Have you ever seen a really cool advertisement or website and wondered who designed it? Chances are, it was a graphic designer! But what does a graphic designer do, exactly? Let’s find out.
What does a graphic designer do? In this post, we’ll give you an overview of what the job entail and what kind of skills you need to be successful in the field. So whether you’re just starting out your career journey or simply want to know more about graphic design, read on!
What Does a Graphic Designer Do?
Graphic designers are responsible for the layouts and images in newspapers, magazines product packaging, and websites. They create logos, illustrations, and other designs that communicate a message or tell a story. Graphic designers work closely with other professionals, such as marketing specialists and writers, to create a unified message for a company or product.
Many graphic designers have a bachelor’s degree in graphic design or a related field. Many also have experience in the field before they start their formal education. Graphic designers use a wide range of software, so they need to be proficient in at least a few of them, such as Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator.
What does a graphic designer do? Overall, graphic designers are responsible for creating visually appealing and effective designs. Graphic designers must be skilled in graphic design software, as well as have creative, collaborative problem-solving, and critical thinking skills. In order to succeed in this field, they must also stay up-to-date on current trends and technologies in graphic design (like visual design elements and principles, typography).
What Does a Graphic Designer Do? List of Everyday Tasks
What does a graphic designer do in details? List of everyday tasks of a graphic designer may include:
- creating logos of brands, illustrations, and other designs that communicate a message or tell a story;
- creating visual concepts of an advertisement, billboard, etc.;
- collaborating with marketing specialists and writers to develop unified communications for products or companies;
- utilizing graphic design software such as Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator to create high-quality images and layouts;
- working with printers and publishers to ensure that finished products meet all specifications;
- brainstorming with clients, web developers, or other team members to develop creative solutions;
- researching current trends in design to ensure that work is fresh and relevant;
- staying up-to-date on design trends, new software and technology developments that could improve workflow;
- presenting ideas and designs to clients or team members for feedback;
- revising designs based on feedback from clients or colleagues.
How to Become a Graphic Designer?
There are a few key steps you need to take if you want to start a career as a graphic designer. Here they are:
- Get the proper education and training. This is perhaps the most important step in becoming a graphic designer. You need to have the proper education and training in order to be successful in this field. There are many different types of graphic design programs available, so be sure to choose one that fits your interests and skills.
- Gain plenty of experience by working as an intern or a freelancer. In order to be successful in this field, you need to gain plenty of experience through internships or short-term projects. This will allow you to get a feel for the work and learn the ropes from professionals.
- Stay up to date with the latest trends. Graphic design is an ever-changing field, so it’s important to stay current with the latest trends. This can be done by reading design blogs and magazines, attending conferences and seminars, or taking online courses.
- Be prepared to hustle. Graphic design is a competitive field, so you need to be prepared to hustle in order to land the best jobs. This means being proactive and networking as much as possible.
- Have a strong portfolio. When you’re applying for jobs or pitching to clients, it’s important to have a strong portfolio that showcases your best work. Make sure to include a variety of projects, both personal and professional, in order to demonstrate your range as a designer and your design skills.
Types of Graphic Designers
What does a graphic designer do when it comes to specialization? As a result of the global expansion of technology over the past few decades, there are many specialized graphic design fields. Some popular types of graphic designers include print design, web design, motion graphics, and 3D design.
- Print Design: print designers are responsible for creating visual materials that will be printed on paper or another substrate. This could include anything from magazines and newspapers to billboards and product packaging. Print designers must have a strong understanding of print production processes and how to create designs that are both visually appealing and can be printed successfully.
- Web Design: web designers specialize in creating websites, digital interfaces, and other interactive elements for online or internet-based platforms. They must have a solid grasp of web development languages such as HTML, CSS, and JavaScript to be able to create engaging user experiences that will compel users to interact with their platform.
- Motion Graphics: motion graphics designers use their graphic design skills to create animations and other engaging visual content for television, movies, video games, and other digital media. They must be able to storyboard their concepts. They may work with sound and video editors to create a final product that is both entertaining and visually appealing.
- 3D Design: 3D designers create three-dimensional images and animations that can be used for a variety of purposes, such as product design, architectural visualization, and video game development. 3D graphic designers often work with specialized software to create realistic or stylized three-dimensional objects and environments.
Graphic Design Job Outlook and Salary
Graphic design is a booming field, with many opportunities for new graduates and experienced professionals. With the internet playing an increasingly larger role in our lives, more and more businesses, advertising agencies, and design firms are looking for talented graphic designers to create compelling visual content. This can include anything from websites to advertisements to logos.
A median annual salary for a graphic designer was $50,710 in 2021, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
What does a graphic designer do? If you find the answer interesting, then graphic design may be a right career path for you!
