Graphic designing is a great option for anyone who is looking for a creative career that is both challenging and rewarding. If you have the creativity to visually communicate ideas that engage and inspire people, you should definitely consider becoming a graphic designer.
As a graphic designer, you get to do something new every day. Each task is fun and overflowing with creativity. Does this prospect appeal to you? Do you think you have the right skill set for a career in graphic design? If yes, we have all the information you will need to make an inform career choice.
Career As a Graphic Designer in London
Graphic designers are in great demand in the UK. Each year, creative industries contribute about £87.4 billion to the economy. Design is the UK’s fastest growing creative sector and rakes in £3.2 billion each year to the UK economy. The number of design jobs increased by over 28.4% between 2011 and 2014. So, anyone who is thinking of becoming a graphic designer in London or elsewhere in the UK can stay assured of a fulfilling career.
Skills Required to Become a Graphic Designer
To become a successful graphic designer, you need the following skills and qualities:
• Imagination and creativity
• Drawing ability
• Problem-solving skills
• A range of relevant IT skills
• Knowledge of photography and printing techniques
• Time management skills
• Ability to work within a budget
• Thorough understanding of current trends and styles within the design industry
• Excellent communication skills
• Sound knowledge of grammar and spelling
Apart from the above-mentioned skills and personal traits, a graphic designer should also be proficient in the latest design software. As design software is constantly updated, a graphic designer would need to keep abreast with the latest standards in this field and familiarise themselves with the latest tools and techniques. A graphic designer would need to develop expertise in the use of common design software such as Adobe Illustrator and image editing software such as Photoshop.
Job Responsibilities of a Graphic Designer
Once you choose this career path, you can work as a designer for a printer, take up freelance projects, work with web designers or start your own business printing London or in anywhere else in the UK. As a graphic designer, you will create a variety of materials in different media using text and images to communicate ideas and information to the target audience. For creating product logos to packaging designs and advertising posters, you will get to do apply your creativity and skills on a variety of tasks.
A Typical Graphic Designer in London Does The Following:
• Meeting clients or account managers and discussing the “brief” or requirements of the project
• Deciding on budget and deadlines
• Selecting appropriate media, style and materials that best meet the requirements of the “brief”
• Commissioning photographers and illustrators
• Communicating with the team members, colleagues and clients throughout the course of the project. Reporting the progress of the project to various stakeholders
• Creating rough sketches or computer graphics and getting client approval
• Preparing designs using specialized software and tools
• Creating the final design that meets exact project specifications including colour schematics, letter sizes, typefaces etc.
• Working as part of a team with marketing specialists, printers, other designers, copywriters, photographers, stylists and illustrators
• Delivering the final design on time and within client budget
If you are wondering what exactly a graphic designer designs, then here is a small list
• Promotional materials such as billboards and advertisements
• Logos and infographics
• Brochures, flyers, print publications
• Packaging designs
• Label designs
• Web designs
Getting a Certificate/Diploma/Degree in Graphic Design
If you are serious about pursuing a career as a graphic designer in London, you should consider getting a BA in graphic design. Some of the best universities offering a graphic design BA include Brighton University, Kingston University, Lincoln University, Middlesex University London and Shillington College. You can also opt for a shorter diploma or certificate courses in graphic design. In case you cannot afford to go to regular school to study graphic design, you can go for online courses, but make sure the courses are recognized.
While a degree or diploma can help kick-start your career as a graphic designer, but not having a degree cannot be an impediment for a deserving designer. With a strong portfolio, you can easily get a job or project of your liking.
Job Opportunities For a Graphic Designer
As we said earlier, there is no dearth of job opportunities for a competent graphic designer. Right from local same day printing service providers to large marketing companies, all employ a team of graphic designers.
Most graphic designers spend at least some time working for companies that specialise in marketing, corporate communications, printing or marketing. They can also work as a part of the in-house design team in large companies.
Usually, graphic designers start their career as design interns or as assistants, as they build experience, they can progress through the career structure and become a senior graphic designer, creative director and finally, a creative manager.
A large number of graphic designers choose to freelance than to work for a single employer, sourcing their projects either from the market or online. Many graphic designers take up freelance projects alongside their regular employment. This helps them build a bigger portfolio and generate additional income.
Industries That Employ Graphic Designers
• Advertising agencies
• Marketing companies
• Print and publishing industry
• Web design companies
• Large companies with an in-house design team
Sounds interesting? If you think you have it in you to become a graphic designer in London, this is the best time to do it. So, flex your creative muscles and get ready for an exciting career.
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