Design is a creative art whose aim is to bring out concepts in ways that balance color, shapes, light, texture and content. If you choose a career in graphic design, it means you have a creative muscle in you with the potential to create masterpieces in the right environment and with appropriate technology.
A point worth noting is that graphic design is one of
the top emerging jobs in 2019. The desire of a graphic designer’s skills
can be attributed to the fact that all companies understand the value of
branding and creating messages that resonate with the target audience.
If you desire a career in graphic design, what should you
focus on? If you are already in the field, how can you stand out and tap into
your deepest potential?
This article will take you through the what and how of
becoming a kickass graphic designer.
What Does Graphic Design Entail?
A graphic designer’s
job is to come up with creative ideas that represent concepts to
support a company’s branding and marketing efforts. A graphic designer may work
as an agency that supports different brands with their branding activities or
exclusively for one company. The main aim is to convey a certain message to a
target audience in regards to a company’s offering. They work behind the scenes
to create concepts for websites, print material, video ads, voice-overs among
other customer-facing channels.
Skills You Will Need to be a Great Graphic Designer
Technical Skills
- Creativity
- Formal
Graphic design knowledge
- Analytical
skills
- Detail-oriented
- Time
management
- Project
management
- Proficiency
in desirable software and technology e.g Photoshop, In Design,
Illustrator, Dreamweaver, etc
- A
strong Portfolio
- UX
implementation
- Visual
thinker
Soft Skills
- Communication
Skills
- Teamwork
- Time
Management
- A
strong network of related liaisons e.g suppliers, the print industry etc
- Multitasking
- Resilience
- Negotiation
skills
- Relationship
management
- Up-to-date
with trends in the industry
Now, Here’s How to Become that Kickass Graphic Designer
For anyone to be great, they have to rise above the norm and
average. This means that for you to be a great graphic designer, you will need
to go that extra mile. Below are qualities you need to work on to achieve this;
Passion and Drive
Nothing fuels a cause like passion. Passion is what makes
the difference between an average piece and a masterpiece. You might have the
talent and creativity in you, but in reality, design is a labor of love. What
will keep you going those odd hours? Changing client briefs? Exhaustion?
Overlapping projects? Love for what you do and the desire to bring out your
best piece yet will always be what keeps you going.
Curiosity and Hunger For Knowledge
Creative design, like any other field, is dynamic and
requires constant upgrading. You need to have the love of art and a deep
curiosity of the world around you. You will need to learn to integrate what you
see in the art you create. This kind of natural flow resonates so well with the
target audience. You also need to see the bigger picture and the fine details
at the same time.
Ability to Take Criticism
Taking criticism for work done is probably the most
difficult thing for any creative. Creatives pour out their hearts in the work
they do and they imagine the rest of the world will see it as they do. However,
everyone must deal with criticism at some point in their work. To be a
successful designer, you must be willing to take direction for improvement and
to build on communication.
Reliability & Commitment
Creative design requires both talent, creativity and
reliability. Clients need someone they know they can count on. Clear brief
communication, management of expectations and consistency is critical. This
ensures healthy relationships and client retention.
A Dash of Self-Doubt
Overconfidence is dangerous for any career. It blinds you
from seeing opportunities for improvement. It also prevents you from seeking
further knowledge since, after all, you know everything. A little self-doubt is
good because it encourages you to continually assess yourself and strive to do
better.
Habits of a Successful Graphic Designer
There are certain habits that you can practice daily to help
you improve in your trade.
Create a Strong Portfolio and Resume
Keep updating your resume with every new skill you gain as a
designer. Your resume should portray your creativity and set you apart.
Remember that the graphic design resume is far different from other job
function resumes. Is should show a creative flair and an understanding of
visual impact. Here are some resume examples you can borrow ideas from.
Keep a Collection of Pieces that Inspire You
It is advisable for any creative to keep a collection of
websites, pieces or pages you think are good and relatable to your skill. This
will act as your inspiration corner anytime you feel blank about a project
approach. This will be your creative oasis.
Create a Network of Professionals in Your field
No designer is an island. The more you interact with other
creatives in your industry the more confident you become and the more exposure
you get. Interaction with other creatives also helps you know how to gauge yourself
in relation to industry standards and best practice.
Practice Practice Practice
Just like any other muscle, creativity needs constant
exercise and pushing of limits. If you do not put your skills into constant
practice, you will lose your flair and soon become obsolete. So, learn
something new and put it to practice as frequently as you can.
10 Interview Questions to Expect in a Graphic Designer Job Interview
Apart from the common
interview questions asked in interviews, expect some questions to
steer towards creativity and design projects. Some of the questions to expect
in a graphic designer job interview include;
- Why
did you choose graphic design as a career?
- What
makes you a good graphic designer?
- What
skills should a great graphic designer possess?
- Are
you familiar with xyz software or technology?
- How
do you prioritize projects?
- How
do you manage client expectations?
- What’s
your creative process?
- What
tools do you consider a must-have for every designer?
- How
do you incorporate feedback in your designs?
- Which
local or international brands do you admire most and why?