Masters of the visual art, graphic designers convey important information to people through the combination of typography, visual arts and layout. Through these three, they spread ideas and messages with more impact in less time than might be achieved with text alone.
Graphic design in many ways dictates the way we see this world. Just a quick visit to the high street of any town or city will bring home this fact. Commercial businesses advertise with well recognised symbols and logos. Instructions are conveyed, such as speed limits on signs and the availability of disabled parking. Even hazards to be avoided may be conveyed with warning signs.
The work of graphic designers is diverse and examples of their work can be found in:
- Signs
- Logos
- Advertisements
- Billboards
- Vehicle Livery
- Comic Books
- Computer programmes
- And many others.
What skills does a Graphic Designer need?
In many ways, graphic designers, like other artists, are born not made. While training and effort are essential, they can’t make up for a lack of talent or interest. The good news is that is has never been easier to try out graphic design for yourself to see if you may possibly have the means to develop this lucrative skill set for yourself. Naturally, graphic designers must have a great sense for compelling art but also have the ability to convey an image clearly. For example, companies hiring a designer to create a logo for them want something that will give immediate brand recognition above all things.
While the most obvious skills for a graphic designer may once have been simple art skills, like drawing and painting, increasingly in this digital age, it is far more essential for designers to possess strong IT skills to make use of the powerful image creation software used by professionals. The ability to use programs like Adobe Photoshop is essential to the toolkit of all aspiring designers. Nevertheless, with the use of graphic tablets, allowing artist to transfer their pen-strokes into pixels, good hand eye co-ordination is great.
What Qualifications do Graphic Designers Need?
Graphic designing isn’t a profession restricted by qualifications, such as becoming a teacher or a pilot for example. There is no mandatory qualification required to work as one. Whether a Graphic designer works freelance or for a steady employer, what bosses and clients tend to want to see is a portfolio of prior work demonstrating the capability of the designer and their skills. This makes building a strong resume of prior work a first priority.
Courses and qualifications in graphics design do exist and are offered from a range of institutions. While these are not necessarily required to work in the industry, they do offer both the opportunity to develop professional skills and recognition that may give you a professional advantage. A degree or equivalent qualification may be an imposed requirement for positions by certain large employers or professional organisations. However, it is not a requirement to get started in the profession, and may for many be considered a long term goal that can be well supported by paid work as a graphic designer in the interim.
Wondering if you have what it takes to become a professional graphic designer? ADL’s graphic design course is an ideal starting point for anyone with an interest in the profession whether in a hobby or professional capacity.
