ALT-1 How to become a Graphic Designer
There are different types of artists; such as the fine artist, the commercial artist, and the graphic designer. Graphic designers design materials such as advertisements, displays, packaging, signs, computer graphics and games, book and magazine covers and interiors, animated characters, and company logos. Jobs are constantly becoming available as the economy is steadily advertising and is in need of artistic, eye catching ideas.Personal qualifications include artistic talent, the ability to clearly express ideas, creativity, imagination, flexibility, self-confidence, perseverance, the ability to work under pressure, accept criticism, and get along well with others. High school students should take plenty of art and design courses as possible, and learn to work on the computer. Students should also get help from guidance counselors and art teachers so that they can tour and interview design companies. Also, take tons of art classes and help out with design projects. Talking with teachers and graphic artist employers can help you decide on this career or not. Students should participate in design projects for school and the community, and on the school's yearbook and newspaper. To gain more experience, a person can do part-time and summer jobs that relate to graphic designers. It can take anywhere from one to three years to become a graphic designer, and a period of on the job training is expected for all beginners. Having a strong portfolio is a good start. Portfolios are used to evaluate talent, and how your talent can be used. Portfolios should be kept up to date so it will be ready for any job changes. Colleges and professional schools can help you to find available positions in the graphic design profession. When applying for a job or enrollment in an art school, you may be required to submit samples of your work, therefore keeping a portfolio is very important. When choosing a school, you should determine the strengths and weaknesses of each school. Visit different schools and different classes. Talk to some of the graduates and students attending the school. Night schools may also help. Be true to what you really want to do, because it is hard switching from one field to the next. Students may attend night school to get a further education in art while working in studios and agencies during the day. Completion of a college entrance program is recommended. Courses in art, mass media, and printing is very beneficial. Computer skills are a big need; you need knowledge on how to work several drawing, image editing, and page layout techniques. Formal art training is usually necessary. Students can get scholarship info and an application from th National Scholarship Trust Fund. Formal art training can be acquired through two- or three-year programs at art schools, colleges, junior colleges, or universities. Most people entering into graphic design have either a college degree or some college education. Many schools require that you take a year of basic art and design before acception into a bachelor's degree program. Schools will sometimes ask for samples of your work so that they can see you artistic ability. Use of computers for design work is very important, therefore a person must be trained to use the computer properly. Some courses for the bachelor degree may include principles of design, art, art history, painting , sculpture, mechanical and architectural drawing, architecture, computerized design, basic engineering, fashion designing and sketching, garment construction, and textiles. Although desirable, such degrees as the one above is not always necessary to become a graphic designer.There is a strong competition in becoming a graphic artist because many people seek to enter this profession.
Related careers:cartoonistinterior designersign painterdrafterdisplay workermodel makerart teacherdesigner of clothing, furniture, or jewelryGraphic designers need artistic talent, creativity, and imagination, along with sensitivity to beauty, an eye for detail, and a strong sense of color, balance, and proportion. These can be natural or developed talents. People should examine their talent in art critically. You can seek professional advice as to whether the job is right for you or not.Artist can work as either a freelancer-someone who works for theirself- or a salaried employee-person directly responsible to the company. Beginning designers are given simple tasks with direct supervision. As one becomes more experienced, that person will advance and have less supervision. Advancements include chief designer, design department head, and other supervisory positions. Beginners are assigned to complete paste-up, layout, and lettering functions. Graphic artist work with art directors, graphic designers, copywriters, editors, printers, and clients. Graphic design studios offer an excellent opportunity for beginning designers. Annual reports, studios specializing in packaging, general design studios, art, animation, and computer graphics are just some of the opportunities in the field of graphic design. There are many different markets including the art director, advertising agencies, packaging, graphic design, magazine market, book publishing market, newspaper market, fashion market, television market, movie production, promotions department, etcetera. Graphic artists' work appears in magazines, books, television, greeting cards, newspapers, calendars, posters, wall coverings, fabrics, etcetera. Some graphic designers work in nice offices or studios; some work in small establishments; some work in large design departments. Some work with co-workers, while others deal with the public. Some work long irregular hours, while others work regular hours.Graphic artists usually have a scheduled 40 hour week. Sometimes the artist has to work over-time to meet deadlines. Some people earn $17,000 while others earn $35,000. Entry-level designers earn between $23,000 and $27,000 annually. Degree manager/design director earns $60,000 a year. Corporate vice-president earns $70,000 plus. Owners can make $85,000 and up. There are full benefits for those working under large corporations, such as sick leave, health insurance, and paid vacation.
