Graphic Designer – Career Perspective

Graphic Designers create and offer visible animations, arts, designs and imagery to portray and communicate information, data or ideas to inspire and attract consumers.  They breathe magic into ideas and help bring out the characteristics which the brand wants to portray to the target customers. Graphic designers works side by side with the client to develop and get across the brand message in form of story telling through images.

In the current era of visual advertising and subliminal messaging, graphic design is a growing industry. Graphic designers are most sought after and are employed at a large number of graphic design firms and advertising agencies who are employed by corporate for brand building and development.

Some corporates also house inhouse graphic designers and work solely on the company’s brand activities.  Graphic designers also find offers at publications, print media, website development, FMCG companies, restaurants and food industry.

Freelancing is also a very popular method to build your portfolio and showcase your work. Freelancers can be self-employed and do their work at various projects; or; can be employed at various firms and do freelance activity on part time or weekend basis. Freelancers have the option of choosing the projects they would want to associate with; but also involves searching for their own projects and clients, which can be difficult at the beginning but rewarding once he/she can establish a name in the industry.

Typical work-day:

 

A graphic designers work day typically involves:

• Meeting clients to understand the scope of the work
• Interact with art director to finalise a brief.
• Create designs using  hues, imagery, text, logos to breathe life into the idea
• Use mix of hand drawings and computer animation / design software to create images.Create the desired design and discuss with seniors/clients about the suitability of the output to the client requirement
• Incorporate suggested changes into the final design
• Coordinate the printing and publishing process

Skill Requirement:

 

Technically, anyone with design skills can become a graphic designer, regardless of their education.However, graphic design firms often mandate formal education in the field of design/graphics and animation to ensure the student / candidate has knowledge of the basic skill set and software to be able to work as per the latest industry standards. A Post Graduate Diploma or a Master Diploma gives the requisite base to ensure that the student is industry ready.

Listed below are the basic competencies of a graphic designer:

• Artistic ability
• Computer skills
• Good visualization
• Time management
• Good communication skills
• Creativity
• Team spirit

Employment Opportunities:

Graphic designers can work as logo designers, media advert designers, web and related designers, photo-shoot and photography-related editors, publication artists, magazine layout illustrators, multimedia companies or art directors. They are usually employed at the below type of firms:

• Ad agencies
• Marketing firms
• Web designing
• Printing and publishing
• Commercial packaging
• Design studios
• TV and film company
• Training institutions