A graphic designer, also often referred to as a graphic artist, wears many different hats while using an equally diverse number of media to create numerous types of designs. Graphic designers work to visually convey a particular message or idea that has noticeable appeal and the respected profession is highly sought out for promoting and displaying a wide variety of products, activities, ideas, and communications.
Graphic design is used every single day in the world of advertising, including everything from books and magazines, health and personal care, food products, automobiles, clothing, computers, and just about everything else you could think of in between. Product packaging is a huge part of any type of business and requires the expertise of a graphic designer who understands not only the general marketing aspect of business, but also the client's main objective.
Working closely alongside the client, a graphic designer begins expanding upon an initial concept, asks pertinent questions as to the end goal, discusses budgets and deadlines, then agrees on the finalised design, fee and due date. Many designers successfully juggle more than one project at a time, allocating a certain portion of their time to each. Some duties of a graphic designer may include:
- Meeting or communicating regularly with clients to discuss the aspects and goals of a project.
- Staying abreast of the latest technologies in terms of computerised media and common design programmes such as Dreamweaver, Flash, Adobe Photoshop, and Quark Xpress.
- Designing a product from rough drafts, sketches and vague ideas while still knowing how to reach just the right audience.
- Demonstrating excellent proofreading skills while also showing high attention to quality and detail.
- Working with other professionals in the industry such as copywriters, photographers, marketing specialists, web developers and printers.
- Effectively managing time in order to meet deadlines while staying within budget constraints.
An experienced and knowledgeable graphic designer has the uncanny ability to take a general idea and turn it into a visually compelling product that garners not only attention but favourable results as well. Somehow they instinctively know when to use clean lines and muted tones and when to instead use vibrant designs with bold hues that grab your attention.
Graphic designers may work for themselves on a freelance basis or may be employed full time by someone else, whether it be a small organisation or a large corporation. If self-employed, a graphic designer must work diligently to market themselves and their skills in order to build their portfolio and client base as well as making continued learning a large part of their career.
The CSD, the Chartered Society of Designers located in London, offers a number of programmes providing graphic designers with the opportunity to pursue continuous professional development, or CPD for short. Designers can learn the latest in illustration, typography, corporate identity and interactive media design for websites and computers.
When working for a design firm or similar entity, the opportunity for advancement is definitely there in this exciting and ever changing field. Within just a few short years, one may progress to senior designer, obtain a management position such as creative director, or even venture out on their own or create a partnership with another like-minded designer.
Derek Rogers is a freelance writer who represents a number of UK businesses. For the very best in innovative Graphic Design Services he recommends Hampshire-based Studio Republic.
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Showing posts with label Graphic Designer. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Graphic Designer. Show all posts
Tuesday, 18 November 2014
Thursday, 13 November 2014
Graphic Designer: Education Requirements & Career Info
Graphic designers are visual communicators who design and develop print and electronic media, such as magazines, television graphics, logos and websites. They may be employed by advertising firms, design companies, publishers and other businesses that need design professionals. This career is results-oriented, and graphic designers are concerned with providing final products that meet clients' needs.
Graphic Designer Educational Requirements
Earning a certificate or associate's degree in graphic design may qualify graduates for assistant or technical support positions in the field; however, most graphic design positions require at least a bachelor's degree. Students may benefit from attending one of the approximately 300 schools approved by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design. Some graphic design programs only admit applicants who have completed at least one year of art and design courses. Admission may also entail submission of sketches and other artwork.
Bachelor's Degree Curriculum
Some colleges and universities offer Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design programs. These 4-year degree programs equip students with the technical and artistic skills necessary for entry-level employment or even higher positions in graphic design. Curricula are comprised heavily of design coursework, as well as liberal arts instruction. Courses may include:
Typography
Book design
Drawing
Advanced graphic design
Computer-assisted design
Digital media
Photography
Other Requirements
Along with formal education, graphic designers must have artistic capacity and strong verbal, visual and written communication skills. Graphic designers must also have strong portfolios that showcase examples of their best work, which employers generally consider during the hiring process. Designers often work independently and must meet strict deadlines, so the ability to manage time and stay on schedule is important. Business and sales skills are also beneficial for this career, especially for graphic designers who are self employed.
Employment Projections
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment of graphic designers was expected to increase 13% from 2010-2020 (www.bls.gov). Growth should be an effect of the rising number of advertising and electronic design firms, as well as increasing numbers of products and services that need to be advertised. Graphic designers with expertise in Web design, interactive media and animation were expected to see the greatest job opportunities, whereas designers in print publishing were expected to experience a decline in demand.
Article Source....
Graphic Designer Educational Requirements
Earning a certificate or associate's degree in graphic design may qualify graduates for assistant or technical support positions in the field; however, most graphic design positions require at least a bachelor's degree. Students may benefit from attending one of the approximately 300 schools approved by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design. Some graphic design programs only admit applicants who have completed at least one year of art and design courses. Admission may also entail submission of sketches and other artwork.
Bachelor's Degree Curriculum
Some colleges and universities offer Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design programs. These 4-year degree programs equip students with the technical and artistic skills necessary for entry-level employment or even higher positions in graphic design. Curricula are comprised heavily of design coursework, as well as liberal arts instruction. Courses may include:
Typography
Book design
Drawing
Advanced graphic design
Computer-assisted design
Digital media
Photography
Other Requirements
Along with formal education, graphic designers must have artistic capacity and strong verbal, visual and written communication skills. Graphic designers must also have strong portfolios that showcase examples of their best work, which employers generally consider during the hiring process. Designers often work independently and must meet strict deadlines, so the ability to manage time and stay on schedule is important. Business and sales skills are also beneficial for this career, especially for graphic designers who are self employed.
Employment Projections
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment of graphic designers was expected to increase 13% from 2010-2020 (www.bls.gov). Growth should be an effect of the rising number of advertising and electronic design firms, as well as increasing numbers of products and services that need to be advertised. Graphic designers with expertise in Web design, interactive media and animation were expected to see the greatest job opportunities, whereas designers in print publishing were expected to experience a decline in demand.
Article Source....
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