2 answers
Jacob
Student
Yuma, Arizona
1
Question
Updated
447 views
My name is Jacob and I’m a middle schooler in Arizona and wanted to know about this job
How do you start being a graphic designer and is it hard to do this job
Login to comment
2 answers
Jannice Truong
Product Designer
1
Answer
Austin, Texas
Updated
Jannice’s Answer
Hey there, Jacob!
Remember, you've got all the time in the world to explore the intricate world of graphic design and decide if it's the right career path for you. Art has always held a special place in my heart, being my favorite subject throughout my school years. I was determined to pursue a career that involved art, which led me to study it in college. My degree offered me the opportunity to experiment with various forms - be it drawing, painting, sculpting, or even printmaking. It was an exhilarating experience to merge traditional methods with modern technology. For instance, I would create a design digitally, carve out a plate using a laser cutter, and then print it using a letterpress!
I would encourage you to experiment with different mediums and discover what resonates with you the most. Once you've found your niche, you can start creating your own designs or perhaps help a family member with their business, or even revamp a logo of a brand you believe could be improved. With the wealth of information at our disposal these days, you can easily follow the work of inspiring designers.
My journey began as a graphic designer, working in an art studio and creating images for the company. However, I discovered that I derived more joy from merging my visual design skills with user experience, leading me to my current role as a product designer. Becoming a graphic designer wasn't a "difficult" journey, but it did require dedication and effort. And remember, it's okay if you feel you can't draw or design yet - these are skills that you can refine over time! Your design sense is like a muscle that can be trained and strengthened. There's no ceiling!
Best wishes on your journey, Jacob. Remember, there's no rush - take your time and enjoy the ride. :)
Jannice
Remember, you've got all the time in the world to explore the intricate world of graphic design and decide if it's the right career path for you. Art has always held a special place in my heart, being my favorite subject throughout my school years. I was determined to pursue a career that involved art, which led me to study it in college. My degree offered me the opportunity to experiment with various forms - be it drawing, painting, sculpting, or even printmaking. It was an exhilarating experience to merge traditional methods with modern technology. For instance, I would create a design digitally, carve out a plate using a laser cutter, and then print it using a letterpress!
I would encourage you to experiment with different mediums and discover what resonates with you the most. Once you've found your niche, you can start creating your own designs or perhaps help a family member with their business, or even revamp a logo of a brand you believe could be improved. With the wealth of information at our disposal these days, you can easily follow the work of inspiring designers.
My journey began as a graphic designer, working in an art studio and creating images for the company. However, I discovered that I derived more joy from merging my visual design skills with user experience, leading me to my current role as a product designer. Becoming a graphic designer wasn't a "difficult" journey, but it did require dedication and effort. And remember, it's okay if you feel you can't draw or design yet - these are skills that you can refine over time! Your design sense is like a muscle that can be trained and strengthened. There's no ceiling!
Best wishes on your journey, Jacob. Remember, there's no rush - take your time and enjoy the ride. :)
Jannice
Curt Spannraft
Content creator/graphic designer
5
Answers
Chicago, Illinois
Updated
Curt’s Answer
Hi, Jacob!
Like other creative type jobs, you should enjoy some sort of art, design, and/or illustration. Learn what you can through school art and design classes as well as online sources and books. There are some excellent online sources now that do a great job of teaching good design techniques and theory. The main thing you have to have, of course, is talent. This may be hard to determine. Look for guidance from art teachers and any graphic design professionals you may know. You need someone to give you honest feedback. Friends and family may not do this, and remember to not get upset over critiques of your work. Use them as learning opportunities. That's what they are for. Give yourself time, and once you are a Junior or Senior in high school you should start seeing if you have solid skills.
It is not a hard job, but having to be creative all the time can be a bit stressful. Clients can also be difficult on occasion since they may not understand design and why you make some of the decisions you do. It can also be very rewarding, too. When you work hard on a project and eventually see it appear in a magazine or website or in a video, it fills you with immense pride.
One tip is to have hobbies that are different from graphic arts so you can de-stress and refresh your mind.
As you get older, just be honest with yourself, whether you enjoy it and if you feel you have good skills.
Best of luck in your journey!
Like other creative type jobs, you should enjoy some sort of art, design, and/or illustration. Learn what you can through school art and design classes as well as online sources and books. There are some excellent online sources now that do a great job of teaching good design techniques and theory. The main thing you have to have, of course, is talent. This may be hard to determine. Look for guidance from art teachers and any graphic design professionals you may know. You need someone to give you honest feedback. Friends and family may not do this, and remember to not get upset over critiques of your work. Use them as learning opportunities. That's what they are for. Give yourself time, and once you are a Junior or Senior in high school you should start seeing if you have solid skills.
It is not a hard job, but having to be creative all the time can be a bit stressful. Clients can also be difficult on occasion since they may not understand design and why you make some of the decisions you do. It can also be very rewarding, too. When you work hard on a project and eventually see it appear in a magazine or website or in a video, it fills you with immense pride.
One tip is to have hobbies that are different from graphic arts so you can de-stress and refresh your mind.
As you get older, just be honest with yourself, whether you enjoy it and if you feel you have good skills.
Best of luck in your journey!