding of a wide range of different areas and it will also help you to decide what you would like to specialise your bachelor’s degree in. Subsequent years will then be spent in more specific areas in which you would like to work. There are so many different disciplines that are involved in graphic design that you might want to pick two or three and then in your final year focus on just one.
If you are already a graphic designer and would like to pursue your career in a different direction you will be able to get onto an associate degree or a certificate program. These are designed to help graphic designers to branch out into different disciplines and increase their knowledge of these disciplines. However you must be aware that you must also have a bachelor’s degree in graphic design before you can start on a different graphic designer course.
Becoming a graphic designer does mean a lot of hard work and a lot of determination, but it will be more than worth it when you are in your chosen profession. So even if you have not taken are or design school, you still have a chance to become a graphic designer.
A Career In Graphic Design
Graphic designers are predicted to hold the most jobs by 2014. Keeping in mind the future of the media and the need for creative work, graphic designers are projected to have the best employment opportunities of all creative professionals.
Job of a Graphic Designer
Graphic designers analyze, plan and make creative visual solutions for communication. They help to express the message in the most effective way, in the form of print, film or electronic medium. A variety of methods like color combinations, illustrations, photography, print and print-layout techniques are used in graphic designing.
Graphic designers create the layout and production designs for newspapers, magazines, corporate reports, journals and other publications. They also develop promotional displays, marketing and packaging brochures for various products and services and unique design logos for businesses. In addition, they also make signs for government and businesses. The graphic designer also produces material for interactive media, Internet web pages and multimedia projects.
Job Qualifications
A Bachelor’s degree is a must at the entry level in graphic designing. Some entry-level technical positions may require an Associate’s degree. However, problem-solving skills and creative communication are essential. Graphic designers should be familiar with computer graphics and the various design software available. A good graphic portfolio, with a collection of work samples showcases design ability effectively.
Graphic Designing Course Curriculum
Typical Graphic Design Curriculum Components:
-Studio art
-Computerized Design
-Principles of Design
-Printing techniques
-Commercial graphics production
-Web site design
Besides formal graphics training, there are some courses such as writing, art history, psychology, foreign language, sociology, cultural studies, business and marketing that are effective aids in understanding the intricacies of graphic designing.
It is the job of the graphic designer to give meaning to thoughts and ideas. When an idea is expressed, the job falls on the graphic designer to present it on paper and create a suitable combination of visual medium. This can be accomplished with pictures and animated presentations, which could include sound as well.
Working Of The Creative Department
After the client gives the company a rough idea about the project and his expectations, the creative team gets down to the business of trying out various ideas and techniques to achieve a positive end result. Although most creative people work as a team in advertising agencies and various publications, the graphic designer can do the job independently.
Earnings of a Graphic Designer
Architectural, engineering, and related services: $42,740.
Specialized design services: $41,620.
Advertising and related services: $40,010.
Printing and related support activities: $32,830.
Newspapers, periodicals, books and directory publishers: $32,390.



