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Other than creativity, what other skills are needed to become a graphic designer?
#graphic-design #art #computer #graphics
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6 answers
Updated
Diego Rafael’s Answer
Hi Andy,
You probably pointed out the main skill in this area, which is creativity. Beyond that, I would say your hard skills are really important like proficiency in the best tools available in the market for a graphic designer, tools to versioning your job, tools to prepare the best presentation for your outcomes in a project and so on.
Your soft skills are also really important such as, how to be persuasive, how to sell your ideas to a specific audience, to how to communicate to your superiors.
Last but not least, I would also point that listening to history, use your creativity and transform it in an idea is the beauty of this role. There's no better reward than seeing someone really happy.
Hopefully, these tips will be helpful for you!
Diego
You probably pointed out the main skill in this area, which is creativity. Beyond that, I would say your hard skills are really important like proficiency in the best tools available in the market for a graphic designer, tools to versioning your job, tools to prepare the best presentation for your outcomes in a project and so on.
Your soft skills are also really important such as, how to be persuasive, how to sell your ideas to a specific audience, to how to communicate to your superiors.
Last but not least, I would also point that listening to history, use your creativity and transform it in an idea is the beauty of this role. There's no better reward than seeing someone really happy.
Hopefully, these tips will be helpful for you!
Diego
Updated
Raya’s Answer
To add on to the other suggestions, one other skill that is critical is your basic artistic and color sense: ability to compose elements on the page and select colors and styles that fit the purpose of the graphic.
Good luck!
Good luck!
Updated
Gloria’s Answer
Hi Andy,
Creativity is an important component and makes graphic design work fun. I think this article covers some elements that I believe are important: https://www.shillingtoneducation.com/blog/graphic-design-skills/. The one that I would highlight is Design Principles, especially with a focus on how your graphic design work would be used. It is important to know how to create for print versus other media and applying those rules appropriately.
In addition, experience with graphic design tools is very important. Some of the best in class tools are in the Adobe Creative Cloud. As a user of the Cloud Suite, I have to say that these tools are not easy to learn. However, they are very powerful once you get to know how they work. It is worth the investment to learn these programs. Sometimes while you are a student at a university or community college, you can get a big discount on this software. Take advantage of those discounted prices to learn a lot about the tools.
Good luck with your journey toward being a graphic designer.
Gloria
Creativity is an important component and makes graphic design work fun. I think this article covers some elements that I believe are important: https://www.shillingtoneducation.com/blog/graphic-design-skills/. The one that I would highlight is Design Principles, especially with a focus on how your graphic design work would be used. It is important to know how to create for print versus other media and applying those rules appropriately.
In addition, experience with graphic design tools is very important. Some of the best in class tools are in the Adobe Creative Cloud. As a user of the Cloud Suite, I have to say that these tools are not easy to learn. However, they are very powerful once you get to know how they work. It is worth the investment to learn these programs. Sometimes while you are a student at a university or community college, you can get a big discount on this software. Take advantage of those discounted prices to learn a lot about the tools.
Good luck with your journey toward being a graphic designer.
Gloria
Updated
Thomas "TC"’s Answer
Andy, here are some additional perspectives, more practical...
understand your medium - print, wen, mobile, advertisement, etc. Each one has its logistic and financial models, if you specialize, think like BOSS! Design is a business, and understanding clients, costs and delivery modes will set you apart from other designers.
Think about whats called responsive design: so that your work is seen in small phones, big phones, tablets, laptop, the design will adjust to the container size.
Think about social media and search engine optimization.
Understand animation and video treatments: designs can tell a story.
Be aware of cross-language issues: wORD-LENGTHs across languages vary.
Learn the design greats like Saul Bass, Paul Rand, Stefan Sagmiser and my favorite Syd Mead.... http://sydmead.com/
read this for philosophy of design: https://scrapsfromtheloft.com/2018/01/18/blade-runner-1982-production-design-and-photography-american-cinematographer/
Learn and use the Rule of Thirds.
Be prepared to use a DESIGN SYSTEM, integrated standards: https://www.invisionapp.com/inside-design/guide-to-design-systems/
Good luck.
Thomas
understand your medium - print, wen, mobile, advertisement, etc. Each one has its logistic and financial models, if you specialize, think like BOSS! Design is a business, and understanding clients, costs and delivery modes will set you apart from other designers.
Think about whats called responsive design: so that your work is seen in small phones, big phones, tablets, laptop, the design will adjust to the container size.
Think about social media and search engine optimization.
Understand animation and video treatments: designs can tell a story.
Be aware of cross-language issues: wORD-LENGTHs across languages vary.
Learn the design greats like Saul Bass, Paul Rand, Stefan Sagmiser and my favorite Syd Mead.... http://sydmead.com/
read this for philosophy of design: https://scrapsfromtheloft.com/2018/01/18/blade-runner-1982-production-design-and-photography-american-cinematographer/
Learn and use the Rule of Thirds.
Be prepared to use a DESIGN SYSTEM, integrated standards: https://www.invisionapp.com/inside-design/guide-to-design-systems/
Good luck.
Thomas
Updated
karthik’s Answer
Excellent IT skills, especially with design and photo-editing software.
Exceptional creativity and innovation.
Excellent time management and organisational skills.
Accuracy and attention to detail.
An understanding of the latest trends and their role within a commercial environment
Exceptional creativity and innovation.
Excellent time management and organisational skills.
Accuracy and attention to detail.
An understanding of the latest trends and their role within a commercial environment
Updated
Pamela’s Answer
Problem solving
Ability to listen to feedback
Attention to detail
Communication (both written and verbal)
Presentation skills
Multi-tasking
Ability to listen to feedback
Attention to detail
Communication (both written and verbal)
Presentation skills
Multi-tasking