When you think of graphic designers, what do you picture? Creative-looking, fashionable people with a tablet in one hand and a pen in the other? A lone professional using design software in a dark room? An artist? And what does graphic design really mean? Eye-grabbing graphics on websites? While that can certainly fit under the scope of what a graphic designer might create, a career in graphic design could involve so many different things. Posters, infographics, book covers, product labels, logos, business cards, signs, website layouts, mobile apps, software interfacesβthe list goes on.
Graphic designers work to communicate ideas in a visual format, guiding perception and informing their audience. Most graphic designers work on behalf of a client or company, creating designs to satisfy specific objectives.
Graphic designers are also often considered artists. Graphic design is a huge industry. In simple terms, graphic designers make visuals to communicate certain messages. These visuals can be as simple as a business logo, or as complex as page layouts on a website. Companies use the visual concepts of graphic design to promote and sell products through advertising, to convey complicated information in an easy-to-understand format think of infographics , to develop a brand identity, and so much more.
While most companies are hiring graphic designers for commercial purposes, many designers also use their work for artistic expression. A graphic designer creates work utilizing certain visual elements. Graphic designers can use these elements in conjunction or opposition with each other to create striking and impactful visuals.
Graphic designers also adhere to the principles of design, which are essentially a set of guidelines that help a design achieve appealing composition. A good graphic designer must first understand these principles, then use them or discard them with intention in each project. Graphic design offers opportunities and options for individuals of almost any interest.
