Have You Thought About Becoming a Graphic Designer?

If you are skilled at drawing, painting, or coming up with creative images or slogans, you may want to consider a career in Graphic Design. 

Most likely you encounter the work of a Graphic Designer multiple times per day. Whenever you see a company logo that you recognize, the imagery that appears on your device as you’re streaming your favorite music, or opening the package of your favorite snacks, are all examples of the work of Graphic Designers. 

The Work 

Visual communication is now more important than ever. Graphic Designers use imagination and creativity to develop visual concepts that capture our attention, inspire and inform others. They use images, text, color and typography to communicate messages or ideas. 

Graphic Designers are responsible for developing the layout and design of the images we see on websites, print and digital advertisements, and social media platforms. 

Necessary Skills 

You’ll need to be proficient in industry-standard software such as Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator and In-Design, so it may be a good idea to start familiarizing yourself with these tools. 

Collaboration is also a big part of the profession since Graphic Designers often work in teams of other professionals including writers, other designers and developers to bring their ideas to life. As with most careers, being a team player is important. Developing sharp listening skills, being able to accept critical feedback and make the necessary adjustments or edits are important if you want to get far as a Graphic Designer.

Timeliness is another key element of the profession since work schedules generally revolve around deadlines and deliverables. 

Education & Pay

Most, but not all, employers require at least a bachelor’s degree to enter the profession. However, you will need a portfolio of your work to demonstrate your level of skill, creativity and expertise. 

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics the median salary for Graphic Designers is close to $60,000 both nationally and here in the Chicago area, but many top designers earn much more. If this career is of interest to you, sharpen your skills and go for it!

Do more research on this career here.