If you are looking for a job in which both art and technology are involved, graphic design is the answer to your search. Graphic design is a profession comprised of creating visuals using computer programs or applications in order to enlighten, enthrall and convey messages to the audience they cater to. It is considered to be both a creative and tech job, meaning it requires imagination and expertise in the league of technology.
In this blog, you can learn what is needed to be a graphic designer, from the skills you need like creativity, down to the steps in applying to be one such as making a graphic design resume. Are you interested? If so, here are some important concepts you must know, learn or do if you are an aspiring graphic designer.
What are the Skills that a Graphic Designer Must Possess?
Every job requires different sets of skills that a worker must attain to be successful in their career. Here are the skills that a graphic designer needs to be successful in the field of graphic designing.
- Creativity
This trait is one of, if not the most important skill needed in graphic designing. In order to be able to make an effective visual illustration, you must know which elements blend well together, which theme is the most appropriate for what you’re advertising, and which design would be the most aesthetically pleasing. Not only that, you have to produce original ideas so having an imaginative and artistic eye when it comes to making art is essential in this career field.
- Ability to Use Apps and Programs
Since you will be using technology in this job, you must master how to navigate and utilize the programs you are required to use when making your outputs. Some famous apps used in making graphic designs are Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, Canva, and Affinity Designer. As a graphic designer, you have to be familiar with the programs’ tools and their functions.
- Knowing and Understanding Consumers
A graphic designer must know who and what they are designing for. You must create content in line with what you are hired for, and what your audience will want to see. If you’re making visual concepts for children, then producing colorful designs would be ideal. If you are hired to make professional content, then using neutral colors and fonts would be fitting. When designing, you should know what output would be suitable for whoever you’re making them for.
- Effectively Conveying Ideas
Your graphic designs not only should be artistic, but they also should be capable of expressing and communicating the ideas and messages to the consumers. Knowing what works in effectively conveying messages is a needed skill in this sector. Graphic designers need to make visual contents that speak to their audience just at first glance
How does one Become a Graphic Designer?
Now that you know which skills you must have to be a graphic designer, let’s now tackle the process and steps to be followed to be hired as one!
- Taking Graphic Design Courses
Taking graphic design courses, although not necessary and is an optional step, will really help you learn more about the elements and can help you further enhance and test your talent in graphic designing. Also, if you desire to learn more or if you feel like there’s still room for improvement, you should consider signing up for graphic designing classes in order to gain more experience and knowledge that can help you when you begin to apply for jobs.
- Get a Degree in Graphic Design
This is yet another optional step, but earning a degree in graphic design will surely help and give you an advantage in succeeding in getting a job. A degree usually isn’t a requirement to be hired, although there are industries that will require a bachelor’s degree in graphic design or other related fields so it would still be ideal to get one. It is important to note though, that most agencies would hire a designer based on their experience than their educational background.
- Create a Portfolio
Making a portfolio consisting of your graphic design visual outputs is extremely important in finding a job. As mentioned, most agencies would hire people based on their experience, and through a portfolio, you can show off your work to the industry you’re applying for. Your portfolio can help the company make a decision whether to hire you or not, so make sure to build a strong portfolio that really emphasizes your skill. Another thing that you must consider in making your portfolio is to prioritize quality over quantity.
- Find a Job to Apply for
This step involves the process of finding an industry or agency to work for. There are many jobs in graphic design. An easy way to be able to find a variety of different job opportunities is by surfing the internet. Some agencies would post that they are looking for designers on social media platforms so if you’re looking for a job, make sure to search online as well. After finding a job, you can then proceed to apply, where they would require you to submit your portfolio.
- Making a Resume
Just like any other job, applying to be a graphic designer requires a resume. A graphic designer resume is important as it gives the hiring agency insight into what you can do for their industry. In your resume, you must highlight your skills, including your experience, your designs, and more. Just like in your portfolio, your resume will also help the company create the decision of hiring you or not, so your resume should highlight your strong points and your talents.
- Attending the Job Interview
A job interview, like in other jobs, is necessary as well in the field of graphic design. Just like the basics, first, you have to introduce yourself. Tell them about you, your skills, your experiences, and what you believe they have to know about you. They might ask you about your portfolio, about certain outputs and what they mean, and what you made them for. They might also ask you why you decided to apply for their company. Be prepared to come up with answers to potential questions.
So those are some of the information you have to take note of when becoming a graphic designer. We hope you can use the knowledge you’ve newly gained from this article and apply it to your journey as you venture your way in the field of graphic designing. Good luck!
