If you ever wanted to have a professional career where you can learn everything about art, marketing, technology and be able to use your creativity to create different project, being a graphic designer is the perfect job for you! In this case, every graphic designer beginners should read the article suggested "The Job of a Graphic Designer". It explains everything you need to know about it, such as the main tools they use, the type of projects graphic designers work on, and many more. This article is related to my field because I'm a student in a graphic Design program at Ahuntsic College. I learned that when you are a specialist you can carry out plenty of different creation for clients, it means that graphic designer can achieve any type of graphic design, this is a world of freedom imagination.
Every successful graphic designer have their own signature or type of graphic that they like to create. It means that a graphic designer can decide to specialize in one particular type of design and grow a reputation or be a generalist and decide to work on different varieties of projects. Being a graphic designer is having the possibility to use your skills, imagination and creativity to create project on different software for clients. Having satisfaction by their project is what make happy a graphic Designer.
A graphic designer can do a variety of type of projects such as; logo Design and Brand Identity, book and magazine covers, posters, flyers and brochures, product packaging, social media graphics, website design, marketing materials, digital illustration, advertisements, slide deck presentations, infographics and clothing design.
Graphic Designer start by creating a project for a company or a client that need their help at the moment. There is no typical day because it depends on what the project is all about and the deadline required, means that every day isn't the same. Your typical journey begins once you have your task or contract. The first thing you need to figure is the requirements of the project you need to achieve, you have to use your imagination to create something the client will love. By that, you have to do meetings with this person and have conversation about what he/her want or need and the price of it. Then, you will start your research by trying out different design by drawing sketches and do it on the right software (photoshop, illustrator etc.). While doing that, you will communicate with your client to be sure everything is alright. When it's finished, you will arrange a final meeting to be sure there's no mistake before being printed or published.
Graphic Designer can work in a company or agency, on an in-house design team, or have their own career and be independent, working for yourself means that you can work on your computer at home, or travel and work anywhere you want for your clients.
There're many ways you can learn how to be a graphic designer. You can choose to learn it at school who teaches this field, take classes and learn everything you need to know. In this case, you will be much more considerate in a professional graphic company. If you don't want to go to school, you can decide to learn by online teaching program or by video on the internet. Learning by yourself is a possibility in this generation because of everything internet can teach us, but it's much more complicated. You will have to be very organized and learn everything about the history of art and design, how to draw, how to manage your time, to deal with a client, all the software knowledge etc. It really depends on your desire and motives as an artist. The easiest way, as a self-taught, is to study in a specific type of design and built your reputation by having your own signature and originality, then you can post on social media and make a name for yourself.
The salary of a graphic designer depends on the experience or reputation that you have and the agencies or companies you work for. In 2021, the lowest annual salaries is $25,500 as high as $81,000. However, the currently average salaries is between $35,000 to $56,500 a year.
Even if you are now a professional Graphic Designer, you have to know that in this particular career, you need to love learning and be curious because trends and technologies evolve almost every year. You will have to learn what is new on software app by listening to explaining videos, have the new technologies and learn how to use it, for example, the best new phone, tablets or computer of the year to make good quality project. A great graphic designer never stop being on the new trending of art and design, he/her will go to the museum, read book, article, use the new social media etc. With this career, you will never get bored!
There is not a lot of big dangers of being a graphic designer beside your posture. Many graphic designers complain about having neck, back or eyes problems over the year, because of the many hours you stay focus on the computer. An other problem will be the loneliness you experiment while you're working on your own at home, it can be hard for the mental health being isolated on your computer, especially if it's every day of the week.
It's already starting to get replaced by some websites, but only for a few specific graphic subject. For example, now with the internet, you can create your own website or logo for your company, and it's much less expensive than to ask a graphic designer. Unfortunately for the robot, they can't recreate a work from a creative mind, every designer have their own idea of beauty and style. That's why art keep evolving throughout the year, it's because of the human capacity of creating new projects that have never been done before and use imagination and creativity. You have to be passionate and talented, that's why I don't think the robot can replace graphic designer.
There is no age limit to retire, you can decide that for yourself. It depends on the money you make and the passion you have for it.
Finally, being a graphic designer is the new art. It never stops evolving. It required patience, organisation, passion, talent, and curiosity. With this career you can be free to work for any client you want, you have the freedom to work wherever you want and whenever.