Graphic Designers Job Description: Career, Education, Job Outlook and Salary Information
Submitted by: Cheska Davenport
Job Overview: Graphic designers are artists who prepare their creations which not merely serve as eye candy, but are meant to provide information, express ideas or draw amounts of attention to a certain product. They are usually found working on advertisements, packaging and displays, signs, games, computer and video graphics, books and magazines, animated characters and company logos and insignia to suit various company needs and preferences.
Education, Knowledge and Training Required: Graphic designers are required to undergo formal education in order to be qualified for jobs. They may take up programs in fine arts, graphic design or other related fields, and when applying they should submit a portfolio of their works as samples for their clients to check and review. Clients are meticulous about the people they hire for this kind of job, as it is specialized and requires not only excellent skills but as well as creativity. In most companies, graphic designers should also be knowledgeable on the different computer software programs which focus on creating designs, thus it is important for them to study about these programs too.
Skills and Abilities: Just like other artists, graphic designers need to be artistic, talented, creative, imaginative and innovative. They must have the eye for beauty, pay attention to detail, and have a good and reliable sense of balance, color and proportion. These qualities usually come naturally for graphic designers, but at the same time they can be acquired and developed through experience and professional training in schools. They must also know about the computer programs intended with graphic design, and they should be updated in case new advancements and technologies arrive and become part of their work materials. Unlike other artists however, graphic designers work based on client detail and preference, thus they should be open to criticisms, edits and recommendations by the people who ordered for work.
Tasks: Most graphic designers are hired in order to do both artwork and text designs, thus they should be familiar with various forms of media, such as photography, painting, drawing, and collage, but as well as different fonts and typefaces. It is important for them to keep up with the changing trends in graphic design, and these include the use of new materials such as computer programs, equipment and technologies to come up with new and more innovative creations.
Graphic designers usually spend time in front of the computer; or at the studio where they do their designs and other artwork. Aside from making their designs, graphic designers are also in charge of presenting their designs to clients, and come up with revisions until they become satisfied with the job.
Earnings and Job Outlook: Graphic designers earn an average of $38,390 depending on the industry they work for. Salaried designers are also entitled to company benefits such as life and health insurance, paid vacation and sick days as well as retirement packages. Freelance graphic designers meanwhile cover their own benefits.
Cheska Davenport is a career search strategist who focuses on creating power resumes and providing job search advice that aim to help individuals achieve their target goals in the job market.
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