Graphic Designer

A Graphic Designer

Graphic designers communicate ideas and messages through design. They combine colours, fonts and text with pictures and/or video to create unique visual images that present information about artists, companies, brands, or events. Graphic designers communicate messages and ideas through art and design. Design with messages that educate, inform, inspire, or entertain, depending on the request of their client. Graphic designers can produce logos, online ads, video illustrations, website art, brochures, flyers, magazine images, artwork for eBooks or pdfs, social media material and much more.

A graphic designer can be a self-employed freelancer or work for a business. Most companies hire graphic designers for logo creation, advertising and marketing campaigns and or social media advertisement. Some companies employ graphic designers to help with app development. Graphic design is a creative profession. Hence, you will need a skillset to thrive and become successful.

What Skills Do You Need to Become a Graphic Designer

As a graphic designer you will need to develop and cultivate a number of different skills. Even though artistic skills and expertise will get you far, you will have to add a few extra elements on your journey. You will need a to master graphic computer software. Designers have a passion for art and creating. They can look at simple ideas or concepts and bring those ideas to reality. In order to deliver beautiful, engaging, and effective design to your clients, you must make sure that all elements of the design work together in harmony. Practise multitasking, as you will often be expected to work on multiple projects at the same time. As a graphic designer you are expected to manage your workflow, your time spent on tasks, and deliver projects on time, within set budgets.

Graphic design is an ever evolving industry. You need to keep up with social trends. Being a graphic designer means more than designing. You need to have great communication skills. Clients are far more likely to hire you and refer you, if you communicate well. Here’s a list of skills you should consider cultivating and working on before you start your graphic designer business:

• Creativity
• Innovation
• Visualizing
• Communication
• Attention to detail
• Time management
• Master software programs
• Deadlines
• Revising designs 
• Share and develop ideas
• Stay updated with trends

Pros of Becoming a Graphic Designer

One of the pros of becoming a graphic designer is the fact that you only need your laptop and an internet connection. Graphic design can be done from anywhere. This means you can work from home, at coffee shops, or on a tropical nomad beach cafe. The choice is yours. As long as you met the deadlines, your clients will be happy. Graphic design can be a rewarding profession. You get to innovate and create within specific guidelines that your clients provide. Graphic design is a great career choice if you enjoy being creative. It can lead you into many other fields such as web design, photography, video and animation.

• Remote work
• Flexible work
• Innovate and create
• Evolve into other fields

Cons of Becoming a Graphic Designer
As a graphic designer working for clients, you need to be able to take criticism. Sometimes, your designs will be met with criticism. Your designs will need to be tweaked or changed to satisfy your clients and customers. There will be situations where the client doesn’t like your first draft. You have to posses the ability to remain positive in such situations. Learn to set and meet deadlines.

• Respond positive to criticism
• You will be working in front of a screen all day and/or night
• Deadlines will affect your creativity
• Some assignments will be boring

Educational Requirements

The best way to become a graphic designer is obviously to go to school. I advice you to start your journey by watching tutorials on YouTube. There are tons of expert designers sharing their knowledge, tips and tricks in short videos. Then, you have to decide on whether you jump on a four-year university, two-year community college, or an online certificate program. If you can not afford a traditional college or university, there are plenty of online programs you can join. Make sure you are learning the graphic design skills you need for the field you prefer to work in.

As a graphic designer it’s very possible that you get hired strictly on your creative portfolio. However, many employers are looking for designers with a graphic designer degree. There are approximately 300 institutions in the U.S. that offer degree programs acknowledged by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design. The number of online courses and programs is also a growing. Both options cover a wide range of subjects, such as art, principles of design, graphics, web design, advertising and various graphic software technology. An important lesson during your educational process, will be in marketing.  As a designers you must be able to write and submit professional job proposals, and effectively sell yourself to potential clients.

Create a Business Plan and Goals

If you are serious about entering this field of work, you need a business plan and goals. Write down how much income you need to make a living. Note the costs. Include everything from healthcare, taxes, software, equipment and marketing. You need to think about the balance of revenue and expenses. What type of clients do you want? Write down measurable business goals to help you figure out if your plan is working during your journey. What’s your plan b? Your fallback plan if the freelance lifestyle ends up not being for you? Lay a solid foundation to facilitate sure success. This is all a part of becoming a successful entrepreneur.

Establish a Personal Brand

Decide whether you plan to do freelance work under your name or create a business name. There are pros and cons to both options. Regardless, you need a strong personal and professional brand to make it as a freelance graphic designer. You can always start doing small projects under your own name. However, as your business and reputation grows, I would advice you to incorporate a freelance business. Then buy a domain. Create an email address. Build social media profiles. Establish an online presence as a graphic designer. 

Build Your Portfolio

The only way for a potential client to understand your skills and abilities, is through a portfolio, demonstrating your work as a designer. As a graphic designer, your portfolio will be the most important part of your online presence. Building a strong portfolio is mandatory if you plan to bring in clients and have a successful career. Proving your credibility as a graphic designer is hugely important in getting your first clients. A well-built portfolio gives your clients or customers an insight into professionalism towards your services. People will be reluctant to hire you if you’re a brand with no proof of work. Use your website and social media to exhibit your work and client testimonials. Be selective with what you showcase in your portfolio. Only include projects and examples that are prime examples of the kind of freelance work you want to do. Include passion projects.

If you don’t have much to show for in your portfolio, offer to do work for friends and family for free. Once you have a few projects that showcase your quality and skills, you will have a much better chance at winning clients.

Create Your Online Presence

As with any online business, hard work is often not the key to success. You need to add smart into into the equation. As a graphic designer, you need to make yourself as visible as possible to your potential clients. This is where your portfolio and social media come in. Being a part of the conversation on platforms like Facebook or Twitter and/or posting daily designs on Instagram, will help you build your brand and land gigs as a designer.

Networking

Spend some time putting yourself out there with the intention of networking. Develop those networks. Join online social media groups to discuss work. Ask questions. Ask for help and support. Engage with others likeminded designers. This will not only help in building your online presence but also build relationships with designers in the same field. Strong connections will help you generate the right type of mentality. Networking can result in work referrals or group projects. Just because you are entering the world of self-employment, doesn’t mean that you can’t take advantage of the vast network of like-minded individuals out there in the same position as you.

The First Step

Remember that everyone has to start from zero in any chosen business or mission. As with most other things in life, patience and perseverance is key. Becoming a successful graphic designer will not happen overnight. You have to be willing to do the work. Be vigilant and never give up.