What is a graphic designer? What do graphic designers do? A graphic designer is someone who works with the elements of design (color, space, typography, etc.) to create materials that communicate a message. They often use a combination of traditional and digital media to create their designs, and their work can be seen everywhere from billboards to web ads to cereal boxes.
Graphic designers are also translators. They take the information given to them by a client and translate that data into something more visually stimulating. Instead of a line of text that reads, “BUY NOW!” a client can use a persuasive image hand-picked to appeal to their audience. Find out more in today’s Design Industry blog!
WHAT IS A GRAPHIC DESIGNER? WHAT DO THEY DO?
Depending on which area(s) of the design industry they choose to specialize in, a graphic design job description can vary greatly from one person to the next. Some graphic designers choose to be available for a broad range of projects, while others will focus their skills and resources on a smaller portion of the design industry job market. Of course, this also depends on the graphic design programs that the designer attended and where their passion lies!
Common graphic design jobs include branding projects (logo, business cards, letterhead and stationery, web integration, etc.), layout design (newspapers, magazines, and brochures), and web design (which is NOT the same as web development).
WHERE DO GRAPHIC DESIGNERS WORK?
The beauty of the design industry is that someone with a graphic design education can work almost anywhere, depending on the sort of work they do. You can often find someone with a graphic design job working in-house for a business, as a member of a design agency or studio, or in a freelance contractor/consultant position. As technology continues to advance and become available to more people around the world, graphic designers have more opportunities than ever to work from a variety of locations — many choose to work from home, telecommute or work freelance.
If a graphic designer works mostly in the digital space, they have great freedom of movement — If their resources allow it, they could take a laptop computer to the park, or work beachside during an island getaway. Even graphic designers working with more traditional media can find themselves with license to change up their location from time to time.
WHY GET A GRAPHIC DESIGN JOB?
Many join the industry because they are very creative and seek a way to express themselves. If you enjoy being creative, don’t mind taking risks, and can work well with people, a graphic design job might be a good fit for you.
Creativity can come in many forms, so you don’t have to be an amazing fine artist in order to be successful. Some of the best creative directors have an art background but choose to express themselves more through the guidance of others and creative visualization.
Risk-taking can be calculated, so don’t panic if you’re generally the cautious type. You will have to be willing to put yourself out there and be vulnerable to criticism, and for some, that’s a pretty big risk. Clients aren’t always going to like your work, and fellow designers may find flaws you overlooked.
Working well with people (even if it’s only for a few minutes at a time) is a staple for success in any graphic design career. You have to be able to deal with clients. You also need to be able to deal with other people professionally!
A REWARDING CAREER AWAITS!
Graphic designers have some pretty amazing opportunities to share themselves with the world and perform a service to the community while they’re at it. Good design translates an idea across continents and can span languages and cultures as well if executed properly. It is a great responsibility, but one that most graphic designers can work with easily!
WHAT IS GRAPHIC DESIGN? LET US SHOW YOU!
Here at F.I.R.S.T. Institute, we strive every day to be of service to our students and provide them with the very best graphic design education that we can offer. From a faculty composed of experienced design industry professionals to a broad spectrum of courses and a dedicated Career Development department, we ensure that our students receive the best possible educational opportunities. We give students access to everything they need to succeed, both in class and on the job.
If you’d like to know more about our Web Development and Graphic Design programs, please give us a call or send us an email! Our admissions team is standing by to answer any questions you might have.
