JOIN USGraphic design is a career for innovators. Designers need the ability to think laterally and consider new ways to address problems and turn them into designs which will be recognised and remembered. There are a wide range of career opportunities across key areas including graphics, motion graphics, advertising and illustration.
Whether it's through a design agency or in-house, many organisations are increasingly turning to designers to help their brand and messages stand out. Graphic designers are in demand as companies are increasingly looking to expand and improve the visual impact of their digital marketing, social media and communications platforms. Though it is among the less established career choices in India, graphic design is attracting more and more interest with a growing number of companies offering design services.
Opportunities
Trained and experienced designers are required for a huge variety of products and activities, including websites, infographics, advertising, books, magazines, posters, computer games, product packaging, exhibitions and displays, corporate communications and corporate identity.
There are excellent career prospects globally for graduates in a range of design jobs in areas such as:
-Graphic design
- Advertising
-Designing for environments and three-dimensional spaces
- Branding and identity
- Illustration
-Printmaking
- Animation
- Motion graphics
- Interactive design and app development
- Typography
-Editorial and digital publishing
Skills required
To be a good designer, it is important to have an eye for detail and an interest in what catches people’s attention. You need to be prepared to go the extra mile to understand a business need and the benefits that a good design can bring to a company or organisation’s ability to communicate a message or raise their profile.
Communication skills are key, as your design might be incredibly impressive; but that’s of no use if it doesn’t meet the requirements of what the client wishes to convey. You need to understand what is required and then develop a design which captures everything in a way which is easy for the intended audience to understand. Designers are likely to need to pitch their work either to customers or to advertisement directors, so it is necessary to be able to pitch and present well.
It is important to have a talent for design and be comfortable using a range of design software packages, such as InDesign, QuarkXPress, FreeHand, Illustrator and Photoshop. You will also need to work with strict budgets, meet tight deadlines and be able to manage your time to work through multiple design briefs at the same time.
Professional experience
As with any career, it’s useful to have practical work experience to demonstrate your interest and understanding of the challenges faced in real-life industry situations. It is recommended that aspiring designers assemble a portfolio, detailing examples of their design work to show to future employers.
It is also a good idea to get as much experience of observing and working with those already working in the industry. It is advisable to attend conferences or talks from leading designers and design agencies, or apply for courses which include placements or encourage internships.
Training
Design jobs are competitive. Though it is likely that future employers will focus on your ability to meet a brief in a timely and creative fashion, a degree in design will demonstrate your commitment to the career and industry. It will also show that you have both a practical and theoretical understanding of design.
Studying will also be an excellent opportunity to make professional contacts among staff and students. It is essential to study on a well-established course in an internationally recognised institution.
(The author is principal lecturer, Design at the Sheffield Institute of Arts, Sheffield Hallam University)