January 25, 2019

Graphic Design: How To Become A Graphic Designer

Have you been wondering how to become a graphic designer?

Graphic design is one of the fastest growing industries and as online business continues to grow, we expect that growth to continue for decades to come. This is a great time to start a graphic design career.

What Is A Graphic Designer?

Graphic designers work with visual concepts by hand or by using a computer software. They communicate ideas, inspire and motivate consumers via physical and virtual art that can include images, graphics, art, shapes, infographics and more.

Since graphic designers work with visual concepts, there’s a number of different roles they could fulfill. There’s a few different types of graphic design to consider.

  • Logo Designs
  • Fonts And Typography
  • Web Design
  • Brand Colors
  • Brand Images
  • Photography
  • Billboards
  • Marketing

What Does Graphic Designers Do?

Graphic designers combine technology, graphics and art to visually communicate ideas through designs, images, web pages and printed pages.There’s a wide range of different design elements that can be used to get the desired result. They can be responsible for creating production designs, canvas and layouts for magazines, brochures, advertisements and business reports.

Graphic designers work with both text and images. They’re responsible for both small and large design elements. For example, graphic designers have to determine font types, font sizes, font colors, font spacing, font line heights. They have to choose where graphics and images are positioned. They can also have influence over the text, headings, phrases and other copywriting components.

The workflow for graphic design experts can vary but we’ll take a look at what their typical day could look like.

  • Consult with clients on what visual components they need
  • Audit a client’s current graphics and recommend changes
  • Select a brand’s colors, fonts, logo
  • Create images that gives a product identity and personality
  • Design a web page layout for a client
  • Develop a portfolio of visual concepts to show a client
  • Create designs for print, such as brochures, letters, magazines
  • Review print designs for errors
  • Creating art illustrations for clients
  • Creating a visual storyboard for commercial uses

 

Graphic Design Role In Marketing And Sales

Graphic design plays a vital role in a brand’s marketing and sales. Due to this, graphic designers work close with marketing directors, PR, advertisers and photographers.

Every business has client avatar, someone specific the company is trying to turn into a customers. While industries and niches vary, the one thing that stays consistent is the company’s need to attract their target audience.

Graphic designers can work a company to determine “who” they’ll be creating graphics for. By creating a client avatar or client profile, we can make sure our graphic designs are built to attract that perfect client. Remember, your goal is to not attract everyone but to attract the right people.

Yes, graphic design plays a big role in marketing and sales.

As it pertains to the salary of a graphic designer, it can vary a lot. There’s graphic designers out there that earn over 7 figures, many earning 6 figures. Starting out, a graphic designer can expect to make at least $40K-$50K a year.

Graphic Design Software

Graphic designers rely on software a lot, so making sure you’re using the best graphic design software is important.

If you’re new to graphic design, learning how to use graphic design software can be a challenge. However, learning a graphic design program can drastically improve your skills and workflow.

At schools like F.I.R.S.T., you’ll have the opportunity to work with industry leading graphic design software and programs.

The Freedom Of A Graphic Designer

The great thing about being a graphic designer is that you have the freedom to work anywhere that you want.

Now, there could be times when you need to meet clients in person, but you do have the option of doing that online, such as using Facebook or Skype.

As long as you have the skills, graphic design software and resources, you can work from anywhere. That’s the beauty of being a graphic designer. If you do attend our program, we help you build a powerful portfolio to showcase your talents and skills.

How To Become A Graphic Designer

While freelance graphic designers can earn a good income, certified graphic designers can earn a lot more and it will give you the skills and resources you need to start your career on the right foot.

F.I.R.S.T. is one of the top graphic design schools in the U.S. Here, you’ll learn vital graphic design skills you’re going to need to start your career. From web graphic design to illustrations, you’ll learn about all the different types of graphic design and how to apply them in the real world.

Getting started is easier than you may think. If you’re interested in learning more, call us at 1.888.934.7781