Becoming a Graphic Designer

A graphic designer creates artwork to communicate a message in print or via television. The work requires knowledge of typography, photography, and different styles of illustration. Although the most glamorous jobs are in advertising or the television industry there many more opportunities to work in publishing or - producing packaging, greetings cards, business stationery; or mail-order catalogues.

The Job:

Graphic design includes typography, illustration, and animation. Techniques used include drawing, painting, lettering, retouching photographs, and using desktop publishing (DTP) to manipulate images on a computer screen.

Initially, graphic designers meet with clients to discuss the brief for a project and to clarify the media and materials to be used. They will negotiate a timescale and the cost, depending on the methods and techniques to be used.

Designers then carry out any necessary research including looking at related projects and compare the cost of using various processes. They also consult advertising writers, or copywriters, if the project calls for text to be written, and make sure they understand the aims of the project. Designers then sketch a range of preliminary ideas from which some emerge to be worked on for presentation to the client in the form of visuals or mock-ups.

Depending on whether they are self- employed or work for a studio, they may liaise with the client directly or this may be done by a senior designer or manager.

After discussion with clients, designs often have to be changed and resubmitted.

Graphic designers make decisions about typefaces, colors, illustration styles, and photographs to give the right feel to the product, and liaise with the other specialists who are working on the project. When the final layout is approved, the designer prepares detailed instructions for the printer and produces a full size layout.

Graphic designers mainly work in studios. They may visit clients or libraries in the course of research. They may work alone or as part of a team. In order to meet deadlines, designers may need to work long hours. As well as being able to work under pressure and produce creative solutions to problems, graphic designers may have to compromise on ideas to meet clients' requirements and to get the co operation of other creative professionals, such as photographers or authors.

The advertising industry accounts for many opportunities. Packaging is a specialist area, and graphic designers also work in the printing and publishing industries as typographers and illustrators. Television and film companies employ designers to produce tides and credits.

Training Involved:

Most graphic designers have completed a full-tune degree or diploma course at a college, university or specialized art school. The entry requirements are usually based on students' portfolios, their performance at interviews, and a good academic record.

Courses may be a broad based introduction to the creative technical requirements of the job or may be specialized in, for example, medical illustration, packaging, or typographic design. Many initial jobs in studios are routine and a newly qualified designer may work assisting an experienced designer with routine color or layout jobs.

Useful Qualifications to Have:

Useful subjects include: English, mathematics, art, design, technology, and business management.

Salary Expectations:

The base salary range of a Fashion Designer range from $41,058 to $71,418 annually, while the median salary for most Fashion Designers is $55,512 annually. (US Base Pay)

Future Prospects:

Employment for graphic designers is expected to grow rapidly but demand is linked to the health of the economy. The job market is competitive but there are always opportunities for those with exceptional talent and commitment. Earnings depend on experience and ability as well as the type of employer. There is a growing trend for graphic designers to work as freelance specialists. Self-employed artists may earn more than somebody working in a studio, but earnings will depend on their reputation and the effort they put into selling themselves and their work.

In the future, graphic design will be affected by the very latest technology in the fields of desktop publishing, holography, and interactive media.

For further information, contact professional bodies, such as an advertising federation, institute of graphic arts, or a society of illustrators and cartoonists.