What is a Graphic Designer?

Graduate Guide to becoming a Graphic Designer.
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 The primary function of a Graphic Designer is to produce a visual product that meets the requirements of the client. This is usually  promotional events material or corporate advertising documentation covering adverts, posters, flyers, company logos/stationery etc.

A graphic designer usually works from a ‘brief’, which is an outline of the clients needs. It is up to the graphic designer to use available resources to convey the message that the client requires. Design work spans a range of formats including magazines, billboards, product packaging, exhibitions and even into films and TV shows.
Graphic Designers need to be creative and strive for originality whilst working under tight time and budget constraints. It is essential that Graphic Designers consistently keep up to date with industry developments in order to be a step ahead of the competition. it can be a very competitive industry to work in. Successful designers have to combine talent with professionalism and offer a service that is a cut above the rest!

Often designers have several projects running concurrently and precise time management is essential to create a thriving business and deliver on time. Contracts are often won through reputation, word of mouth and through clients viewing previous artwork in the market place and then engaging your services.

Duties
·         Providing ideas, giving advice on appropriate media solutions.
·         Offering estimates and quotes to carry out a piece of work.
·         Developing original and eye-catching artwork that meets client requirements.
·         Research into market trends, advertising and industry methods to offer a cutting edge service.
-         Developing I.T skills in design related packages including Photoshop, Flash, 3D Studio Max, Deamweaver, Illustrator, Freehand etc. 

Graphic Design can touch on many other professions and if you are working freelance you may have to develop other skills in order to compete with the professional design agencies. Other multimedia interests may include :-

- Photography
- Web-design
- Video/DVD Technology

 Qualifications/Degrees in the following subjects are usually a way into a Design based careers.

- Graphic design
- Marketing/Advertising
- 3D Design
- Fine art
- Crafts
- Multimedia/I.T 
- Photography

However a well-organised portfolio and examples of previous work is the only way to secure any paid employment. Experience and proof of talent is far more valuable than qualifications.

A good degree is usually an essential requirement to join a graduate scheme within a large organisation. They will then ask to see your portfolio at interview stage. This will be made up of your University projects and work examples from any industry placements that you have been on.
 
Personal qualities which transfer well into the profession of Graphic Design include
·         Creative
·         Enthusiastic
·         Flexible
·         Motivated
·         Disciplined
·         Ability to work under pressure
·         Professional
 
Freelance workers need to be prepared to work hard to gain clients and prepare for interviews to be tough. Designers now tend to equip themselves with a business card, CV and an online portfolio. It maybe advisable to rearrange your portfolio according to the job you are being interviewed for, so that relevant work is most prominent.