To be a good designer in any field takes practice, skill and patience; however, a graphic designer must also be able to work under extreme deadlines and within a well-defined budget, as most of their work is done on a project-to-project basis. The designer must be able to gather feedback from many different sources and turn it into a unique finished product.
In graphic design, the designer must be able to use whatever materials that are prepared for them and stay within the budget given. This takes a person who can listen well, has a flair for color, a good eye for pleasing design and an understanding of what the client wants. In short, graphic design is not one job, it is 20.
Graphic designers typically have a four-year degree, usually in art, product design or art history and are familiar with most computer graphics software programs, such as Adobe Photoshop, InDesign and Illustrator, etc. A good mixture of coursework usually involves drawing, computer art and design.
It should also include any type of specific knowledge, such as anatomy for medical designers, which directly relates to a specific area. It is not a field for the faint of heart, as of the 25,000 people who try to enter the field each year, only about 60% last the first two years and about 30% remain in the field at five years.
There is also the chance of many lean years. A graphic designer may decide they are tired of a lifestyle where they are more like salesmen than artists; constantly having to pursue new clients for work. Or they may choose to become magazine layout editors or as in-house design consultants.
There may be some, though certainly not many that make it in the industry on talent alone. However, most need some sort of a certificate or degree to land a job in graphic designs. Many employers will not even bother to look at you if you lack the piece of paper that shows you have been trained and seasoned by some sort of graphic design related program. Getting a degree or certificate does not reflect your talent, but it does show that you have a good firm base of knowledge and that you take the industry seriously.
So, you have made the decision to suck it up, get past the lean years and work hard to become a graphic artist; eager to use the cutting edge software programs to create some great new designs. It is a great career choice and if you specialize in technology or advertising, then your chances of becoming a good graphic designer increases. There is no better field to get into that will allow you to use your technical skills and creativity to its fullest extent.
A graphic designer's goal is to provide you with the logos, artwork and page designs that best fit your business, personality, industry, and target market and conveys your offerings and differentiators. The experience of reaching that goal can be extremely smooth and pleasant if you know what to expect upfront, and if you understand that you do need to work with your designer, as opposed to just letting them loose to create with little input.
To assure that the experience you and your designer have is productive and successful, our last article, "13 Tips for Finding a Graphic Designer" offers insight, definitions, and advice on beginning the relationship. Once you've selected the designer with whom you feel most comfortable:
1. Communicate, communicate, communicate! Clarity and understanding are key to a good working relationship. Keep in mind that most designers tend to be highly visual people, so communication may be ever so slightly difficult. Have patience, and use all of the other tips in this section to facilitate your communication.
2. And, be clear about what you mean. If you're using vague words and adjectives, or jargon, such as saying that you want your logo to look "sweet", keep talking and explaining what you mean until you're both sure you understand each other. People come from many different backgrounds and experiences, so clarity is vital.
3. Ask what information your designer needs, and do the homework! Without good background information, we really can't create the best designs for you. You know your business best, so the input that you bring to the project is really the most expert information that's available. The more informative your answers are, the better the designs.
4. Don't be afraid to sketch if you have an idea that you find difficult to describe. Even if you can only draw stick figures, sketching is often a more direct means of communication with visual designers. We understand that this is not what you do, and we won't make fun of you! In fact, the added level of communication is invaluable-it bridges the gap between our visual minds and your explanation.
5. Ask questions when you're confused, as opposed to becoming frustrated. We may also use terms you're not familiar with. And many creative types "jump ahead" unintentionally in their logic; we don't want to leave you behind, and are happy to elaborate. Just call us on it!
6. Remember to give constructive feedback. Specify what you like and don't like about the concepts presented. The more explicit the information you provide, the better the outcome of the project. Keep in mind that the most helpful part about constructive feedback is the element of encouragement.
7. If you plan to bring your friends and clients into the design process to provide input, it's best to let your designer know, and as early as possible. Being ambushed by the client's friends or family at the last stage in the process, or after committing to a direction, is often disheartening to the designer. As artists, we tend to fall in love (a bit!) with our designs.
8. Keep in mind who your target audience really is if you do bring friends and family into the design process. Pardon my brashness, but if you're selling to Asian businessmen, but your caucasian, housewife friend doesn't like your logo, it may not be a problem with the logo. A design often won't be as effective outside of your target market-and that may be where your friend's feedback is coming from.
9. If you start working with your designer, and their process isn't working, then let them know! Many designers would be happy to modify their process to fit your needs. Just be as specific as possible about what's not working-do you need to see color earlier in the process, or see more of the full design-let your designer know that you need additional help, or, if you know what's wrong, how they can help!
You need to have a good working relationship, to understand each other well, and to constantly communicate to make sure the graphics that are produced are perfect for your business. Beginning the process with someone with whom you are comfortable, cooperating throughout the process and communicating effectively will provide the right solution for your professional face to your customers.
Both Mike Selvon & Erin Ferree are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Mike Selvon has sinced written about articles on various topics from Camping, Allergies and Personal Desktop. We offer a free graphic design audio gift. Learn more about the at our portal, and drop us a note at our. Mike Selvon's top article generates over 450000 views. to your Favourites.
Erin Ferree has sinced written about articles on various topics from Online Marketing, About Branding and Search Engine Marketing. Erin Ferree is a brand identity and marketing design strategist who creates big visibility for small businesses. Through her customized marketing and brand identity packages, Erin helps her clients design effective websites that help them extend their bra. Erin Ferree's top article generates over 49500 views. to your Favourites.