There are many jobs available in the Web industry. There are also alternatives to being a web designer, such as -
- Web writers – people who write logs and are supported by advertisers
- Web reviewers – people who write reviews of movies or books and post them.
- Running your own Web site- people do this especially as it relates to another interest of theirs.
- Freelance Web Designers – people who set up web sites for others on a freelance basis.
Graphic Designers
Graphic designers learn how to construct a message in a visual way and present it successfully. Graphic Designers are the link between the client and the audience. They work with their clients to get a clear understanding of the content and the purpose of the message. They then consider their audience, often with the assistance of market researchers. A design concept is then chosen and the designers work with many other professionals to create the final product.
Jobs in graphic design combine art and technology. People use graphic design when they have a message they wish to communicate. The goal of graphic art is to attract attention and be pleasing. Whether it be in advertising, entertainment, or persuasion, people often want to communicate something without using words, but rather by using a visual communication of some sort. They are the ones who create these visual communications, which can take many forms, such as posters, album covers, magazine ads, business logos, billboards, T-shirts, and candy wrappers. They also create packaging, promotional displays, and marketing brochures for merchandise.
Graphic designers start with the preparation of the sketches or a layout, done by hand or by computer. This layout gives their full vision for the eventual design. The designer shows colors, artwork, sound, animation, photography, type style, charts, graphs, and any other visual elements that will be incorporated into the end product.
Graphic designers use specialized computer software packages. These designers work can work with pictures that are drawings, paintings, photographs, or even computer-generated images. These designers also design various typefaces as well that can be found in movie credits, ads, book jackets, menus, etc.
Where/ How Graphic Designers work
Those Graphic designers who are employed by large advertising firms, publishing companies, or design firms usually work normal hours. Designers who work in smaller consulting firms or those who do freelance work generally work on a contract, or per job, basis. They adjust the workday to accommodate their clients’ schedules. These consultants and self-employed designers generally work longer hours. Of all graphic designers in the US, about 25% are self-employed and many do freelance work on top of their full-time job.
Graphic designers hold just under 300, 000 jobs in the US. Most graphic designers work in specialized design services. This can be in – advertising, newspapers, magazines, books, and directory publishing companies. Other designers work for computer systems design firms or motion picture production firms. Here are also some designers who work in engineering services or for management, technical, and scientific, consulting firms.
Entry- level positions in Graphic Design
The job market for Graphic Designers is turning out to be quite competitive.
This is because many talented individuals are interested in careers as graphic designers. Entry-level graphic designers usually get on-the-job training and it generally takes between one and three years of training before advancement. Remember when starting out - an online copyeditor works in the Web field. It is not exactly a Web Designer, but it can be a start. Graphic designers in large firms may become to chief designers, creative or art directors, or any of many other supervisory positions.
Although it appears that many companies have gone to outsourcing their graphic design work, it seems that most high-level graphic design jobs are remaining in the U.S. and will continue to do so, since it is important to have the designers in close proximity to their clients.
A bachelor’s degree is necessary for most entry-level and advanced graphic design positions. Knowledge of computer design software, Web site design and animation experience have the best chances of finding a job in this field. Some entry-level technical positions require only an associate degree.
Skills companies are looking for in a graphic designer -
- Proficiency in computer graphics and design software.
- Post-secondary training in graphic design
- Creativity
- Communication
- Problem-solving skills
- Writing skills
- An eye for details
- Sales ability
- Self-discipline
- are well read, yet open to new ideas
- are quick to react to changing trends
- have the ability to work independently and under pressure
- are able to work within deadline constraints
