4 answers
Preeti
Student
1
Question
Updated
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what are your strengths as a senior graphic designer?
as a person who draws rarely and not consistently, I suffer from constant art blocks.
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4 answers
Joshua Smith
UX Designer
5
Answers
Duluth, Georgia
Updated
Joshua’s Answer
Graphic Designer is a broad term. When it comes to getting a job as a "graphic designer," you'll want to think about what kind of graphic design you want to specialize in?
Do you want to make simple graphics, using geometric shapes shapes, like the design of road signs such as:
• "Stop" signs
• "Construction Ahead" signs
• "Speed Limit" signs
Everything about these signs, from their color, to their shape, to the choice of font lettering used on them was a DECISION that someone had to make.
Or do you want to go into a very technical field such as graphic design for graphic novels, comics, and manga?
Do you want to make T-shirt designs? billboard designs? or poster designs for box-office movies? These may or may not require drawing skill. Sometimes — like in the case of a Star Wars movie poster or DVD box covers — the graphic is composed of a collage of photographic imagery, intricately stitched together in a program such as Photoshop.
Sometimes — in the case of illustrative artwork — like many graphic tees (t-shirts) — you may use a program such as Illustrator, where again, depending on your art style, you may be able to get away with purely geometric designs: dragging out shapes and choosing colors. Or you could even trace other drawings — maybe ones other, more talented draftsmen, made— and put them into a more illustrative, vector graphic style.
Do you want to do page layouts for books, newspaper, and magazines?
You could go into UI/UX Design? There's practically 0 drawing ability required in those fields. Those fields deal primarily in creating the designs for mobile apps, websites, and other graphical interfaces such as, video game start menus, and the contextual menus of smart refrigerators with "fancy do-hickeys" and touch screen interfaces; as well as Netflix and Hulu's library of videos, and the sub menus for "add to my list" and other things like that. The industry is even moving further away from any GUI (graphical user interface), and more toward interaction design such as how people interact with A.I. and voice assistants such as Siri and Amazon Alexa, which have no visual interface.
If you want to go into Product Design (like creating golf clubs, Ikea furniture, shoes, cars, or M&M pouch packaging, and Arm&Hammer baking soda box designs), you will probably need a good deal of technical drafting skill: that means either learning drawing skills such as Perspective and line work (maybe some color), or learning a CAD (computer-aided design) software: 3D programs that help you create technical illustrations.
Of course, it would be best to improve your drawing skills as a "graphic designer," but depending on the field of work you go into, it's not always necessary. If you're looking to overcome "art blocks" specifically, then you're looking more for INSPIRATION rather than technical drawing skills. Find media that inspires you, such as a good book you can vividly visualize, or a Miyazaki (Studio Ghibli) film that makes you "feel" and desire to create as well. Even just journaling — writing down different and interesting thoughts that pop into your head throughout the day — can be enough to give you inspiration at the end of the day. Keep your ideas nearby at all times. No idea is "bad"...it's just not right; and the next idea you have could be the missing link that takes a previously incomplete idea and makes it viable.
Good luck, stay inspired, and keep your passions close. You'll find the answers you're looking for in the things you love to do — even if it seems completely unrelated to graphic design; ESPECIALLY if it seems completely unrelated to graphic design, because that means that there's untapped opportunity there.
Do you want to make simple graphics, using geometric shapes shapes, like the design of road signs such as:
• "Stop" signs
• "Construction Ahead" signs
• "Speed Limit" signs
Everything about these signs, from their color, to their shape, to the choice of font lettering used on them was a DECISION that someone had to make.
Or do you want to go into a very technical field such as graphic design for graphic novels, comics, and manga?
Do you want to make T-shirt designs? billboard designs? or poster designs for box-office movies? These may or may not require drawing skill. Sometimes — like in the case of a Star Wars movie poster or DVD box covers — the graphic is composed of a collage of photographic imagery, intricately stitched together in a program such as Photoshop.
Sometimes — in the case of illustrative artwork — like many graphic tees (t-shirts) — you may use a program such as Illustrator, where again, depending on your art style, you may be able to get away with purely geometric designs: dragging out shapes and choosing colors. Or you could even trace other drawings — maybe ones other, more talented draftsmen, made— and put them into a more illustrative, vector graphic style.
Do you want to do page layouts for books, newspaper, and magazines?
You could go into UI/UX Design? There's practically 0 drawing ability required in those fields. Those fields deal primarily in creating the designs for mobile apps, websites, and other graphical interfaces such as, video game start menus, and the contextual menus of smart refrigerators with "fancy do-hickeys" and touch screen interfaces; as well as Netflix and Hulu's library of videos, and the sub menus for "add to my list" and other things like that. The industry is even moving further away from any GUI (graphical user interface), and more toward interaction design such as how people interact with A.I. and voice assistants such as Siri and Amazon Alexa, which have no visual interface.
If you want to go into Product Design (like creating golf clubs, Ikea furniture, shoes, cars, or M&M pouch packaging, and Arm&Hammer baking soda box designs), you will probably need a good deal of technical drafting skill: that means either learning drawing skills such as Perspective and line work (maybe some color), or learning a CAD (computer-aided design) software: 3D programs that help you create technical illustrations.
Of course, it would be best to improve your drawing skills as a "graphic designer," but depending on the field of work you go into, it's not always necessary. If you're looking to overcome "art blocks" specifically, then you're looking more for INSPIRATION rather than technical drawing skills. Find media that inspires you, such as a good book you can vividly visualize, or a Miyazaki (Studio Ghibli) film that makes you "feel" and desire to create as well. Even just journaling — writing down different and interesting thoughts that pop into your head throughout the day — can be enough to give you inspiration at the end of the day. Keep your ideas nearby at all times. No idea is "bad"...it's just not right; and the next idea you have could be the missing link that takes a previously incomplete idea and makes it viable.
Good luck, stay inspired, and keep your passions close. You'll find the answers you're looking for in the things you love to do — even if it seems completely unrelated to graphic design; ESPECIALLY if it seems completely unrelated to graphic design, because that means that there's untapped opportunity there.
Edward Cogswell
Freelance Artist
14
Answers
Portland, Maine
Updated
Edward’s Answer
Hi Preeti, don’t worry too much, you’re in the same boat as most artists! Expressing your creativity can sometimes become daunting. What helps me to avoid this, is to first step back from your project, and clear up anything else you have going on that may be a distraction. Secondly, when you are ready to begin drawing, try some relaxation exercises, so you can concentrate, and completely focus. Then you can start drawing any subject matter that you have maybe avoided on purpose….Remember to become a better artist, and more well rounded you have to challenge yourself w/ different types of styles, subjects, and media. When you practice doing this, your true creativity will flow. Don’t be afraid to face your creative fears and step outside of the box! I am going to send you a few examples of some of my current drawings, weather it’s just practice to hone your technique, and skills, or an actual piece, put all your creative energy to work.
Alwyn Velásquez
Senior Product Designer (UI/UX)
58
Answers
Boston, Massachusetts
Updated
Alwyn’s Answer
As a Senior Graphic Designer, your strengths are deeply rooted in your experience. This includes not only your technical skills and creativity but also your maturity and ability to deliver consistently. Your problem-solving abilities and understanding of the design process are honed from years of practice and learning. At this level, you should also be proficient in managing both people and projects, guiding teams while ensuring high-quality results.
Kate Donalson
Art Director
20
Answers
Denver, Colorado
Updated
Kate’s Answer
Hi Preeti! As a Senior Graphic Designer I don't do a whole lot of drawing for my job. I will occasionally do simple sketching for logo designs, page layouts, or storyboards for animation. But for the most part I am working in Creative Cloud software. Having drawing skills can definitely be a plus in this career but not totally necessary.
If you want to get better at drawing and become more consistent I suggest challenging yourself to sitting down and making art every day. When I was getting back into creating art, I made myself commit to drawing 10 minutes a day. And wouldn't you know it, once I started drawing and my 10 minutes were up I didn't want to stop! Sometimes just starting is the hardest part. We can be our own worst critics so try not to judge what you make as "good" or "bad" and just see the act of drawing itself as your goal. That helped me at least.
If you want to get better at drawing and become more consistent I suggest challenging yourself to sitting down and making art every day. When I was getting back into creating art, I made myself commit to drawing 10 minutes a day. And wouldn't you know it, once I started drawing and my 10 minutes were up I didn't want to stop! Sometimes just starting is the hardest part. We can be our own worst critics so try not to judge what you make as "good" or "bad" and just see the act of drawing itself as your goal. That helped me at least.