CAREER IN GRAPHIC DESIGNING: OVERVIEW
Graphic design is the process of visual communication and problem-solving through the use of typography, photography, iconography, and illustration. The field is considered a subset of visual communication and communication design, but sometimes the term “graphic design” is used synonymously. Graphic designers create and combine symbols, images, and text to form visual representations of ideas and messages.
Graphic designers create visual concepts that inspire, inform, transform and create visual impact. They work according to the needs and requirements of their clients before making design decisions. Individuals in the field, work for various products and activities related to design.
If you find yourself daydreaming about designs or creating designs in your spare time, then a career in graphic design may be for you.
CAREER IN GRAPHIC DESIGNING: JOB DESCRIPTION
Roles and Responsibilities
- Inter-communicate and cooperate with clients to determine their requirements and budget
- Briefing and advising the clients with regard to design style, format, print production, and timescales.
- Managing client proposals from typesetting through design, print, and working
- Liaising with external printers on a regular basis to ensure deadlines are met and material is printed to the highest quality.
- Developing concepts, graphics, and layouts for product illustrations, company logos, and websites.
- Determining the size and arrangement of copy and illustrative material, as well as font style and size according to the requirements.
- Preparing rough drafts of material based on an agreed brief.
CAREER IN GRAPHIC DESIGNING: BECOMING A PROFESSIONAL – WHAT IS YOUR PATH?
- Pursue Class 10 and Class 12 (Any Stream)
- Pursue a Bachelor’s degree in Design- Graphics (Graduation in any field is considered)
- Pursue a Masters in Design-Graphics
- Obtain a Diploma and then PG Diploma (In lieu of Bachelors and Masters program respectively)
You can take any stream after Class 10 and 12 for starting a career in graphic designing. However, we recommend the Science stream (Physics, Chemistry, Maths), as it opens up a wider range of courses and career opportunities. Also, taking I.T as a subject will help you build a base through a focus on software(s) used in designing.
Like other design courses, Graphic Design courses are available in 3 formats in India. They are Diploma courses, Undergraduate (Degree) courses and Postgraduate (PG) courses (Certificate courses are also available, but they are not highly valued or detailed). Let us check out each course format and find out vital details about them-
GRADUATION
You can either train yourself in graphic design or get a formal education. Volunteer or apply for an internship to obtain the necessary work experience. Make sure to create a portfolio as your resume for internship and jobs.
- Pursue Bachelors in Design (Graphics) for 3-4 years (or any relevant field)
- Pursue a Diploma in Graphic Design for 6 months to 2 years
AFTER GRADUATION
- Pursue Masters in Design (Graphics) for 2 years
- Pursue Post Graduate Diploma in Design/Graphic Design for 1-2 years
Eligibility: The basic eligibility criteria is graduation or equivalent degree or post-graduation in a pertinent discipline completed from an approved university, with an aggregate score of at least 55 percent. The requirement of the entrance test will highly depend on the institute.
Subscribe for the latest videos on a variety of careers, study abroad, interview, resume, etc.
https://www.youtube.com/VikingsCareerStrategists
Career in Graphic Designing: POSTGRADUATE DIPLOMA AND ONLINE COURSES
Postgraduate diploma courses are short and very comprehensive. These courses expose the students to fundamentals and details of graphic designing and give practical exposure. We suggest going for a PG diploma in Design/Graphic Design for 1-2 years. Or do some online courses provided by Coursera or LinkedIn (and other counterparts) as this industry is dynamic and it will help you to catch up with trends.
Coursera: https://www.coursera.org/
LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/learning/paths/become-a-graphic-designer
Apply for an internship while in high school or college. Use the Internet to seek out ads or marketing agencies. Create a portfolio and contextualize your work. This will help you get into colleges, freelance, for obtaining a job or showcasing your work.
AREAS OF SPECIALIZATION AND JOB PROFILE FOR GRAPHIC DESIGNING:
- Typography includes type design, modifying type glyphs, and arranging type. Type glyphs (characters) are created and modified using illustration techniques. Type arrangement is the selection of typefaces, point size, tracking (the space between all characters used), kerning (the space between two specific characters), and leading (line spacing).
- Book design is the art of incorporating the content, style, format, design, and sequence of the various components and elements of a book into a coherent unit.
- Web Design is the design process relating to the front-end (client-side) design of a website including writing markup. Web design partially overlaps web engineering in the broader scope of web development.
- Logo Design is a branding and marketing tool that can be used to signify and represent a business.
- Brand advertising is a form of advertising used to establish connections and build strong, long-term relationships with consumers over time
- Product Packaging is the process of designing the package such as containers, wrappers, etc. It plays a very significant role in the marketing success or failure of many products, especially for non-durable consumer products. It not only provides protection to the product but also acts as a promotional tool.
- Desktop Publishing is the production of printed matter by means of a printer linked to a desktop computer, with special software. The system enables reports, advertising matter, etc., to be produced cheaply with a layout and print quality similar to that of typeset books.
- User Experience Design is a person’s emotions and attitudes about using a particular product, system, or service. It includes the practical, experiential, affective, meaningful, and valuable aspects of human-computer interaction and product ownership.
RELEVANT SKILLS REQUIRED FOR MAKING A CAREER IN GRAPHIC DESIGNING:
- Strong graphic design skills
- Layout skills
- Analytical skills
- Creativity
- Flexibility
- Attention to detail
- Deadline-oriented
- Desktop publishing tools and graphic design software
- Acute vision
- Time-management skills
- Communication skills
- Handles rejection
Career in Graphic Designing: RECOMMENDED UNIVERSITIES AND INSTITUTES
- NID (National Institute of Design) http://www.nid.edu/
- Industrial Design Centre (IDC), IIT Bombay http://www.idc.iitb.ac.in/
- National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) http://www.nift.ac.in/
- St Joseph College of Communication (SJCC) https://www.sjcc.ac.in/
- Pearl Academy, New Delhi https://pearlacademy.com/
Career in Graphic Designing: JOB OUTLOOK
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Graphic Designers, Employment of graphic designers is projected to grow 3 percent from 2018 to 2028, slower than the average for all occupations. Graphic designers are expected to face strong competition for available positions.
Many talented individuals are attracted to careers as graphic designers. Prospects will be better for applicants who keep up with the latest design trends, technologies, and techniques.
We hope this is going to be helpful if you are planning to pursue a career in graphic designing. For more guidance, feel free to connect with us and provide your feedback as well, so that we can also improve in the future.
