What Is Graphic Design???

Graphic design basically is visual problem solving using text and/or graphical elements. Your aim is to create something that is pleasing to the eye, and gets the attention of the viewer. But things can't just look cool. They have to work as well.

How effective is a great looking restaurant menu if you can't for the life of you find beverages, or it's hard to tell which price is for what? ; )

About.com defines it this way: 

"Graphic design is the process and art of combining text and graphics and communicating an effective message in the design of logos, graphics, brochures, newsletters, posters, signs, and any other type of visual communication. Today's graphic designers often use desktop publishing software and techniques to achieve their goals." 

Dictionary.com says this: 
"The practice or profession of designing print or electronic forms of visual information, as for an advertisement, publication, or website."

The Scope of this Industry...

So what do graphic designers actually do? Most people can name at least a few things, but the graphic design spectrum is perhaps broader than you think. 

Designs can include: brochures, posters, magazine covers, magazine layout, tickets, business cards, T-shirts, signs, logos, book layout (typesetting), importing advertisements into a newspaper, websites, cd covers, dvd interactivity elements, Internet banners, flash animation, web interfaces, Powerpoint presentations, and more.

So what can YOU expect? Some employers will have a very specific and narrow job description, and some will want you to do a whole load of stuff. Often an in-house graphic designer (meaning a non design company will hire someone to do their graphic design rather than work with a company) will be the jack of all trades. You might expect to create the website, brochures, a poster for an upcoming event, and prepare powerpoint presentations. And then there is the other end of the spectrum where your entry level job for the first 2 years is scanning photos for Auto Trader Magazine, and placing them into the layout. It all depends on who is hiring, and what they want.

Go For It... : )

Graphic design is a very exciting career to enter into. You'll often be working with cutting edge technology, using your creativity, and having fun doing it. If you pay attention to detail, are patient, creative, and like solving problems, then you are well on your way. What is graphic design? It's a creative career that finally rewards you for all of those doodles you'd make during class.

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