What are the steps I have to take in order to become a graphic designer for a professional organization?
I’ve always been very interested in graphic design ever since I was younger. I want to pursue a professional dream of being a graphic designer but am not sure where it will take me if I decide to pursue this dream. I’m concerned about the risk of failure if I decide to pursue this or if becoming a graphic designer is very common.
#technology #graphic-design #computer
4 answers
Sherrill’s Answer
I would also suggest you take some Marketing classes because companies want beautiful designs with a purpose--perhaps to sell a product or a service. You must create design that delivers results and communicates with your audience. So understanding who you are targeting in your design efforts will help provide specific direction for you and make your design more effective. Learning design basics is required as well as a business basics. Good graphic designs are not common but rather much in demand. I would suggest you focus your study on marketing with an emphasis on design as that will make you more well-rounded and employable in my opinion.
Jennifer J.’s Answer
Hi Kyle,
If you feel you have a natural talent and skill set to go along with your desire to be a Graphic Designer, then you should definitely pursue your dream. A misconception that many people have is that anyone can be a Designer if they have the tools (like Photoshop) and know how to use them. I believe, to be a successful and great designer, you have to have natural talent and a creative skill set (a creative mind and eye) that not everyone is born with. There is a creative process that is behind every design — it's not just the first idea you have and put down on paper, so-to-speak. If you understand your customer/assignment, have a vision, can conceptualize that vision and have the customer understand that vision and satisfy their needs, then you're going in the right direction.
Taking marketing and business classes will also help you with learning how to market your ideas and understand client/business relationships. You mentioned failure in your question — I think if you already have the interest, desire and talent, you shouldn't focus on failing as a designer. You should, however, be open and understanding of people critiquing (and sometimes being critical) your work and ideas. What is relatable and understandable to you may not always be so for the customer/audience. Be willing and positive about going back to the "drawing board" to get the necessary results (let it motivate you — even if you're not as happy with the end result — remember, not everyone is a designer and they don't all know what good design is). At the end of the day, the client is always right and they are paying for what they want.
A college professor of mine used to say, "Design is not a 9:00-5:00 job. It's a lifestyle." That has resonated with me every day throughout my career. I'm always looking for and finding inspiration around me in my every day life. Design, for me, is not just going to work everyday because I need to have a career. It's necessary and a passion and something I want to do every day — getting paid to do it is a bonus.
Best wishes, Kyle!
Jennifer J. recommends the following next steps:
Cuong’s Answer
Hey Kyle,
Your concern is understandable, the future is uncertain with money and what you'll be doing but I can say this for sure, you know what you want and your dream is what should strive you to never give up. That being said, if you want to secure your future, take precautions, don't wait, and plan as much as possible. Taking art and design courses will definitely build your portfolio but be sure to find that one area you'll like to pursue more into. If you are currently in school, in a university, take the time and find an internship somewhere. Perhaps apply to the ones that you are particularly interested in. If you're not sure where, ask advisors around your design department, they can push you in the right direction. Though the professors and advisors are there to help you, research what you want to do in design work and try the programs out.
Alwyn’s Answer
Take art courses to build a portfolio - an ability to draw or show creativity is a must for admission to most design schools. A 4 year accredited design school will prepare you to join a company as a qualified graphic designer. You should supplement your design schooling by taking business courses to learn some basic business processes - these will help you with contracts and dealing with supplemental services that may be required for your design projects (hiring additional creative resources, printing or imaging services for instance). Designers never stop learning, so make learning a daily habit. It will pay off in more responsibility, better projects, and improved creativity. You are a problem solver if you’re a designer.
Thank you so much! I appreciate it.
Never thought about how taking business courses could be important for becoming a graphic designer. Useful insight.
Kyle