A graphic designer is a professional within the and graphic arts industry who assembles together images, typography or motion graphics to create a piece of design. A graphic designer creates the graphics primarily for published, printed or electronic media, such as brochures and advertising. They are also sometimes responsible for typesetting, illustration, user interfaces, and web design, or take a teaching position, although these specialties may be assigned to specialists in various graphic design occupations. A core responsibility of the designer's job is to present information in a way that is both accessible and memorable.[1]
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Qualifications
A degree or certificate from an accredited trade school is usually, though not always, considered essential for a graphic design position. After a career history has been established, though, the graphic designer's experience and number of years in the business are considered the primary qualifications. A portfolio, which is the primary method for demonstrating these qualifications, is usually required to be shown at job interviews, and is constantly developed throughout a designer's career.
One can obtain an AAS, BA, BFA, MFA or an MPhil / PhD in graphic design. Degree programs available vary depending upon the institution, although typical U.S. graphic design jobs require at least some form of degree.
Current graphic designer jobs demand proficiency in one or more graphic design software programs, relevant to the job function, such as proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite. If a web designer, he or she should understand how to work with XML, HTML and basic web programming scripts. If a print designer, he or she should understand the processes involved in printing to be able to produce press-ready artwork.
Designers should be able to solve visual communication problems or challenges. In doing so, the designer must identify the communications issue, gather and analyze information related to the issue, and generate potential approaches aimed at solving the problem. Iterative prototyping and user testing can be used to determine the success or failure of a visual solution. Approaches to a communications problem are developed in the context of an audience and a media channel. Graphic designers must understand the social and cultural norms of that audience in order to develop visual solutions that are perceived as relevant, understandable and effective.[2]
Graphic designers should also have a thorough understanding of production and rendering methods. Some of the technologies and methods of production are drawing, offset printing, photography, and time-based and interactive media (film, video, computer multimedia). Frequently, designers are also called upon to manage color in different media. [3]
Career portfolio
The graphic designer's portfolio in the past fifty years was usually a black book or large binder in which samples of the artist's best printed pieces were carried to show prospective clients or employers. Printed pieces are often protected inside by being mounted on boards or slipped into Acetate sleeves.
Since the 1990's, portfolios have become increasingly computer digitized, and now may be entirely digitized and available on the Internet, or on CD, DVD, or via email. Photoshop & its many plugins are useful software for digitizing all types of media, and may be used to combine many types of show pieces into one portfolio file.
See also
References
- ^ Jessica Helfand. "What is graphic design?". AIGA. http://www.aiga.org/content.cfm/what-is-design. Retrieved 2009-06-29. "it is the art of visualizing ideas"
- ^ NASAD Competencies Summary, BFA in Graphic Design, page 2 http://aqresources.arts-accredit.org/site/docs/AQ-AD/BFA-GraphicDesign.pdf last accessed 29 Jun 2009
- ^ NASAD Competencies Summary, BFA in Graphic Design, page 2 http://aqresources.arts-accredit.org/site/docs/AQ-AD/BFA-GraphicDesign.pdf last accessed 29 Jun 2009
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