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.

Andy Lomax asked:


Effective graphic design is the applied art of arranging text and images in a way that effectively communicates a message. Effective graphic designers can enhance the image of advertising your company and products through media such as direct mail, flyers, newsletter design, brochure design, annual reports, business cards, letterheads and of course web site design. Graphic design agencies can assist you with all the above stationary to be designed to a good standard and would give you ideas of how to implement brand development.

Effective graphic designers attract people to read the content of your message. People often get their first impression of your company through some communication such as a brochure or flier or even a business card. And the quality of the graphic design influences their reaction. Effective graphic designers build trust and confidence in your company and products and helps in brand development.

At its best, graphic design agencies welds artistic concepts such as colour and shape to the essence of your products or services and takes into account the characteristics of the consumer and their trends.

Effective graphic design is also a key component of brand development. Consumers respond to graphic images such as logos, and skillful graphic design companies helps make your product stand out in a crowded marketplace.

So though you may be tempted to give your brochure design job to Sid in accounting who’s a dab hand with watercolours, you should realise that the image of your organisation is something that needs a professional’s touch. Graphic design agencies offer a specialised service so outsourcing is your best option. For one thing, pro designers work in many fields and are in touch with the trends of the day.

So how do you go about finding effective graphic design agencies, graphic design companies or graphic design studios? Look for a company with a strong portfolio of memorable designs. Check if you recognise any of the clients the design firm has done work for. And don’t forget that graphic design is an applied art. Designs that are beautiful for their own sakes don’t guarantee commercially viability. Look for designs that indicate the designer has a strong grasp of marketing too.

When you find graphic design agencies, you need to ask them about brand development, advertising etc like, how many revisions the firm will do until you’re satisfied. Clarify such factors as what you’ll get at the end of the project. For example, is printing included? In what format would the graphic design agencies delivery any graphics? There are a host of details like this that you need to consider.

If you want convenience, it’s an advantage to hire effective graphic designers that offers a complete range of services in web development, brand development, advertising and other promotional tasks, along with portfolio management and printing. This means you can leave the whole project to one company which streamlines the whole procedure.