The job and what it involves
Graphic designers are people who are part of the graphic design and arts industry, who use their creative skills to assemble together motion graphics or images to create a piece of design.
Essentially, the graphics created by a graphic designer are designed for the printed or electronic media such as brochures and advertising.
Graphic designers are also used to create websites and logos. Most of the work is done on computers using specialised industry standard graphics and multimedia package software.
Primarily, a graphic designer presents information in a way that is both accessible and memorable with high visual impact
The main areas of work
A typical graphic designer would usually work a 37 hour week, although working extra hours is not uncommon, particularly when trying to meet an expected deadline.
Part-time employment in graphic design is also possible, however the field is competitive and the majority of people are on full-time employment contracts.
Graphic designers usually work in an open plan studio, and the profession requires sitting at a computer for long periods of time.
Qualities required
The most important trait a graphic designer must have is a creative flair. Originality is essential to succeed in this profession and he or she is required to have a strong visual sense.
Developed IT skills are also a necessity for this profession as a significant majority of a graphic designers work is created using computer software and multimedia packages.
In order to be able to present and explain ideas to clients and colleagues alike, graphic designers must have good communication skills and the confidence to be able to present to an audience.
Qualifications
Early experience in the field of graphic design is advantageous and is attractive when it comes to potential employers.
Most graphic designers have either a degree or a diploma in design, fine art or illusion or other related subjects and universities and art colleges across the UK offer a wide range of courses.
Taking a one year foundation diploma in art and design is most common among students before they continue onto gaining their degree or diploma. A diploma in media may also be relevant to this line of work as well as apprenticeships in multimedia design.
Some graphic design companies provide additional training for employees to train on specific areas of the job such as presentation.
Route to success
Junior designers can progress to a studio manager or a more senior position through branching up the company they are working in.
More experienced graphic designers tend to go freelance after building up their reputation and creating their portfolio.
Working as a graphic designer abroad also has promising outcomes.
Salary
This depends on the artistic skill of the designer and the location that he or she is working, but salary can range from anything from £19,000 to £70,000 a year.
Star player
Marian Bantjes is a Canadian designer who has covered numerous fields in the graphic design industry. She has been an artist, illustrator, typographer and also a writer and her work has brought her to become a world-famous visual designer.
Her work is known to be strangely obsessive and sometimes rather graphic in her work, but she adopts a highly ornamental style which landed her in the top 25 up-and-coming designers to watch out for.
Bantjes works internationally and has one of her own paintings insured for five million US dollars.
Useful links
www.logodesign.co.uk – An international design and marketing website.
www.attitudedesign.co.uk – A graphic design company specialising in websites and logos.
http://www.shillingtoncollege.co.uk/?gclid=CJuF8ZKrw6MCFVf-2AodPEHhqw – A graphic design college offering courses
Tags: careers, graphic designer, job profile, Students
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