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What Is Graphic Design?

Graphic design is a presentation of ideas through visual and textual content.  It is a form of communication that includes images, photos, words, shapes, or graphics and can be in physical form (printed) or virtual (online).  Graphic design is found everywhere and can be as large as a company’s billboard, or as small as the design on a cereal box.  Graphic design is used for commercial, cultural, political, and educational purposes.  Common uses include logos and branding for corporations, editorial design for magazines, newspapers and books, advertising, web design, packaging, and signage.

Based on five design principles – balance, hierarchy, contrast, repetition, and alignment – graphic design merges creativity with strategy to find a balance between aesthetics and function.  Graphic design helps to sell a product or idea or services. It is used to identify products or elements of a company’s identity or brand using colors, images, packaging and text.  Graphic design can be found in the entertainment industry in the opening and closing credits of a film, and in intermediatery programs. Graphic design can be seen on t-shirts, as the background to news stories, in newspapers and on the covers of books and magazines, and in digital or physical museum displays.  Graphic design is art with a purpose and involves an artistic way to achieve specific objectives or solve a problem.

Although creativity and artistic ability is a prerequisite to succeed as a graphic designer, attending a college or university, enrolling in a private design school or studying online and earning a degree is required by most employers.

Graphic design uses a variety of electronic and print media, layout, and color theory, photography, and animation to effectively communicate a concept or message to an audience. So, coursework learned in a college program is essential to staying on-top of new techniques, software, and advances in the industry.  Coursework in most graphic design programs includes introduction to visual arts, foundations in 2D and 3D, digital photography, graphic design concepts, graphic design history, art orientation, collaborative process, new media, packaging design.

Students will also be exposed to software programs, which may include Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop, InDesign, and other painting and graphic design tools which are easily operatable.

Of course, keep in mind that the kind of job a designer has his or her eyes set on will probably determine whether or not a degree is necessary. If a designer is opting to freelance, a degree may or may not be necessary, as a body of work and strong portfolio are usually all that matters. However, if a designer is planning to enter the corporate world, a large company or in-house design team, or work for many (most) advertising agencies, a degree will prove beneficial, and many employers in these settings will require a designer to have a degree.  Unfortunately, without a degree in these situations, you may be disqualified for a job without ever getting the chance to interview.

Graphic design is a competitive field to enter, so any type of experience you can show in additional to your college degree will help you stand out. Completing one or more internships is an integral part of your education. An internship gives you the opportunity to apply the knowledge you have acquired thus far to real-life graphic design projects. You work under the supervision of an experienced designer while being involved with a project from the initial concept phase to final completion. Volunteer work and part-time or temporary jobs are additional ways to earn valuable industry experience.

People working in various sectors as a graphic designers have following roles and responsibilities

Art Directors

Working as an art director typically requires several years of experience as a graphic designer. In this role, you oversee a creative team that is responsible for the visual design of a project for movies, video games, product packaging, advertisements, or anything else that the client specifies.

Craft & Fine Artists

Someone who works as a craft artist makes objects by hand, such as glassware and pottery. Fine artists, which includes sculptors, painters, and illustrators, design pieces for aesthetic rather than practical value. Both types of artists earn a living by selling their original work.

Desktop Publishers

People in this role design the layout for various types of print and electronic media using specialized computer programs. These may include newspapers, magazines, brochures, and client websites.

Drafters

Drafters work closely with architects and engineers to convert their paper and pencil designs to technical drawings. Individuals in this occupation can select to offer their services to all industries or specialize in mechanical, engineering, civil, or architectural drafting work.

Industrial Designers

Industrial designers work in teams to create initial design concepts for everyday products like automobiles and household goods. They need to have an artistic nature as well as strong business and engineering skills to create safe and useful products. Some of the factors that industrial designers take into consideration when developing and designing a new product include appearance, function, usefulness, and cost of production.

Multimedia Designers

People employed in this industry produce visual effects and computer animation for movies, television shows, and video games. Animation brings cartoon characters to life while special visual effects enhance the viewer or user’s experience by making it seem more realistic to them.

Web Developers

Website developers plan and create images to place on a website in addition to planning for the placement of text. Clients also rely on web developers to ensure the ongoing performance of their website once it has gone live. This includes gathering user metrics, monitoring access issues, and ensuring a fast connection speed to enhance user experience.