Graphic designers are responsible for creating visual communications across a variety of media platforms (print, electronic, and film).
They utilize a large array of techniques which can involve varying combinations of illustration, animation, photography, print, and layout design.
Their work may appear in publications (e.
g.
, magazines, newspapers, journals), signs, packaging, corporate logos, promotional displays, and/or marketing brochures.
They are also called upon to create visual effects for dynamic media such as television, movies, and to an increasingly larger extent, web pages.
The design process begins when a graphic designer illustrates his/her vision for the design by preparing sketches either by hand or with the aid of specialized computer software packages.
The designer will then select the visual elements which comprise the design (e.
g.
, colors, artwork, photography, animation) and arrange them onto the visual media.
The process involves interaction with copywriters, printers, clients, and/or creative directors.
Depending on their employers, clients, or specific projects, graphic designers may have relatively stable working conditions or widely fluctuating ones.
About 25% of designers are self-employed.
Many of those who are not supplement their income by doing freelance work on the side.
Education, Certification, Licensing In today's world, a college degree is usually required for a job as a graphic designer.
There are some entry-level technical positions that only require an associate degree; however, a bachelor's degree is required for most entry-level and advanced graphic design positions.
Individuals who already possess a bachelor's degree in another field can complete a 2-year or 3-year program in graphic design.
There are hundreds of accredited schools which award degrees in graphic design.
An aspiring graphic designer should select one that includes training in current graphics-related computer technology because a quality graphic designer today needs a good working knowledge of different desktop publishing tools and computer graphics/design software.
Other than a sound postsecondary education, the strongest credential a graphics designer can possess is a solid portfolio; comprising a collection of examples of his/her best work.
An impressive portfolio is one of the most important factors that can lead to a successful career in the field.
A graphic designer can start building a portfolio before graduating from school by accepting different freelance jobs.
The portfolio should be constructed to showcase only the designer's highest-quality work.
It should capture the designer's eye for detail and effectively communicate his/her ideas in a visual manner.