Graphic design is one of the most in-demand jobs online and offline. It allows you to work with different formats and media, as well as lets you stay creative most of the time.
What career is this and what is its job functions?
A graphic designer is often defined as someone who works with visual images such as photos, illustrations, and videos. He may also deal with a variety of media, such as prints and websites. But the bottom line is, a graphic designer is someone who aims to deliver a message using different tools. The message may be meant to inform, sell, persuade, or change people’s minds.
What are the specific benefits of pursuing this career?
Graphic design becomes even more fulfilling when you can already see your finished product, and your message is delivered and understood effectively. You also have several fields to get into, such as movies, broadcasting, prints, and online media. You may even set up your own graphic design team and earn more as a company.
Why is this type of career in demand right now?
People these days are very visual. They easily believe things if they can see it with their own eyes. That’s why videos and images have become very powerful methods of delivering messages. Advertisers and filmmakers understood their effectiveness and are thus tapping on graphic designers to help them out.
What type of person would love this career?
Those who are highly creative or visual, who never run out of ideas, are always inspired by the things they see, and want to share messages through their work make excellent graphic designers.
What are some disadvantages/obstacles in this career?
The number of graphic designers is growing, so you definitely need to know what your edge or niche is over the others if you want to increase your odds of clients choosing you from a pool of competing designers. Sometimes your client may demand you to work with a variety of media, so there’s a pressure of making yourself flexible at all times. As a telecommuter, there’s a good chance you’re just working freelance. Usually, clients don’t provide you with the software that you will need. They believe you already have them before you even apply. And these applications, like
PhotoShop, Adobe AfterEffects, and DreamWeaver, are not that cheap.
What skills do you need?
One of the basic requirements is creativity. You have to think “out of the box,” so your designs will stand out. It also pays to be more original, creating your own layout and even font faces. You also need to understand the concept of what the client wants to deliver the message effectively, as well as contribute your own ideas. Further, learn to work with different applications and technology. You can enroll in graphic design courses or attend workshops to increase your knowledge and skills for this profession.
How do you break into this career?
As early as now, you can already create your own portfolio. You can impress your potential clients by coming up with your own rendition of popular ads that you see online and offline. You can also start out as a trainee or part-time graphic designer at an ad agency or print shop.
Who usually hires in this field?
- Businesses
- Advertising agencies
- Website owners
- Blog owners
- Organizations and societies
- Government for informative ads
What is the average pay rate / salary?
The median salary for graphic designers is around $45,000 to $47,000 a year. The peak salaries for experience graphic designers is between $50,000 to $85,000 a year, depending on your specialty and type of clients.
How and where to find jobs / clients?
For convenience, begin your search online. Websites such as Monster.com, SimplyHired.com, and LinkedIn.com offer daily jobs posted for graphic designers. You can also broadcast your portfolio using social media, and generate referrals from friends and family members.
