How to Become a Graphic Designer

Graphic design is the process of visual communication through the use of typography, photography, iconography and illustration. The field is considered a subset of visual communication and communication design, but sometimes the term “graphic design” is used synonymously. Graphic designers create and combine symbols, images and text to form visual representations of ideas and messages.

Graphic Designers use typography, visual arts, and page layout techniques to create visual compositions. Common applications of graphic design include corporate design (logos and branding), editorial design (magazines, newspapers and books), wayfinding or environmental design, advertising, web design, communication design, product packaging, and signage.

User Interface

User interface (UI) design is the process designers use to build interfaces in software or computerized devices, focusing on looks or style. Designers aim to create interfaces that users find easy to use and pleasurable. It is also the process of designing interfaces to make it easy to use and provide a user-friendly experience.

A UI includes all of the things a user interacts with—the screen, keyboard and mouse—but in the context of graphic design, UI design focuses on the user’s visual experience and the design of on-screen graphic elements like buttons, menus, micro-interactions, and more. It’s a UI designer’s job to balance aesthetic appeal with technical functionality.

• Web page design

• Theme design (WordPress, Shopify, etc.)

• Game interfaces

• App design

Print Media

Designs printed on a physical form is a subset of graphic design, it is a form of visual communication used to convey information to an audience through intentional aesthetic design printed on a tangible surface, designed to be printed on paper, as opposed to presented on a digital platform. A design can be printed on its final form through an imprint made by the impact of a stamp, seal, or dye on the surface of the paper.

Prints are long-form pieces that communicate with an audience through public distribution. They have traditionally been print media like books, newspapers, magazine and catalogs. However, there’s recently been a significant rise in digital publishing. Graphic designers that specialize in prints work with editors and publishers to create layouts with carefully selected typography and accompanying artwork, which includes photography, graphics and illustrations. Print designers may work as freelancers, as creative agency members or in-house as part of a publishing company.

• Books

• Newspapers

• Newsletters

• Directories

• Annual reports

• Magazines

• Catalogs

Visual identity

A brand is a relationship between a business or organization and its audience. A brand identity is how the organization communicates its personality, tone and essence, as well as memories, emotions and experiences. Visual identity graphic design is exactly that: the visual elements of brand identity that act as the face of a brand to communicate those intangible qualities through images, shapes and color.

Designers that specialize in visual identity graphic design collaborate with brand stakeholders to create assets like logos, typography, color palettes and image libraries that represent a brand’s personality. In addition to the standard business cards and corporate stationary, designers often develop a set of visual brand guidelines (style guides) that describe best practices and provide examples of visual branding applied across various media. These guidelines help to ensure brand consistency throughout future applications.

Visual identity design is one of the most common types of design. Visual identity graphic designers must possess a general knowledge of all types of graphic design in order to create design elements that are suitable across all visual media. They also need excellent communication, conceptual and creative skills, and a passion for researching industries, organizations, trends and competitors.

Packaging

Packaging design is the front line for all businesses. Products also require some form of packaging to protect and prepare them for storage, distribution, and sale. But packaging design can also communicate directly to consumers, which makes it an extremely valuable marketing tool. Every box, bottle and bag, every can, container, or canister is a chance to tell the story of a brand.

Packaging designers create concepts, develop mockups and create print-ready files for a product. This requires expert knowledge of print processes and a keen understanding of industrial design and manufacturing. Because packaging design touches so many disciplines, it’s not uncommon for designers to find themselves creating other assets for a product such as photography, illustrations and visual identity.

Packaging designers may be a jack-of-all-trades or specialize in a specific type of packaging (like labels or beverage cans) or a specific industry (like food or children’s toys). Their work requires top-notch conceptual and problem-solving skills in addition to a strong working knowledge of print and industrial design. They must be flexible to meet the demands of clients, marketers and manufacturers and be aware of current trends.

Illustration

Illustrations are often seen as being the same as graphic design, however they’re each very different. Designers create compositions to communicate and solve problems, graphic artists and illustrators create original artwork. Their art takes a number of forms, from fine art to decoration to storytelling illustrations.

Even though illustrations are not technically types of graphic design, so much is created for commercial use within the context of graphic design that you can’t talk about one without the others. Graphic artists use any combination of media and techniques to create their work as they collaborate with writers, editors, managers, marketers and art directors across all graphic design types. They’ll often have a foundation in fine arts, animation or architecture. Overlapping skills and apps make it possible to find graphic designers who also work as graphic artists and illustrators (and vice versa).

• T-shirt design

• Graphic patterns for textiles

• Motion graphics

• Stock images

• Graphic novels

• Video games

• Websites

• Comic books

• Album art

• Book covers

• Picture books

• Infographics

• Technical illustration

• Concept art

Marketing Designs

Marketing are usually done in social media because there are tons of people everyday who spend time on social media. It is the responsibility of graphic designers to attract people or make them click on social media ads.

Companies depend on successful marketing efforts to tap into their target audience’s decision-making process. Great marketing engages people based on the wants, needs, awareness and satisfaction they have about a product, service or brand. Since people will always find visual content more engaging, graphic design helps organizations promote and communicate more effectively.

Marketing designers work with company owners, directors, managers or marketing professionals to create assets for marketing strategies. They might work alone or as part of an in-house or creative team. Designers can specialize in a specific type of media (vehicle wraps or magazine ads, for example) or create a broad assortment of collateral for print, digital, and beyond. While traditionally print-centered, this type of design has grown to include more digital assets, especially for use in content marketing and digital advertising.

Marketing designers need excellent communication, problem-solving and time management skills. In addition to being proficient in several graphic design, layout and presentation apps, they must also be familiar with production for print and online environments. Entry-level positions in this area are a great way for new designers to learn processes and acquire valuable skills and experience.

• Postcards and flyers

• Magazine and newspaper ads

• Posters, banners and billboards

• Infographics

• Brochures (print and digital)

• Vehicle wraps

• Signage and trade show displays

• Email marketing templates

• PowerPoint presentations

• Menus

• Social media ads, banners and graphics

• Banner and retargeting ads

• Images for websites and blogs

Motion Graphics

Simply put, motion graphics are graphics that are in motion. This can include animation, audio, typography, imagery, video and other effects that are used in online media, television and film. The medium’s popularity has skyrocketed in recent years as technology improved and video content became king.

“Motion graphics designer” is a somewhat new specialty for designers. Formally reserved for TV and film, technological advances have reduced production time and costs, making the art form more accessible and affordable. Now, motion graphics is one of the newest types of design and can be found across all digital platforms, which has created all sorts of new areas and opportunities.

• Title sequences and end credits

• Advertisements

• Animated logos

• Trailers

• Presentations

• Promotional videos

• Tutorial videos

• Websites

• Apps

• Video games

• Banners

• GIFs

Environmental Designs

This is like the opposite of social media marketing because environmental designs usually target people on the street whether they are walking or in their vehicle.

Environmental graphic design is commonly used also to connect people to places to improve their overall experience by making spaces more memorable, interesting, informative or easier to navigate. Environmental design is a broad type of design.

Wayfinding is a specific type of environmental graphic design that consists of strategic signage, landmarks and visual cues that help people identify where they are and where they need to go so they can get there without confusion.

Environmental graphic design is a multidisciplinary practice that merges graphic, architectural, interior, landscape and industrial design. Designers collaborate with people in any number of these fields to plan and implement their designs. Because of that, designers typically have education and experience in both graphic design and architecture. They must be familiar with industrial design concepts and able to read and sketch architectural plans.

Traditionally, environmental graphic design has produced static print pieces, but digital interactive displays continue to rise in popularity as a means of creating a more engaging experience.

• Signage

• Wall murals

• Museum exhibitions

• Office branding

• Public transportation navigation

• Retail store interiors

• Stadium branding

• Event and conference spaces

What do I need to do to become a graphic designer?

To become a graphic designer, you don’t need to have IT and drawing skills. You’ll need to be able to find practical solutions to problems. You’ll also need excellent communication skills.

Most professional graphic designers have a foundation degree in graphic design or other art and design-based subject. You will also need a working knowledge of desktop design software, such as Photoshop, Illustrator and InDesign. You can learn graphic design courses in colleges, private schools or self-study through online courses and most of them are free on youtube.

An employer will be as interested in your design skills and creative ideas as they are in your qualifications. Talent and personal contacts (networking) are very important for getting work. You will need to have an up-to-date portfolio to show potential employers what you can do. Don’t be afraid to use your design skills (where appropriate) to make your CV stand out.

Unpaid work experience, holiday jobs and internships will give you the chance to develop your portfolio, make contacts and impress employers. You could also create a website to showcase your work.

Competition for jobs is strong and not all jobs are advertised, so as well as building contacts, you could approach companies and design agencies directly. A good starting point is to search for design agencies in the design directory.

You may be able to become a junior graphic designer through an online agency like Upwork, people per hour etc.