Introduction
When you decide to become a graphic designer, you should acquaint yourself with what the position entails. Graphics designers, also known as graphic artists, create visual concepts, usually by computer software, to educate, entertain, or captivate consumers. They combine art and technological tools to develop an idea which becomes the overall layout of a website, brochure, magazines, campaigns, reports, and many more. In addition, they deploy different design elements to create an aesthetic and artistic effect. In this article, we shall look at the Graphics Designer Job Description, their duties, and common roles.
Job Description– Graphics Designer
Graphics designers create visual concepts through the use of technological tools to communicate messages. They incorporate visual and written elements – images and texts – to create an artistic vision that spreads information to the audience. To produce a creative piece, graphic designers work with several design elements such as typography, color, shape, texture, image, and many more.
Besides, they craft and develop the overall layout that suits visual concepts such as posters, brochures, page covers, logos, billboards, bus wraps, etc. The role of graphic designers varies as a result of the position they hold in an organization. Many specialize in a particular field such as motion graphics, print media, logo designs, and so on.
Who Is A Graphic Designer?
Graphic designers create visual concepts that pass information to the audience. Whether it is for education, entertainment, or storytelling, the visual concepts communicate the intended message. To achieve this purpose, graphic designers incorporate several elements such as images, shapes, color, line, texture, and more into the art piece.
Here, the graphic designer creatively employs these design elements with digital tools to create compelling visuals that captivate, inspire, or educate the audience. Besides, they work with a client to develop designs that suit the intended purpose. They partner with other specialists such as writers, animators, artists, marketers, business analysts, programmers, and other creative professionals to achieve this.
Also, graphic designers are critical thinkers who focus on solving communication tasks through visual arts. They think critically and devise ploys innovatively to achieve an artistic and communicative purpose. Finally, they focus on using digital tools, including software, on spreading a message that fits the needs and desires of a client or consumer.
Graphic designers work in different ways that suit them. While some work for a particular organization and create designs for them, others work for an agency or freelancers to create various clients’ designs. It all depends on the designer’s goals, needs, motives, or intentions.
Also, graphic designers work on varieties of things depending on the role they perform in an organization. While some specialize in a particular area, others can be brilliant in many areas. The main goal is to create a concept that fits the needs of the client or consumer. Hence, a graphic designer can take on various roles such as logo designer, brand identity developer, visual journalist, art director, web designer, and many more.
What Do Graphics Designers Do?
Graphic designers perform varieties of functions. They combine art and digital tools to communicate messages through images, cover designs, and printed pages. Besides, they develop layouts for visual concepts such as brochures, magazines, pamphlets, reports, graffiti, and many more. They work with images and texts. To do this, they select the type, font, size, color, headline, lines of a text, shape, or space.
Besides, they partner with other professionals to create a design that fits the idea it stands for. For instance, they can work with writers to choose the appropriate linguistic item that fits a design. Or they can work with marketers, advertisers, or public relations to create a design that suits a specific objective.
Having a graphic designer is crucial for any organization operating in a digital world today. Graphic designers help to create brand awareness, advertisement, or to raise a campaign. They communicate messages that captivate consumers through physical or virtual art forms. Besides, they perform duties that make an organization prominent and reputable to the outside world. Therefore, as a graphic designer, one has to think critically to solve a communicative task that requires an artistic and visual answer.
Graphic Designers Duties
Graphic designers perform some core responsibilities in any organization. Below are some of the responsibilities outlined for you.
- Design any media concepts such as websites, brochures, magazines, books, page covers, logos, pamphlets, reports, etc.
- Combine arts with technology, including computer software programs such as Adobe suite – Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, etc.
- Liaise with clients to understand their needs and create a design that suits them.
- Create drafts for reviews to clients and make changes based on feedback
- Select the appropriate colors, typography, image, and layout for visual concepts
- Communicate with clients and advise them on strategies that can achieve the desired results
- Review designs for anomalies or errors, publishing or printing them
- Become acquainted with the latest designs, trends, and digital tools
- Partners with other professionals such as marketers, sales, business analysts, writers to create an appropriate design for the project
Common Roles of a Graphic designer
Graphic Designers perform many roles in an organization. However, they can specialize in a particular field such as:
- Art Director – Manages production artists and other professionals to ensure that they complete a project on time.
- Art Production Manager – Coordinates efforts that deals with the production of artistic designs while improving efficiency and reducing costs
- Brand Identity Developer – Employs different design elements (color, fonts, texts, and more) to create an image that fits a brand.
- Creative Director – Makes important creative decisions and oversees artistic concepts such as advertisement, logos, events, etc.
- Broadcast Designer – Produces graphic design for media and entertainment industries such as television channels and more.
- Logo Designer – Produces visual brand image for a company
- Visual Journalist – combines images, texts, and other design elements to convey meaning
- Visual Image Developer – Produces designs and images through photography, 3D modeling, and more
- Package Designer – Designs the looks of a product to make it attractive to customers
- Interface Designer – Designs interface for computerized devices such as mobile devices, electronic devices, computers, and more
- Web Designer – creates or designs websites
- Multimedia Developer – Combines artistic and technical skills to create multimedia products.
Type Of Companies That Hire Graphic Designers
Different organizations need to promote their products and services. Hence, the need for graphic designers arises. Graphic designers work in various industries. Some of them include:
- Manufacturing Industries: Manufacturing industries require graphic designers to promote their products and services. They help to design products that will captivate and compel customers that will eventually purchase them. Besides, they help develop campaigns to raise brand awareness and its image to fit the target audience.
- Advertising Industries: Advertising Industries require graphic designers to create compelling designs that will achieve their goals. Based on their areas of expertise, these designers collaborate with other professionals to create compelling designs that will achieve positive results.
- Internet and Software Companies: These companies require graphic designs for their audience. Why? Target markets don’t understand codes and their functions unless they see visual or written elements interpreting such concepts.
- Broadcasting Companies: Broadcasting companies require to create ads, video clips, title sequences that will make them reputable. Besides, it attracts more viewers to their shows and channels.
- Corporate Branding: Corporate organizations require graphic designs to maintain their image to the outside world. Besides, they are used for other purposes such as marketing, public relations, revenue generation, and many more.
How Much Do Graphic Designers Make?
According to Payscale, the annual average salary for the position is $46,461, including perks and bonuses. However, this pay range depends on the experience of the graphic designers. For instance, entry-level graphic designers earn an average of $39,395 per year, including bonuses and tips. Meanwhile, a mid-level graphic designer makes an average of $50,000 per year. Finally, an experienced graphic designer earns about $53,000 per year, including several compensations.
Qualities Of Good Graphic Designers
Graphic designers should possess some specific qualities to make them outstanding in their field. Some of these qualities include:
- Analytical Skills – A graphic designer should understand a client’s needs and craft designs to convey the appropriate message.
- Artistic Ability – Graphic designers should be able to craft creative and appealing designs for the consumers. But, first, they can create rough sketches for the clients and make changes based on the clients’ feedback.
- Communicative Skills – Good graphic designers should communicate with the client to understand and create what he needs. Besides, he should communicate effectively with other professionals to create designs that will achieve a specified objective.
- Computer Skills – An excellent graphic designer must know how to operate specific digital tools. Besides, he should be current with the latest software and other technologies that make a design creative.
- Time-Management Skills – An excellent graphic designer must be able to work on multiple projects and observe the specified deadlines
Common Skills Graphic Designers Should Possess
For an individual to be called a graphic designer, he needs to possess specific skills to make him stand out in his career. Some of these popular skills include:
- Adobe Photoshop
- Adobe Illustrator
- Adobe InDesign
- Graphic Design
- Web Design
Qualifications
For an individual to work as a graphic designer, he needs to have some specific requirements. A bachelor’s degree in graphics design or a related field is required in the area of education. If a bachelor’s degree cannot be attained, he can enroll in different programs that relate to design. For instance, the National Association of School of Arts and Designs accredits several design programs in over 360 learning institutions.
These design programs consist of courses relating to studio art, computerized designs, printing techniques, commercial graphics production, and more. These programs empower students to create a portfolio that shows their artistic style and prowess. Besides, it increases their chances of getting employed as employers consider a designer’s portfolio before hiring decisions.
Other Experience and Certifications
Without a bachelor’s degree in graphics design, one can still work as a graphics designer. By enrolling in the design mentioned above programs, one can become a graphic designer by participating in an internship program. Here, one acquires the skills that make him fit for the position.
Also, certification programs, software product vendors, or online classes can enable an individual to acquire the skills needed for the position. By taking practical courses through online courses like Coursera, Udemy, LinkedIn Learning, EdX, you can improve the skills that will help you in the position.
Frequently Asked Questions
- To Become A Graphics Designer, What Skills Are Required?
Graphics design entails creating eye-catching visual content to convey a message. Hence, an individual must experience some design elements such as color theory, web design, typography, shape, and more. You also have to be proficient in using some design software such as Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign. Besides, you have to be flexible and meet specific deadlines. Finally, please communicate with your clients to understand and meet their needs. Be ready to accept criticism as well, as it will help you in the career prospect.
- How Can I Take A Stand In The Industry?
Getting a BA in graphics design gives you a soft landing. However, that is not the only way to take a stand in the industry. You can acquire certifications that will improve your skills, especially by specializing in the Adobe Creative Suite.
- What Do I Need To Stay Ahead In This Position?
Graphics Design entails thinking critically to develop designs that meet the target demand. Therefore, you need to keep your design skills sharp by practicing regularly and applying different techniques. Also, keep yourself updated with the latest designs, trends, and digital tools that craft artistic style in your designs.
