Do You have What it takes to be a Successful Graphic Designer?

It can really take a lot to become a successful Graphic Designer – but then, hey! It can be well worth it all, too, and much more! It can be the most exciting and fulfilling time of your working-hours and beyond, once you join this journey. With the right knowledge, attitude and steps, you can actually ‘design’ your own career and success-‘graph’ as a Graphic Designer. Let us discuss, how.

What does a Graphic Designer do?

It can be said that a Graphic Designer expresses ideas through images. And, at times, a few well-put-and-positioned words, too.

Remember those advertisements that you saw and marveled at on television and in magazines, as a child? The ones that made you wonder, “Who made this picture so interesting?” and “Who made this idea so easy to grasp?” That must have been one great Graphic Designer at work.

Graphic Designers work on presenting concepts, images and designs in an attractive, aesthetic and clear-to-understand manner. They can work for various fields such as Advertising, Print etc.

Graphic Design is also known as Communication Design.

To ‘illustrate’ for you what Graphic Design is all about, including the Principles of Design and the amazing ways in which it all can work, here is a video explaining The Elements of Graphic Design for you to watch.

Now that we have quite a basic idea of Graphic Design, let us see where it can be applied; shall we?

Where can Graphic Design be applied?

A Graphic Designer can apply his/her skills for:

1. Newspapers.
2. Magazines.
3. Websites.
4. Television.
5. Movies.
6. The Advertising World.
7. Freelancing.

There could be other creative fields or uses to which a Graphic Designer could lend support, too.

Which skills are needed to be a good Graphic Designer?

Now comes the most important part.

Apart from the requisite educational qualifications, there are certain other, very vital skills that a good Graphic Designer needs to have. Let us look at the matter here.

• A Graphic / Web Design Degree. A Photography or Illustration Degree can also be considered at some places. A Degree in Art and Design helps.
• There could also be certain Training or Certification Programs that could enable one to become a Graphic Designer.
• Deep knowledge of Color Theory, Photography, Marketing, Advertising, Digital Imaging, Graphics, Editing, Layout, CSS, HTML.
• Communication Skills to interact with Clients, understand their requirements and express his/her own ideas.
• Time-management Skills. There can be long hours to work through, and a lot of work to do. With deadlines looming.
• Analytical Skills. This comes in use while analyzing the client’s requirements and expressing them clearly.
• Multi-tasking Skills.
• Visualizing Skills.
• Drawing and Painting Skills.

What Qualities should a Graphic Designer have?

Other than certain Qualifications and Skills, the Qualities a Graphic Designer needs to have are:

1. Keen eye for details. This is required to spot both great ideas as well as the minutest of errors.
2. Patience. Work can take a long time. Various kinds of Clients and Colleagues might not be easy to work with, always.
3. Reliability. Clients need to trust the Graphic Designer with their matter and business. The work has to be delivered on time.
4. Integrity.
5. The Power to Motivate. While working with a Team or Juniors, people have to be motivated when energy-levels go down.
6. A Positive Attitude. The Graphic Designer has to radiate Confidence and Positivity for a Client to rely on him/her.
7. Persuasive and Convincing Powers. Clients have to be persuaded to consider the idea/s presented by the Graphic Designer and convinced that the idea/s would suit their purpose.
8. Willingness to keep Learning and Upgrading. Technology and techniques advance. So must a Graphic Designer, along with them.
9. Sensitivity.
10. Ability to accept Criticism. A Graphic Designer can have to face criticism from a Client. S/he should have the ability to accept that not everyone can agree with him/her or love his/her work, always.

How does the Future of Graphic Designing look?

The future undoubtedly seems bright for Graphic Designers all over the world. With Technology and Business advancing, so are Marketing and a lot of other well-earning-and-paying industries, who require Graphic Designers. Many young people are taking Graphic Design up as a career and preparing themselves to excel in its field.

Other than various Institutes training students in it, there are Private Tutors who can teach Graphic Design, too. This makes learning and practising the skills easier. And yes — securing a satisfying job as a Graphic Designer should not be difficult for a skilled candidate.

Would you like to add something to this matter? Please feel most welcome to put your comments here.