Graphic design involves both technical and creative work tasks. Art and design are both conceptual processes. Both aim to
communicate ideas to an audience. Some consider the differences between art and design to be minimal if any; but for most artists and designers, there is a clear distinction.
- Art work is intending to communicate ideas that have originated with the artist.
- Design work is intending to communicate ideas from a client to deliver a message from someone other than the designer.
Graphic artists produce a finished product after going through the design process.
Scope of Graphic Design
Graphic designers in the 20th century were mostly employed by either publishing or marketing businesses (or departments). Both of these industries have seen massive changes over recent decades though, as technology (in particular, the internet) has resulted in:
- More communication in electronic format (phones, computers, readers)
- A decline in print media publishing, and an increase in electronic publications
- Steady growth in online retailing
- Changes in broadcast media – more television stations, international accessibility, internet TV, downloadable videos
- Globalization of commerce
- Industrial design of products
- Design coherency on many platforms and devices
In addition to changes associated with the vast scope of the internet, software technology associated with graphic design has also been developed and gone through many evolutions. Whilst the graphic designer of the 1980s, or even the 1990s,did not need to be internet savvy, the graphic designer of today would be hard pushed not to be.
Careers in Graphic Design
There are a wide range of possible vocations or careers which involve graphic design. Many of these jobs blend into one another and there may be a lot of overlap in terms of job roles. Here is a list of some of the more typical careers today:
- Creative director
- Art director
- Graphic designer
- Logo/brand designer
- Illustrator
- Web designer
- Typographer
- Image re-toucher
- Package designer
- Layout artist
Skills RequiredThe types of personal skills needed to be successful in graphic design include:
- Being creative
- Having a good imagination
- Having a good understanding of design principles such as colour, form, perspective, proportion, etc.
- Having good insight into what clients want
- Being able to work in a team
- Being able to work under pressure and meet deadlines
- Having good communication and interpersonal skills
- Having good marketing skills
In addition, to these personal skills those wishing to work in the industry have to have specific skills in design, illustration, layout, etc.
