Graphic design has been part of human expression for ages; from the first person who made some sort of drawing on a rock face or cave wall, graphic design has been instrumental in getting ideas across to others through visual representation. Today, designers are responsible for bringing together text, pictures, and concepts in a variety of media-usually advertisements, websites, and publications. Many graphic designers begin work as assistants or apprentices, learning essentials on the job-such as creating designs for direct mailings and making logos. Although many work for a wide range of companies, many also work as freelancers and entrepreneurs. It’s important to remain flexible, to keep learning and expanding; the demand for good graphic designers is always on the rise, and by keeping your abilities fresh and up-to-date you can stay current with whatever an employer needs.
One of the most critical abilities a good graphic design professional has, besides a “good eye” for what’s visually effective and appealing, is good interpersonal and communication skills. Often, graphic designers need to make presentations for their clients; these presentations must illustrate a thorough understanding of the design, why particular elements were chosen, and why the design is effective online learning graphic design course is highly recommended, too-with a foundation formed at the high school level. An interest in a graphic design career can be kindled through an internship while at high school or college, where the prospective graphic designer can be mentored by one more experienced. Graphic design students can earn credits toward their educational careers as well as valuable insight and knowledge.
Graphic Design with Computer Based Training
A few years ago to be a graphic designer, you needed an appropriate degree and experience. These days’ degrees are probably the longest and most expensive way of getting an I.T qualification. Even long distance learning is very expensive. The easiest way to get the training you need, which is the latest in the industry, is by finding computer based training for graphic designers.
So what training do you go for? The training you opt for will depend on what you want to specialize in. Many graphic designers specialize either in marketing and promotional design, animation or web design. Each requires you to have a different set of knowledge, but all require you to be creative. Have a look at what interests you the most. Animation and image design are more about image creation and manipulation, whilst web design will require knowledge of HTML and other programs.
Training in a program, such as Adobe is crucial in graphic design as it is the main program used by professionals, since it is probably the best out there. The Adobe range covers all aspects of design, from web design by the Dreamweaver program, image design by Photoshop and others, as well as animation/video in Flash or Illustrator. As well as preparing by using Adobe training gear and learning the theory, have a go at using the program. Be hands on with your learning, which when combined with theory will really help you gain the skills needed.
Teaching yourself the skills needed for a graphic design post will enable you to get up to date skills, which are useful in the ever transforming world of graphic design. Although, it will not give you a certification at the end of it, you will have enough knowledge to pass any graphic design qualification after enough training. Computer based training will prepare you for practical testing and the practical side of any graphic design post.
Training to become a graphic designer can be achieved at a variety of schools and colleges, many of them online. Associates’ and Bachelor’s degrees can be earned in a wide variety of fields, such as digital multimedia, web design, and art and advertising-and can be completed in two years, allowing for a quick entry into the graphic design workplace as an assistant. Going on for additional training at a four-year college will help you become more marketable, and often these schools can assist you in finding employment, or at the very least provide a fruitful networking environment. Another critical piece of the career puzzle is your portfolio; this collection of pieces of your original work allows employers to see your very best efforts. Your chosen school can often give you direction in constructing an effective portfolio. It’s recommended that you continue to add to your portfolio as you gain experience, in order to keep it relevant.
Expect to work at least three years as a graphic designer before moving up the corporate ladder; according to the U. S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, experienced graphic designers can advance to positions such as chief designer or art or creative director. And it’ll be awhile before you can splurge on a vacation, too: in May 2008, median wages for graphic designers were $42,400, just $35,000 for entry-level designers according to the American Institute of Graphic Arts. If you’re on the ground floor, or just out of graphic design school, the best cities to work in as a graphic designer are New York, San Francisco, and Los Angeles. Even with demand increasing for good graphic designers, competition remains fierce-but with the right preparation and skills, it’s a career well worth investing in.
Lastly, any good graphic designer will keep up to date with the latest fonts and styles. Keep constantly researching what’s new to world of graphic design by looking online, reading books and magazines. Then put your research into practice by having a go at each design and adding your own creative touch to it. Research is vital to your role as a graphic designer, so attune your research skills too.
