Duties & Responsibilites of a Graphic Designer
Graphic design is a career field suitable for creative and technologically savvy individuals. According to 2008 Bureau of Labor Statistics statistics, the average annual earnings for a graphic designer were about $42,000, and the BLS expects employment of graphic designers to grow 13 percent from 2008 to 2018. Graphic designers carry out myriad duties, as Ellen Lupton, curator of contemporary design at Cooper-Hewitt, put it: "Graphic designers provide the spit and polish but not the shoe.''
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Clients
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A graphic designer's primary job is, first and foremost, to satisfy the client's needs. To that end, graphic designers meet with clients to determine project scope and consider cognitive, cultural, physical and social factors. They ask clients about the purpose of the design and who the target audience is. Designers also ask to see examples of graphics that are similar to what clients have in mind.
Project Plan
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Once a graphic designer understands what the client wants, he begins planning. Graphic designers frequently research to find out what techniques and fine details are used to portray a message to a certain target audience. If the designer is working for a specific magazine or newspaper, he will look at previous advertisements and reference style or branding guidelines.
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Development
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The graphic designer may create a sketch that serves as a rough draft or storyboard for the project, whether it's a page layout, advertisement or brochure mockup, for example. She will also consider which typefaces, including size and weight, will be the most effective at grabbing the audience's attention. The designer selects colors and use various illustration techniques in graphic arts programs to further develop the design.
Other Duties
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Some graphic designers have supervisory roles, overseeing the work of assistants or junior graphic artists. Other graphic designers work mostly in team settings to complete projects. Once a graphic artist's work is completed, he presents it to his client for approval and may make changes if necessary. Graphic designers who work independently or on a freelance basis must also find ways to market their services.
Considerations
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Many individuals who pursue this career are becoming trained in related areas. Graphic artists may provide animation services for clients who want video advertisements. Many clients who are in need of graphic design want it for online purposes, so website design is also becoming an important skill for graphic artists to have. Graphic designers who are trained in web design and animation have a better chance of becoming employed in this competitive field, according to the BLS.
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References
- Photo Credit Phil Ashley/Lifesize/Getty Images
