How often do people say they want to do something creative? Creative careers, however, are notoriously hard to get into. Graphic design is a typical example. As publications manager, Richard Wesson, says, “It’s an incredibly oversubscribed industry. Which means you have to do the right things to succeed.”
What Do Graphic Designers Do?
Graphic designers generate visual content using text and images, working within guidelines set by clients. Content is used in a variety of environments such as magazines and websites. Ideas are generated and developed using sketchbooks and artwork as well as, increasingly, specialist computer software.
James Allwright, head of design for a specialist provider says, “There’s a lot of time when you sit around thinking of concepts. Your research isn’t always computer based – hopefully you’ve got a sketch book and you use that – but because of the current sophistication of graphics packages, it isn’t long before you want to get on the computer and start visualising things.”
The Good and Bad of Graphic Design
All jobs have their plus points – and their drawbacks. Some of the good things are huge.
“One of the big thrills,” says Wesson , “and it probably never goes away, is when you see work you’ve done come to fruition, such as seeing an advert you’ve designed on a billboard or in a magazine.”
Allwright adds, “I enjoy the creative discussion! And I love the sitting down with nothing and working out what the process is going to be. Deciding on a direction and format – for example, photographic or a type of graphic – and working through to a solution.”
But What About the Challenges?
“You can end up working very hard initially, early in your career, and sometimes for not much money,” says Allwright.
Achieving deadlines is another issue. “Clients always have a time when they need the work to be done by,” says Kate Phillips, joint partner in EaK Design. “Some people are very unrealistic – your aim is to meet their requirements, but sometimes you have to say no.” This is particularly challenging for those running their own businesses where client satisfaction is key. Knowing your priorities and balancing these is crucial.
There can also be debate over the work itself. “Sometimes", says Phillips, "you do work and you love it, then you show it to the client and they might not like it. It’s important to understand that the work you do won’t necessarily always be right for the client. What this highlights is the importance of effective communication, of understanding what the client wants from you.”
Graphic Designer Skills
Aptitude is important. Wesson explains, “It’s an ability to see things, an element of lateral thinking: being able to see a problem and find a solution. People think of graphic design as being about presentation but I think of it as a problem solving exercise. You’re taking a brief and delivering a solution, one that sometimes is going to do more than was asked for. If you haven’t got that aptitude, it’s probably not the right industry for you.”
Good communication skills are crucial. “You need to be an excellent communicator,” says Allwright, “because a major part of the role is convincing other people that your proposed route is the best. You also have to be a good listener, and that means hearing not just what the client is saying, but what’s behind their brief. In other words, reading between the lines. That’s a skill you can learn, but you need to be aware of it.”
Phillips concurs. “It’s important when you’re dealing with a client, to get as much information from them as possible, to get to know them and what they want, so you can fulfil the brief. The whole communication aspect is quite important.”
She goes on to say: “For me, it’s quite important to have lots of ideas and not to be reluctant to express them. This can mean thinking outside the box and tackling things a bit differently sometimes.”
This must be one of the greatest satisfactions in graphic design – that creative edge, the chance to do something different. And it doesn’t just apply to the work itself.
“It’s an industry of opportunities,” says Wesson. “If you find them you should grasp them. If there are opportunities to get yourself into the kind of environment you want, you need a compelling reason not to.”
Easier said than done? Obtaining, and keeping, a job in graphic design, let alone the job of your choice, is a whole different story.
Further Information
- Creative Choices: Graphic Designer
- Directgov: Next Step Careers Advice: Graphic Designer
- Prospects [graduate careers website]: Graphic Designer
About the Contributors
James Allwright is head of design for a specialist provider. He has a degree in Graphic Design from the University of the West of England.
Kate Phillips is joint partner in EaK Design, a design company offering a range of services. She studied Graphic Communication at UWIC in Cardiff, UK, working for a while as an employee before establishing the business.
Richard Wesson did a degree in Graphic Design at Southampton, England, and is now head of publications for a public sector organisation. He spent his first few years as a freelance.
Ellie Stevenson - Ellie writes on history, travel, careers & the arts. Her novel, Ship of Haunts (http://tinyurl.com/cyryp2m) is on Amazon as an ebook.
Join the Conversation