Graphic Design Essay

• Topics: Graphic Design
• Pages: 3
• Words: 712
• Date added: May 4, 2020

Graphic design is a high skill profession. “Graphic designers are artists who create visual concepts using computer software”. Graphic designers also have many duties throughout the day which include meeting with clients and designing logos and images, designing layouts, and applying changes that the clients recommend” said Amy Hawker a senior brand design director at studio 111. Employment of graphic designers is projected to grow to 3 percent from 2018 to 2028, slower than the average for all occupations (United States Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics).

Graphic designers also create visual concepts, either with computer software or by hand to communicate ideas to their consumers. Graphic designers usually have 8 hour shifts that consist of checking emails, working on projects, a 30 minute break, more projects, and checking emails before the end of the day (Hawker). Graphic design is an artistic profession that is slowly increasing in interest and requires great artistic ability. To become a Graphic designer, certain requirements must be met. In high school, art and design classes will help with artistic ability and computer software knowledge which will help in becoming a desired Graphic designer. Also as a graphic designer, some required skills can be having a strong sense of color, decent computer and editing skills, artistic talent, and creativity.

Another process of becoming a Graphic designer is to acquire a Bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design or in a similar field and then complete technical training in Graphic Design to meet the required qualifications. A Bachelor’s degree is not necessary if an internship is acquired. Freelance designers also do not require a degree if they possess enough skill. The best way to get hired in graphic design is to have a strong portfolio; employers rely on an applicant’s portfolio to evaluate talent. Even though there are some prerequisites, there is an alternate way to become a graphic designer through internship. Graphic designers’ salaries can depend on many factors. A graphic designer’s pay is determined on how complex the project is and when it is due.

Pay is also determined by workload and designers get paid per project (Hawker). Depending on the position, some designers make more money yearly; graphic designers make $39,000 yearly while owners of the firm can make up to $110,000 or more per year. Designers’ hours can also depend on the amount of projects and when the deadlines are. Hawker stated that “deadlines must be met or there will be a pay cut depending on how late the project is completed.” There are also different tiers of designers with graphic designers being the lowest, followed by senior designers, and then creative / design directors. Designers that have three to five years of experience can expect to make between $55,000 and $75,000; then Designers with five or more years of experience can expect to make between $70,000 and $95,000.

Designers that work for a firm can end up making almost 6 figures after some time and investment in this field. Although graphic designers start off with a lower wage if they climb through the different positions their salaries will eventually increase dramatically.

Designers’ environments also affect their work because it affects their creativity. Designers usually work in smaller, clean, and comfortable offices to maximize designers’ efficiency. Designers that work in studios have access to drafting tables, computers, and designing softwares. Designers with more experience can work on more complex projects with less supervision and can even branch off to become freelance designers if they are in high demand to generate more money and have a better office. Hawker explained that “Designers often decorate their studios with brighter colors and flowers to inspire themselves and prevent a lack of mental blockage.”

Designers usually have a very small amount of co-workers and can have lots of public contact. A designer’s work environment can heavily sway how certain designers work and can cause a serious lack of work if the environment is not what they work best in. I have learned that graphic designers do not require a college degree, they get to work one on one with clients, and many pieces of art graphic designers make is often different. I feel that this would be a great career choice for me because of the simple fact I could always become a freelance designer and work from home.