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graphic design article
Do you
have an interest in art, computers and problem solving? If so, graphic design
might be the career path for you.
But What is Graphic Design?
Graphic design basically is visual problem solving using text and/or
graphical elements. Your aim is to create something that is pleasing to the
eye, and gets the attention of the viewer. But things can't just look cool.
They have to work as well.
How effective is a great looking restaurant menu if you graphic design article
can't for the life of
you find beverages, or it's hard to tell which price is for what? ; )
About.com defines it this way:
"Graphic design is the process and art of combining text and graphics and
communicating an effective message in the design of logos, graphics, brochures,
newsletters, posters, signs, and any other type of visual communication.
Today's graphic designers often use desktop publishing software and techniques
to achieve their goals."
Dictionary.com says this:
"The practice or profession of designing print or electronic forms of
visual information, as for an advertisement, publication, or website."
The Scope of this Industry...
So what do graphic designers actually do? I'm sure most people can name at
least a few things, but the graphic design spectrum is perhaps broader than you
think.
Designs can include: brochures, posters, magazine covers, magazine layout,
tickets, business cards, T-shirts, signs, logos, book layout (typesetting),
importing advertisements into a newspaper, websites, cd covers, dvd
interactivity elements, Internet banners, flash animation, web interfaces,
Powerpoint presentations, and more.
So what can YOU expect? Some employers will have a very specific and narrow
job description, and some will want you to do a whole load of stuff. Often an
in-house graphic designer (meaning a non design company will hire someone to do
their graphic design article
design rather than
work with a company) will be the jack of all trades. You might expect to create
the website, brochures, a poster for an upcoming event, and prepare powerpoint presentations. And then there is the other end of
the spectrum where your entry level job for the first 2 years is scanning
photos for Auto Trader Magazine, and placing them into the layout. It all
depends on who is hiring, and what they want.
Where Can I Go From Here?
There are quite a
few options these days. One of the best ways though is through reading. One
book you might want to consider is:
Also contact local colleges and trade schools
about careers in graphic design. Request information regarding their
courses/degree programs, and you start getting a better idea of what graphic
design is all about. You can check out some schools and
colleges across
You can even get a graphic design article degree online through The Art Institute
Online. Also if you
know anyone that is in the graphic design field, try and get them to take you
along to observe for a day. This can give you a good idea of what to expect.
Go For It... : )
Graphic design is a
very exciting career to enter into. You'll often be working with cutting edge
technology, using your creativity, and having fun doing it. If you pay
attention to detail, are patient, creative, and like solving problems, then you
are well on your way. What is graphic design? It's a creative career that
finally rewards you for all of those doodles you'd make during class.