A graphic designer is a man or woman who uses a variety of computer software and art supplies to design and develop visual materials that convey a certain message. Graphic designers communicate information about a product or service through a combination of color, type, animation, photography, layout or other visual art techniques that are agreed upon by a client. Graphic designers produce the overall production and layout designs of newspapers, journals, magazines, company reports, and various additional publications.
In addition, graphic artists use their skills to create advertisements, package designs, and sales brochures for anything that is for sale. They also develop unique logos for companies or products, create posters, websites, interactive media, and multimedia schemes. In order to illustrate what they have in mind for a design, graphic designers make sketches or layouts. Designers pick out typography, animation, photography, artwork, sound, color and other visual aspects for their art.
The arrangement and size of the design elements as they appear on the screen or page are another of the decisions the designer makes. They might make charts and graphs from information that's in articles and will talk with copywriters about content that might go along with the visual aspects of the project. Starting a job that can be interesting but doesn't have resources and taking it to the next level is thought to be the highlight of this job.
Although on the job training is excellent, a few internships or a degree in the field of graphic design are both very important if you want to become a graphic designer. Many entry level positions and advanced positions require a bachelor's degree. However, there are some entry level technical positions that will accept an associates degree. Colleges and universities across the country offer baccalaureate programs in graphic design, as well as private design schools.
This degree program involves basics of design, computerized design, printing methods, commercial graphics production and so on, in conjunction with other liberal arts training in business, marketing and writing which assists designers when they have to work with content. Two and three year technical as well as professional schools also offer associate certificates and degrees in graphic design. With a shorter program the focus is more on the specifics of graphic design with less focus on general liberal arts classes.
When competing with others for a job, a good portfolio full of the best work of the designer may make the difference between being hired or not. The most necessary skills for a job involve the capability to work alone and under pressure, and great communication and problem solving techniques as well. Another requirement is a knowledge of both design software and computer graphics.
Graphic design jobs are thought to grow at about the same rate as other jobs for until 2014 since demand for people with graphic design skills continues to grow from computer design firms, publishers and advertisers. Competition for these spots, however, will be fierce due to the popularity of graphic arts as a career choice among students. People who are familiar with computer design software and have a bachelor's degree, especially those with animation and web site design experience will have the best chance at getting a job. Graphic designers will also be more in demand since there is a growing market for information online and growth of the video entertainment market involving online outlets, video, movies and television.