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Designing for Impact: Best Font Combinations for Websites
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So, you want to be a graphic designer? That’s cool. Designing stuff on a computer seems like a pretty sweet gig. You get to be creative all day and get paid for it.
But here’s the thing – most people have no freaking clue what graphic designers actually do. They just think you make cool posters and website layouts and stuff.
Well, my friend, it’s a bit more nuanced than that. Let me break it down for you and explain what does a graphic designer do.
A graphic designer’s daily schedule can vary quite a bit depending on their role and the projects they are working on. But here are some of the main activities that tend to make up a designer’s day:
Designers must keep up with communication from clients, team members, vendors, etc. They may need to respond to design feedback, provide project updates, answer questions, or handle other requests.
Designers often meet with clients, creative directors, or other team members to discuss projects. This collaboration time is key. Meetings may involve brainstorming concepts, presenting initial ideas or final designs, answering questions, or gathering feedback.
Before starting any new project, designers must research. It includes studying the client’s brand, products, customers, competitors, industry trends, and previous marketing materials. This context helps inform their design choices.
Once they have a solid understanding of the project background, designers start the creative process of developing design concepts. It involves sketching, brainstorming visuals, trying out layouts, selecting images, choosing colour schemes, etc. They go through many iterations to land on the best creative direction.
After settling on a design direction, graphic designers refine and polish their work. It means perfecting the typography, graphics, spacing, alignment, colour usage, and other elements in their layouts. They may create multiple versions and drafts before finalizing a design.
Most of a designer’s time is spent using programs like Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign to create and edit designs. It is where they bring their ideas to life digitally.
Designers work closely with other teams, like developers and printers, to implement the designs. They may need to export files, review proofs, troubleshoot issues, and ensure designs are implemented properly across mediums.
Designers have to juggle multiple projects and deadlines at once. Throughout the day, they must prioritize tasks, track progress, and ensure everything stays on schedule.
So, in summary, designers wear many hats! Their days involve a mix of creative work, collaboration, research, and project coordination. Time management and organization are critical to handle it all.
To be a successful graphic designer, you need a diverse set of creative, technical, and interpersonal skills:
The right blend of these talents allows graphic designers to manage the creative process from start to finish and deliver designs that exceed client expectations. Developing this diverse skill set takes time but is extremely rewarding!
Most graphic design jobs require at least a bachelor’s degree in graphic design or a related field like visual arts. Some may require a master’s degree as well. Relevant coursework includes design principles, typography, colour theory, software training, etc.
Graphic designers work in various industries and roles, including marketing, publishing, web design, UI/UX design, packaging design, advertising, video editing, animation, and more. Popular job titles are visual designer, art director, creative director, and brand identity designer.
Graphic design is more than just making pretty pictures. Strategic visual communication requires creativity, technical competence, and business understanding.
So, if you’re up for that challenge, go for it! But don’t say I didn’t warn you that it takes more than an eye for nice fonts and colours. It’s real work.
But it’s pretty damn rewarding work if you ask me!
Up until working with Casey, we had only had poor to mediocre experiences outsourcing work to agencies. Casey & the team at CJ&CO are the exception to the rule.
Communication was beyond great, his understanding of our vision was phenomenal, and instead of needing babysitting like the other agencies we worked with, he was not only completely dependable but also gave us sound suggestions on how to get better results, at the risk of us not needing him for the initial job we requested (absolute gem).
This has truly been the first time we worked with someone outside of our business that quickly grasped our vision, and that I could completely forget about and would still deliver above expectations.
I honestly can't wait to work in many more projects together!
Disclaimer
*The information this blog provides is for general informational purposes only and is not intended as financial or professional advice. The information may not reflect current developments and may be changed or updated without notice. Any opinions expressed on this blog are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the author’s employer or any other organization. You should not act or rely on any information contained in this blog without first seeking the advice of a professional. No representation or warranty, express or implied, is made as to the accuracy or completeness of the information contained in this blog. The author and affiliated parties assume no liability for any errors or omissions.