Graphic Designer |
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Career Overview A graphic designer produces visual solutions to communicate messages for their clients. Most work is two-dimensional and used within a range of media, including advertising campaigns, book covers, magazines, posters, corporate communications and websites. Some designers work on three-dimensional designs, such as product packaging, exhibitions and displays. |
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Work ActivitiesThe role may involve managing more than one design brief at a time, allocating the relevant amount of time according to the value of the job. Typical work activities include: ♣ Meeting clients or account managers to discuss the business objectives and requirements of the job ♣ Interpreting the client's business needs and developing a concept to suit their purpose ♣ Estimating time taken to complete work and providing quotes for clients ♣ Developing design briefs by gathering information and data through research ♣ Thinking creatively to produce new ideas and concepts ♣ Using innovation to redefine a design brief within the constraints of cost and time ♣ Presenting finalised ideas and concepts to clients or account managers ♣ Working with a wide range of media, including photography and computer-aided design (CAD) ♣ Keeping abreast of developments in IT, particularly design programmes such as Quark Xpress, FreeHand, Illustrator, Photoshop, 3D Studio, Acrobat, Director, Dreamweaver and Flash ♣ Working as part of a team with printers, copywriters, photographers, other designers, account executives, web developers and marketing specialists. Entry requirementsAlthough this area of work is open to all graduates, a degree in the following subjects will increase your chances: ♣ Graphic design ♣ Illustration ♣ 3-D design ♣ Fine art ♣ Visual art ♣ Photography ♣ Film/television ♣ Communication design. Any design-based course will give you a good grounding and knowledge of design/art history, printing techniques, etc. A pre-entry postgraduate qualification is not needed. Pre-entry experience is desirable and work or placement experience is extremely useful, especially if you have a reference to support it. Gaining experience of a live project during your work experience will be the most valuable. Apart from the obvious technical and drawing skills, potential candidates will need to show evidence of the following ♣ Accuracy, attention to detail and analytical skills ♣ Enthusiasm ♣ Self-discipline ♣ Flexibility ♣ Patience ♣ Excellent communication skills to interpret and negotiate a brief with a client ♣ Good presentation skills and the confidence to explain and sell ideas to clients and colleagues ♣ Negotiation and influencing skills ♣ Time-management and the ability to multi-task ♣ The ability to work as a member of a team in a competitive culture. |
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TrainingMost learning is on the job, except for formal training in industry-specific software. As a graphic designer, you will need to be skilled in using a variety of packages, such as Quark Xpress, FreeHand, and Illustrator, Photoshop, 3D Studio Max, Acrobat, Director, Dream weaver and Flash. Those involved in media design may be required to learn about TV special effects systems. Some employers will fund participation on training courses, but many freelance and self-employed designers self-fund. There may be part-time study opportunities in software, but most graphic designers learn new skills in-house to meet the demands of a particular project. Learning will continue throughout your career in order to keep up to date with new advancements in graphic technology. ♣ Level 1 - for students and new graduates ♣ Level 2 - for junior and middle designers ♣ Level 3 - for directors, partners and those with 10 + years' experience, whether self-employed or salaried. |
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Related jobs♣ Advertising art director ♣ Animator ♣ Illustrator ♣ Multimedia specialist ♣ Photographer ♣ Rintmaker |
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