How to become a graphic designer

A graphic designer is a person that creates product designs and logos for different products. The work of a graphic designer usually consists of using computer software and other tools to create a visual package that catches the eye and the attention of the buyer or that differentiates between that product and other similar products available and makes it more desirable.

The job requirements of a graphic designer might also include designing marketing brochures, designing the logo of companies and product, and even designing the layout and overall visual appearance of newspapers, magazines, books, CDs or corporate literature.

Graphic designer jobs

• Website graphic designer
• Graphic designing jobs in the animation industry

When most people think of graphic design industry, their immediate thoughts would be designers that work in the design aspects of websites; however, there is also a rather large graphic industry that deals with animation.

Requirements to be a graphic designer

There are some special characteristics that any graphic designer has to posses in order to become successful. The first and most important quality of a good graphic designer is a combination between artistic abilities and creative thinking in order to come up with fresh and innovative products.

Excellent communication skills are an important aspect because a graphic designer has to be able to find clients, listen to their needs and demands and translate their wishes into eye-catching and artistic expression.

Technical skills

• Computer savvy
• Knowledge of desktop publishing tools
• Graphic design programs

To have success in this business, any graphic designer has to be flexible, meticulous, and able to manage their time and to meet deadlines. In addition, a good graphic designer has to be computer-savvy and to be able to work with different desktop publishing tools.

The graphic designer career is a very flexible one. A future graphic designer can start his or her career in high school by signing up for art classes that can help him or her learn the basics about color, for and perspective, by actively participating in the design and layout of the high school paper, or by learning how to use different desktop publishing tools and computer programs.

The next step in the graphic designer's career is to get a college-level education in graphic arts. A college degree is essential in the career of a graphic designer because there are very few managers that are willing to take the risk of hiring a person without a college degree as a graphic designer. A bachelor's degree or an associate's degree in graphic design or art is also important and highly recommended for those that strive to become successful in this business.

Last but not least, an impressive portfolio is one of the most important things that can make the difference between a successful graphic designer and an out of work graphic designer.

A graphic designer can start building his or her portfolio before graduating by accepting different freelance jobs.

Job availability

The career opportunities for graphic designers are excellent and graphic designers are in high demand due to the rapid expanding of the Internet market.

Fortunately, there is no shortage of jobs for a qualified or a graphic designer with strong practical skills that can demonstrate experience with a portfolio.

Freelance graphic design - A graphic designer can start building his or her portfolio before graduating by accepting different freelance jobs. Many graphic designers work freelance in order to get some experience under their belt, or for many others, freelance is the only way they work in this industry because there is so much work available on an outsourced basis.

There are host of freelance websites where a prospective graphic designer can find plenty of work. Many people and organizations require graphic designers to jazz up their websites or to design logos.

Sites like Elance , Rentacoder have plenty of freelance graphic design jobs that a prospective designer can bid on.

Permanent graphic design jobs - There is strong demand for graphic design jobs from companies that deal in the Internet sphere or from companies with graphic design companies such as those working in animation.

• These jobs can be found advertised in the national or local press in the classifieds section.

• Most good online recruitment sites have a segment advertising graphic design jobs.

Graphic designer salary

The average graphic designer salary was 42,530 dollars per year in the United States of America. The graphic designer salary varies depending on which branch of industry the person is affiliated with.

The highest graphic designer salaries are received by those working in architecture, engineering and specialized design services (around 48,000 dollars per year). The lowest graphic designer salary is in printing (around 37,000 dollars per year).

Graphic designer salary also depends on the experience and reputation of the person. For instance, an entry-level graphic designer makes around 40,000 dollars per year, a freelance graphic designer can earn more than 55,000 dollars annually, while directors in design firms can earn a graphic designer salary of over 85,000 dollars annually.