Graphic Designer

By Lauren Lesniak

So, you want to be a graphic designer…?

Well lucky for you, this week’s blog will let you know not only what it is like, but also what it takes to get there.

What Exactly Does a Graphic Designer Do?

Within the world of adverting, graphic designers are the ones who are responsible for creating the overall layout and design of the artwork within the advertisements.

Duties

They often work with art directors and clients to discuss their plan of action. They are required to be knowledgeable in various programs of design. A few of the programs that they use every day, include: Adobe Illustrator, InDesign, and Photoshop. They use these programs and their creativity skills to create visual aspects of an advertisement to produce their desired message. After the visual aspects are finalized, the graphic designer then reviews the entire work for errors before publication.

Working as a Graphic Designer

As a graphic designer, there are a couple different options of where you can work. The most common is within a specialized design service; however, you can also work within an advertising agency, for a newspaper, within a wholesale trade company, or your own private practice.

Most designers work in a studio so that they have room to use their computers, drawing tables, supplies, and anything additional that they might need for their work. They often work independently in their studios, but sometimes they will have to collaborate with their clients and other team members.

How Do You Become a Graphic Designer?

When considering becoming a graphic designer, it is crucial to hold some form of college degree. The most common degree among people within this field is a bachelor’s degree in graphic design or a similar field. You can go to any university that has this program, or even a specialized art school.

College Experience

Most graphic design majors start off by taking basic courses in art and design, such as Art 101. After you complete your foundation’s courses, you move up into more specialized classes that vary based on your emphasis. These classes may include: studio art, web design, graphic production, and other related classes.

While it may seem necessary to only take classes related to the program, courses in business, marketing, or even writing can be quite useful within the working world.

Remember to continually develop your portfolio as it is one of the main aspects all future employers will consider when deciding whether or not to hire you.

Other Experiences

While it is not always required, another key factor in determining if a company will hire you or not depends on your experience. This is why completing an internship during college is crucial in your transition into the working world.

The more experience that you have, the better off you are when looking for a job near the end, or after graduation. Internships not only provide you with experience, but they also provide you with networking opportunities. It is never too early to gain valuable experience through internships, so start as soon as you can. There is no such thing as too much experience.

References

Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S.  Department of Labor (December 17, 2015), Occupational Outlook  Handbook, 2016-2017 Edition,  Graphic Designers.  Retrieved from   http://www.bls.gov/ooh/arts-and-design/mobile/graphic-designers.htm