A graphic designer is professional who is responsible for designing contents for products and various activities related to print, advertising, website, magazines , brand identity, games etc
Graphic Designer is the person who looks after the graphic designing. Nowadays, graphic designing is required in every part of the world and it helps in building a brand image. It maintains communication with the means of visuals. Other than this, there are many benefits of being a graphic designer. The whole graphic designing process is handled by the graphic designer.
If you’re considering becoming a graphic designer, you’ve picked an excellent career to mull over. Graphic designers create visual concepts to communicate ideas that inspire and inform customers. They generally use computer software, but many graphic designers are pretty handy in the drawing department as well. Graphic designers can also advance to become art directors and creative directors, positions that come with greater creative oversight and a higher salary.
But salary isn’t the only thing that matters. There are plenty of perks that come with being a graphic designer—both job-related and lifestyle related. So what’s in store for you if you choose this career path? Are the benefits of this job the type of advantages you’re looking for?
1. Your employment isn’t tied to just one industry
Companies across a huge variety of industries need to promote their brands. This means that they need logos, brand guidelines and tons of other important visual materials to support them. This means there’s plenty of opportunity to work for clients across a wide variety of industries—one day you may be whipping up a promotional poster for a charity event and the next you could be working on a logo for a healthcare company.
If you’re the kind of person who has a wide range of interests and is always itching to learn something new, graphic design could provide the right outlet for you, allowing you to learn about what makes different industries tick. Paula Glynn, business coach and director of search marketing and digital strategy, loves how working within different industries keep her inspired. “I always learn something new from my clients and it has helped me grow as a designer and as a person,” she says.
Adding to this potential variety is the huge market for web graphics. No matter the industry, a website and social media presence are essential for developing a brand—which means plenty of potential project sources for graphic designers.
2. You can work in multiple environments
The way work comes to graphic designers is pretty unique. You may find yourself as part of a small, in-house team working strictly for a single client or in a fast-paced agency environment that works with multiple clients with their own distinct visual feel. Freelancing is also an option for designers who would like to tap into their entrepreneurial spirit from the comfort of home. Each of these work environments have their pros and cons, so be sure to read up on the differences.
3. You can choose to be self-employed
Not only can you work in a variety of environments, but also many designers find that they prefer to be their own boss and choose to start their own freelance business. Not only does this mean you can work from home or your local coffee shop, but it also means you can set your own prices and hours.
Keep in mind, however, that with the freedom of self-employment comes the responsibility of all the administrative work that comes with being your own boss: sending invoices, following up with clients, setting aside money for taxes and more. It might not be for everyone, but many do find this trade off completely worth the extra administrative work. “Navigating the business side of design has pushed me to be more resourceful, resilient and more conscious of my clients’ needs and business goals. The payoff is well worth the effort,” says independent designer and art director Cathylynne Ahlgren.
4. You have many specialties to choose from
Graphic designers can specialize in a certain type of design if they’d like: typography, web design, illustration, user experience design, 3D packaging and more. Others limit themselves by only using one palette or specific materials.
A specialization will make you an in-demand team member or freelancer; however, if you’re skilled in a variety of these areas, your versatility can help your employability.
5. It’s not boring
When it comes to graphic design, there are always new technologies and trends to learn. Style and aesthetic change so quickly in American culture, and technology shifts and evolves just as quickly. If you want to stay relevant, it’s essential to keep up with the times and make sure you’re ready for whatever is up and coming. Having a curious mind and a teachable spirit will take you a long way in this profession.
Each day you work is different. One of the things that Matthew Paton, former graphic designer and current founder of Hypernia, liked most about design was how unique each day was. From presenting your designs to eager clients to brainstorming your next design, he was hardly ever bored. “It’s hard to find a job that provides such variety to everyday life”.
6. You can express yourself
Designers get to express their creativity on a regular basis—it’s the essence of the job! You’ve got plenty of creative ideas and concepts you’d like to experiment with, and this job allows you to give them a chance. While your clients’ needs will likely still keep some of your more extravagant creative impulses in check, it’s still satisfying to create something visually appealing and unique to you.
“Clients don’t often know what they want until they see it. It’s my job to translate their ideas into a design and love that,” says Ahlgren.
Many graphic designers considered becoming artists early in their careers, but find that they get more eyes on their work and more consistent work as a graphic designer.
“I was originally a fine art major, but quickly realized that art for art’s sake was boring,” says Richard Williamson, chief marketing strategist at Citizens High School. “I love to draw and paint, but in reality, that affects such a small number of people that it’s almost like talking to yourself. Graphic design, however, is at the heart of everything that goes on in our culture: television, news, the internet, education, advertising.”