The graphic designing job is ideal for a person who is good are drawing and has creative instinct- one who loves to work with graphics and colors. As a graphic designer one needs to design website layouts, brochures, advertisements, software user interfaces, logos, banners and more. They might also be required to do image editing or creating graphics. A graphic designer may specialize in one or more jobs. Those at a senior position also need to meet various clients to discuss project details. As a team lead one is required to handle additional team management activities like work allocation, explaining project requirements, approving leaves and maintaining discipline. Further, they might also need to conduct trainings and attend seminars.
Graphic designers should have good knowledge about different types of software that is used for designing purpose. If the clients feel that the designs need modification, then the designer should modify, edit or revise the design as per the client's suggestions. The graphic designer is also responsible to complete all the assigned work within the given time frame. They are also supposed to learn new graphic software programs which also help in career advancement.
Requirements
Academic
For a successful graphic designer, a Bachelor's degree in multimedia designing from an accredited college is a must. However, there are some positions that require only associate degree. You can join a private computer training institute and get a relevant certificate in designing. If you know programming too, it will be an added advantage. Other relevant educational programs that are the foundation of web designing include programs focusing on graphics, design and layout. A graphic designer is also required to know about web design standards and other design and usability guidelines to ensure they do quality work. Knowledge of Adobe Photoshop, Flash, Fireworks, CorelDraw, XHTML, HTML, JavaScript, is necessary.
Skill sets
- Good communication and interpersonal skills are required as one needs to work in a team
- Documentation abilities help in making and understanding project proposals
- Public speaking is required in order to conduct training sessions
- Management abilities are needed to manage the team well
- Decision making abilities help in taking project decisions
- Research skills to learn about latest in designing industry
- Time management skills to help meet deadlines
- Attention to detail helps create flawless graphic work
- Ability to understand client requirements and design accordingly
- Flexible enough to work on various projects with different clients
Normally one to three years of work experience is required before a person gets promoted to higher position in the firm. Promotion can be to any one of the following positions: chief designer, art or creative designer. Teaching is also one good option for the graphic designers to start their career. They can join the teaching organizations and also open their private consultation to earn side income. If an individual has confidence in himself then he can also opt to open his own private firm for graphic designing. This is a talent oriented field and the person can grow as much he wants if he has sufficient talent and determination to succeed in life.
Employment Outlook
Career prospects (globally) and Salaries
With the advancing technology, there is severe competition in the market. Graphic design field is growing at a rapid pace and more and more young individuals are attracted to make career in this field. Studies have shown that the employment opportunities for the position of graphic design are increasing at a speed of about 10% every year. With such huge growth rate, the graphic design job has become the most demanding and reputed job in the world.
The salary for the graphic design jobs are variable and depend on the experience of the candidate. For the fresher the salary is approximately $ 30,000$ to $40,000. With experience it can be between $50,000 to $75,000 per annum. Thereon as the experience level increases, the salary range also increases.
The field of web designing gives way to a number of diverse career options. The initial jobs are those of assistant designers or freelance artists leading to project managers and thereon creative directors.
