The Beginners Guide To Graphics Design

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Introduction

Your interest is certainly caught by the many graphic images and designs

in different advertisements in print, television and the Internet. You may

notice that all products are coming up with the best and most attention

catching designs and visuals to help attract the attention of people,

particularly of prospective consumers.

If you ever wonder about the talents that made the visually appealing

materials, then you must brace yourself to get to know the world of

graphics designers. Graphics designers are the creative experts behind all

the ads and visual plugs being posted in print, billboard, television and

the Internet. The person is responsible for the interesting images on

pictures or moving graphics in videos.

In the past, graphics designers' works rely heavily on creativity. But

because times have changed, graphics designers are now provided with

many graphic aids and tools. However, graphic designers can either

consider those as a boon or as a bane.

Modern computer software and tools are spread out across the market to

help complement the talents, skills and creativity of graphics designers.

However, because of the significant number of those aids, the graphic

designers are now confused on which to choose. Different graphic

designing tools are also taking edges over each other. Thus, a graphic

designer may be at a dilemma because a software may contain features

he needs, while the other services can be found at another graphic

designing program.

If you aim to be a graphics designer in the future, you would need to

remember that it is graphics designers' responsibility to present

information and content in ways that would be accessible and at the same

time very much appealing to the public. Graphics designers usually

produce designs to promote clients' products and services. The world of

advertising is really competitive, so graphic designs must always be more

appealing if not as effective as the currently rolled out.

The demanding taste and preference of the viewing public is also a cause

of concern for graphics designers. These creative experts must know the

target audience and must determine which strategies and styles would

best work for the intended public. Thus, graphics designers are advised to

earn diplomas or degrees from academic institutions and learning centers

that are known to produce experts for such job tasks.

Just like journalists, graphics designers are also advised to develop

through time their own working and output portfolio. Such compiled

materials would highlight the talent and creative capacity. Potential clients

and employers usually check out such portfolios to initially gauge the

skills and expertise of a graphic designer.

Portfolios of modern graphic designers are now also modernized. The

sophistication of computer graphics must be reflected on the outputs so

that prospective clients would determine the level of expertise, reliability

and creativity of graphic designers.

Portfolios can be formatted digitally so that immediate access can be

provided to those needing to check the outputs out. In the past, previous

graphic designs must be compiled in black books and binders. Now,

everything can be stored digitally and electronically so that retrieval

would be easily facilitated as long as there is access to computers,

particularly to the Internet.

Such a portfolio system is a demonstration of how graphic designers can

take advantage of the modern and sophisticated tools available through

computer and online media. There is also a clearer and easier point of

comparison.

Businesses, particularly advertisers, are in constant need of graphic

designers. While in the past, companies needed skilled workers, now,

graphic designers are necessities because they do the tasks of effectively

conveying to customers messages and contents necessary for different

business transactions.

The world of marketing, advertising and plain businesses would never do

without graphic designers. Thus, such workers are deemed as among the

most important professionals across all industries. If you aim to become

one, you surely would realize that there are far greater opportunities for

earning.



Graphics Designers' Basic Job Descriptions

Basically, the role of each graphic designer is to facilitate a productive and

creative flow of communication. The conveyance process can be one-way,

when the company conveys an important message to target audience,

and two-way, when the graphics designer is commissioned to facilitate a

flow of communication when the target audience is given the ability and

means to react or provide feedback regarding the conveyed message.

The graphics designer is usually hired by companies to get involved in the

planning, analyzing and of course, designing of a visual communication

strategy. That way, the graphics designer is left to strategize on how the

important message can be conveyed using media like print, motion

picture and of course, the popular electronic or online portals. The

methodology of having the message sent across could be in the form of

animation, photography, illustrations, text content and many more.

In the modern corporate scene, the basic roles of graphic designers are as

follows:

- Layouting print materials like newspapers, corporate brochures,

magazines, reports and journals. Graphic designers are also

commissioned to design visually appealing presentations. Other

materials designed and produced by these professionals are

marketing brochures, promotional displays and logos and packaging

of services and productsFilm graphic designers are responsible for producing the credits


seen at the beginning and at the end of motion pictures, television

shows or any video presentation.

- Graphic designers are employed to enliven content. Illustrations in

books and other printed and published materials are principally

outputs of these experts.

- The computer and creative graphics in television shows and videos,

like video captions and weather forecast maps and illustrations, are

domains of graphic designers.

- Design and layout of Web pages across the online media are

responsibilities of graphic designers. Thus, these materials are

almost always visually appealing. Studies have shown that overall

perception and reception of online users are influenced by how Web

pages appear. Visually appealing ones are almost always well

patronized and often visited by guests.

Thus, it can easily be inferred that there is a wide array of opportunities

posed to the modern graphic designers. There are too many avenues for

creativity and productivity that could be taken by such highly competent

professionals.

However, the graphics designer is also expected to develop an inner

talent in knowing what the target audience would prefer and choose.

Creative outputs would render futile if they are not properly and

appropriately targeted to intended audience. And so like most

communicators, graphics designers must get a grip of what would appeal

and catch attention of prospective clients.

When designing and developing products and services for clients, graphics

designers principally take into consideration the cognitive, social, physical

and cultural factors. Coordination must be established between them and

their paying clients do that intended results and goals could be definitely

set. When needed, graphics designers must also know how to conduct

basic researches to make the proposed outputs even more effective.

Graphic designers must know the audience, first and foremost. As much

as possible basic demographics and characteristics of the target audience

must be put into consideration so that final outputs would surely be

effective. Failure to establish that knowledge would almost always put the

efforts to futility. Ideas not properly and effectively communicated would

be put to waste, equating to higher non-productive expenses for the client

companies.

As a graphics producer, designers are logically and naturally expected to

integrate different elements like artwork, photography, colors, animation,

graphs or charts and even sounds into their outputs. And they should do

this integration in a fashion that would obviously and naturally be

recognized and appreciated by intended audience.

Moreover, graphics designers and copywriters are estranged bed partners

because they must always work with one another to complement each

other. Both would be able to produce and develop their best products

through collaboration and coordination.

On top of all these, graphic designers are expected to be knowledgeable

in every important software needed to make their outputs more

appealing, visually stimulating and effective. It is part of their human

capital and investment to get accustomed and exposed to such

necessities so that their natural talents and creativity would be further

enhanced. However, it is still very basic that graphics designers know the

general and very conventional knowledge and skills of using the old or

traditional methods of producing creative outputs.


Becoming a Graphics Designer: Qualifications

For every profession, of course, there are qualifications that are set to

determine and justify a person's competence to do the required tasks.

Most companies hiring graphics designers want to tap applicants who are

very knowledgeable and are highly reliable on all the technical aspects

pertinent to the graphics-designing job.

Most companies require graphics designers to own a Bachelor's degree to

make sure they would be fit and competent to deliver what are required

by the job. If not a Bachelor's degree, the graphics designers are required

to have at least an Associate degree.

The basic college degree especially designed to provide basic training and

knowledge for graphics designers is Bachelor's of Fine Arts. Such degree

programs are currently being offered at major universities and colleges

around the world. There are public as well as private academic institutions

that are offering such degree programs.

Included courses in the degree programs are design principles, studio art,

computer designing, printing techniques, commercial graphics and Web

site designing. Like most Bachelor's degrees, Fine Arts usually are

accompanied by general electives like psychology, liberal arts, writing, art

history, cultural studies, sociology, marketing and foreign languages. All

these courses are proven to be helpful in broadening the perspective of

graphic designers so that they would be more knowledgeable about other

pertinent subjects that can be potentially useful in designs.

Associate degrees and basic certificates for graphics designing are

providing trainees and students with the just the basics in the tasks.

Usually, such programs are taken within two to three years. many design

schools and centers are operating at major cities all over the world to help

produce and supply designers to the ever growing industries.

Such minor degrees and diplomas are normally tackling just the basic and

technical aspects of graphic designing. Many graphic designers are

holding these degrees because they are more time efficient and are less

costly to acquire. Plus, many companies recognize the effectiveness and

reliability of the knowledge and skills rendered by such designers.

If you are already a degree holder in another discipline, it is still not too

late for you. You could easily pursue a budding career in graphics

designing by taking additional subjects or courses that are basic to the

practice. You must attain the basic knowledge and skills to do the tasks

required by clients.

Aside from these degrees, graphic designers are expected to be highly

proficient in using the modern and sophisticated computer tools for

layouting and graphic designing. Employers always assume that graphic

designers are experts in computer graphics designing, on top of skills on

conventional graphics designing.

Because computers are regularly updating and there are numerous

software for graphics designing, graphic designers need to be constantly

updated about the latest technology in computer aids. Such professionals

must always be adept with the latest software packages that should be

used in making the outputs better and more effective.

On top of all those skills and expertise, the graphics designers first and

foremost, must have inborn and genuine creativity. They must be artful

and must be experts in producing art pieces no matter what media and

tools are used. Creativity is an inborn talent and is developed over time or

since birth. Therefore, not all willing to be graphics designers would be

effective in pursuing such careers. Creativity for some is a God-given

talent; some will be oozing with it while others simply are not blessed

with them.

After all the above qualifications are met, the graphics designers would

again be subjected to a period of training by their respective companies

so that these professionals would be oriented and made more adept at

the basics and demands of the profession. On the job trainings also make

graphics designers attuned with the requirements and the consistent style

maintained by companies. You see, firms have trademark designs and

design characteristics that are almost always made unique to them.

Moreover, basic interest and passion would be a key to success. As

always, sheer talent and skills would not be enough if the professional

would not have enough determination and motivation to make things

work as intended. Proper attitude and working ethics are also needed as

those features would help make the graphics designer be totally effective

and reliable.


Should Graphics Designers be Degree Holders?

As people all know, owning a corresponding degree is very much essential

for professionals. Generally undergraduate and graduate degrees are

considered passports to a profession. For example, doctors must take the

necessary and required degrees to be able to practice their profession. In

the case of graphics designers, a degree in graphics designing is

imperative so that potential employers would be assured that the person

is really qualified and adequately skilled for the profession.

Almost all companies require applicants for the graphics designing

position to present evidences that they are holding appropriate Bachelor’s

or Associate degrees. That is because such firms want to make sure the

applicant would be good enough and would be highly reliable to render

the tough job that would be asked from them.

High school students and young people aiming to enter the industry of

graphics designing should be reminded that they should spend a

significant amount of time and efforts in taking appropriate and

recommended degrees for the job. There are numerous private and public

universities all over the world that are focusing and are making good at

offering degrees and courses for graphics designing.

Degrees from good and highly credible graphics design schools, colleges

and universities are proven to help develop and mold good graphics

designers. To begin with, there are theories and academic principles that

are designed to help beginners and new entrants to graphics designing.

The basic academic electives can also be helpful in making sure the

student would be well adept and knowledgeable about other factors and

subjects that can be of great help in graphics designing.

There are still many people who argue about the need for basic degrees in

graphics designing. Obviously, these people are those who do not possess

enough and appropriate Bachelor’s or Associate degrees for them to fully

practice in the profession. These people insist that common people would

always learn to get on to the job if they are only creative and talented

enough.

Truthfully, such arguments make sense. But through history, experts and

industry practitioners would insist that the best graphics designers are

those who own appropriate and rightful degrees to practice the

profession. To conservationists, there are just too much basic knowledge

imparted by degrees and courses in college that can be helpful to the

practice.

For example, history of art can be of great help for any aspiring graphics

designer. That is because through the subject, the student would be

exposed to the past contemporary arts. Having that exposure can help


any student modify his artistic style. If there would be any designs using

the past and ancient arts, the graphics designer would also likely not

encounter problems.

While others would still argue that real talent, creativity and plain interest

in graphics deigning is all that matter, professionals would assert that lack

of formal and proper discipline and training would prevent anyone from

getting into the industry. Most practitioners very well know that it would

take more before anyone can be recognized as a bonafide and real

graphics designer.

Should graphics designers be degree holders? The answer is a resounding

yes. During these times when competition is really tough and job

demands are really intense, it would significantly help if the graphics

designers would be able to provide all the required documents and

credentials. Talent is not enough, as many would say. Currently, there

should something to be added to talent. And that is sheer college

degrees.

As a matter of fact, most companies all around the world would always

require college degrees when entertaining job applications. For those

firms, owning college degrees would be an effective and sure assurance

that graphics designers would be highly creative, competent and very

much skilled.

If you are aiming to become a good and reliable graphics designer, what

are you waiting for? Move and initiate to earn the necessary degree you

ought to take. Finding such offering at major universities would surely be

not hard.


Currently, graphics designers are one of the most in demand

professionals all around the world. The law of supply and demand states

that when the supply is scarce, prices would rise. In the real world of

graphics designing, the constantly rising demand for graphic artists is

very promising because that means companies would compete to lure

applicants and new graduates though higher compensation.

Available Graphics Design Programs

Almost all popular and successful graphics designers nowadays have one

thing in common: all of them are degree holders. Though arguments are

still lurking about whether earning such degrees are imperative in the

practice, companies are still widely honoring the belief that proper

courses and programs would help make a good and reliable graphics

designer.

Degrees are basically considered passports to practicing graphics

designing. Without proper college and associate degrees advertising and

marketing firms would not provide opportunities even for the most

talented graphics makers. That is because modern working environments

recognize the importance of attaining other useful knowledge. Workers

who are all around are more reliable, smarter and are proven to be more

productive in the long run because they would always use their broad

knowledge base to whatever endeavour they take.

For graphics designers, it would be helpful if they would also hold relevant

exposure to copywriting. Though they need not be expert writers, it would

be useful if they would have the skill to at least have skills in basic editing

and proper usage. Graphics designers are meant to work with copywriters

but there are instances when they have to rely on their own personal

convictions and knowledge about grammar.

Owning a Bachelor’s degree is also a guarantee that the graphics designer

has the right amount of discipline to get things going. In college, students

are trained to be hard working and resourceful. It is assumed that being

fully adjusted to the tedious and hectic college life, professionals would

easily cope up with the normal casual office environment.

If a Bachelor’s degree is too weighty, aspiring graphics designers could

opt to take an Associate degree instead. Bachelor’s degree is on the

average about four years to fully complete. On the other hand, Associate

degrees are usually taken within about two to three years. Such programs

also make sure that the courses taken by students are only those

necessary to basic computer or systems graphics designing.

Aside from the two basic graphics designing degrees, there are also minor

programs for everyone. For professionals who already own degrees but

not related to graphics designing, they could opt to enlist in diploma

programs. Such programs are shorter in scope and time frame from the

Associate degrees. Taking certificates in graphics designing is the easiest

because the student is only provided with the really less and lean data

and subjects.

If you aim to be a good graphics designer, you should start by having

proper ambition. No matter how hard the ladder would get, be sure to

step up in it slowly but surely. Graphics designers are professionals and

by such, are almost always the relevant degrees for the job.

Finding the learning center to earn such degrees is also not hard. You

would realize that those courses and programs are almost always offered

in the major and gigantic public and universities in almost all countries.

Thus, each country has its own set of universities that are known to take

much of the productive and very creative produce.

When you aim to attain graphics designing degrees or certificates, all you

need to do is to enlist in the right school and prepare financially for the

endeavor. You would surely notice that graphics designers are very

resourceful. They are almost always able to rise from their troubles. That

can be an effect of graduating from the most prestigious and known

companies across all countries.

When you get to study in such universities, you would find that you could

make use of your assets and talents enormously. Being resourceful

means that most students would always have something to do about

certain challenges. That is college life. Every student would be exposed on

how life really and actually goes.

If you are out to earn the necessary degree for you to be able to become

a graphics designer, you should first seek to open yourself to learn about

a lot of things. You should take usual and knowledge-packed courses andelectives so that your perspective and knowledge base would be

broadened for your own good.

Choosing the Graphics Design School

Before moving to take a degree for graphics designing, it is imperative

that you first settle to make a wise and sound decision on which school or

academic institution you would be going to earn your credentials. As

mentioned in the previous chapters, owning a Bachelor's or an Associate's

degree is necessary before anyone can penetrate into the graphics

designing industry.

With hundreds of institutions and academic centers focusing on providing

quality education, students are almost always in dilemmas in choosing the

right and appropriate university for them. All around the world, there are

numerous universities that have been training students to the basics of

graphics designing.

In most global cities, there are computer schools that are starting to focus

on programs that are specifically for computer graphics designing. Even

state and private universities are offering courses and programs that are

essential for becoming graphics designers.

If you are aiming to earn a degree program that is basic and necessary

for graphics designing, it would be helpful if you would first seek expert

and public opinion about the academic institution. It is important to make

sure the education center is very much credible and is reliable in

providing good and quality education. Future employers would certainly

take particular attention to where the degree of the graphics-designing

applicant is coming from.

To be able to gauge the credibility and competence of a university in

providing the best possible education, it is important to take note of the

quality of graduates produced. Observe the market and find information

about the universities where professionals earned their degrees.

Graduates are the best testimonials and proofs of the quality of education

provided by an academic institution.

The next factor to consider when finding the right school to earn a

graphics designing degree would be the overall standing of the university.

Every year, there are polls and indexes that are aiming to gauge the

effectiveness and quality of global universities. From those lists, you

would easily find the best schools in the country where you are coming

from.

Recommendations from peers and experts would also be essential. If

there are such professionals who are offering advice as to where students

could best attain degrees. It would be effective if students would take the

heed and enroll in such endorsed universities.

Looking at the course outline and the curriculum would also be helpful

when deciding which university to attend. To be able to choose the best

school to attain the graphics designing degree, it would be important if

you would first look at the program and determine if the courses and

subjects included would be essential and helpful to make you become a

qualified and effective graphics designer in the future. If there are

numerous courses that are not too important, it would be wise to find

another institution.

Looking at the tuition fees would also give you hint as to how good a

university is. Of course, state colleges have lower fees because the

programs offered are all subsidized by the government. Expensive schools

are almost always assuring quality of education. That is because those

costly schools allocate a significant portion of the fees to improving

facilities and hiring the best and qualified instructors and professors.

There are also distance education centers that are offering such

programs. Many people are now starting to realize the importance of

earning degrees at the comfort of home. Convenience is very much

characterized by such programs. When you decide to take degrees from

distance education centers, you would be able to do other things, like

taking part time jobs or attending other schools. Be reminded that such

settings are also more pressuring on your part because you would be left

to learn on your own using the modules to be provided by the school.

After you initially chose which institution to go to, you would then proceed

to consider the following. You should take note of the entrance and

enrolment requirements. Usually, entrance tests and screening are

conducted so those universities would gauge the competence and

knowledge of the future students. In state universities, you would almost

always compete for the slot. You would be surprised that there are

numerous students aiming to enter state universities. Thus, the

competition is more intense.

Also take a look at the academic requirements and at the system of

grading. If you are not comfortable with the learning system implemented

in the university, find another one. Universities would not modify their

tried and tested systems just to accommodate you.

Schools that are known to have ties and partnerships with industry

players are recommendable. Usually, students would aim to attend

college in such universities because they would be assured that once they

completed the program, they would have greater chances at being

included in the industry's most reliable and popular graphics designing

teams.

Conclusion

It is estimated that in the United States alone, about 40% of the total

designing employees across all industries are made up of graphics

designers. There are numerous advertising and marketing firms that are

mostly composed of talented and skilled graphics designers. Thus, it is

clear that the demand for such professionals all over the world is

imminently rising.

Through the years, many companies have been relying on the quality of

services and products being produced by good graphics designers. Sales

and popularity of products and companies are very much dependent on

the effectiveness of the graphics designs provided by professionals.

Thus, there are many students who are aiming to take necessary and

required credentials and degrees for graphics designing. However, be

reminded that necessary degrees are not enough to make sure you would

pass as a qualified and really effective graphics designer. Sheer creativity

and right attitude are also significant and important factors that would

help ensure your success.

Creativity is never acquired. It is an inborn quality that is inept in all of

us. The levels of creativity, however, varies because people deal with the

characteristic differently. Those who cultivated and nourished creativity

early in life are tending to become more graphical and visual.

Technology is also one factor that redefines the graphics designing

industry. In the past, graphics designers were relying on their talent to

draw and make good and interesting products through their artistic sides.

Now, computer skills are more essential. There are numerous computer

software that have been developed to provide graphics designers with

right tools and aids for making their projects work. Graphics designers

need to be adept and experts in using such computer programs.

Graphics designers must also learn how to work with a team. Usually,

communication campaigns and projects are not carried out by graphics

designers alone. There must be copywriters and researchers in such

teams. That is to make sure the creative and visually appealing

presentation would be complemented by good content. Best designed ads

and visuals coming with the best contents possible would surely make a

project really effective.

The purpose of graphics designing is to make sure communication

strategies would be as effective as possible. In the corporate scene,

companies produce visuals and ads to convince people to patronize

products and services. The mode of communication is almost always

persuasive in nature. Thus, graphics designers must be skilled and adept

in making designs that would not just call attention of intended audience,

but also make them instantly ready to make the call of action.

If you aim to be a graphics designer in the future, you would need to

remember that it is graphics designers' responsibility to present

information and content in ways that would be accessible and at the same

time very much appealing to the public. Graphics designers usually

produce designs to promote clients' products and services. The world of

advertising is really competitive, so graphic designs must always be more

appealing if not as effective as the currently rolled out.

Thus, you must have the proper and recommended credentials and skills.

Earning such credentials is not hard. You need to be determined and open

minded in finding the best possible institutions where you would attain

Bachelor's or Associate degrees. There are so many schools all over the

world, but only a few are known to produce quality and best graduates.

The Internet has redefined how graphics designers work. Now, visuals are

mostly focused at being posted at Web sites. Almost all people are now

taking access to the online media. Thus, companies aim to boost their

Internet presence. Internet initiatives currently make up the bulk of

regular and usual jobs and tasks performed by qualified graphics

designers.

Thus, to become a good graphics designer, you need to be exposed to the

modes and nature of Internet publishing. There are numerous competing

sites online, so it would be the graphics designers' challenge to make sure

the Web site is as good if not way better than the rest.

If you aim to be a good graphics designer, be patient, be creative, be

open to new ideas and be receptive to knowing your intended audience

more.


THE END!