A graphic designer is usually a professional in the graphic arts and graphic design field who combine typography, images, or other motion graphics with artwork to create a particular piece of art. A graphic designer not only creates the actual graphics primarily for print, broadcast, and digital media, but also creates the graphics for websites. The term graphic design refers to the craft of creating unique visual presentations which can be either on the visible or invisible level. Graphic designers are in high demand all over the world for their expertise in creating images, logos, illustrations, and other visual presentations that can be used for marketing, advertising, public relations, and business. A graphic designer must have a thorough knowledge of advertising, graphic design, and computer-aided design.
Many times, designers are hired to create logos, business cards, website designs, letterheads, branding for corporations, and other advertising materials. Designers often use computers to make their job much easier, and many companies are turning to computer generated illustrations instead of using more traditional methods. Designers can use a variety of tools and programs that will help them create eye-catching graphics, while they can also work at their desks using their pen and keyboard. Often, designers are hired to provide assistance to artists and writers who want to make use of computer generated illustrations.
Some graphic designers work alone; others work as a team. A team of graphic designers will often collaborate in order to achieve a common goal. One of the main responsibilities of a graphic designer is to think of a theme or design that can be communicated effectively to a wide audience. This task is easier said than done, and the process of actually getting the design done may take several weeks. Once the design is complete, it then needs to be approved by the company or creative director in order for it to become part of the final project.
Another important responsibility of a graphic designer is the designing of typography. The majority of business owners cannot afford to have their website’s and business cards were done by a typographer. Business owners will often outsource their typography to an artist who specializes in this particular task. However, there are those who understand the importance of having an elegant typeface and use their artistic ability to create elegant, eye-catching designs. The majority of graphic designers create business cards, logos, brochures, and other printed materials by hand, while others may use desktop publishing programs such as Adobe InDesign or Corel Draw to create their designs.
Many businesses use graphic designer’s services to create logos for advertisements, to logos and signage used on vehicles, and even to corporate identity designs. A graphic designer may also assist with developing written materials for a company. A user research project could involve researching current trends and studying consumer behavior to better understand what would make people purchase certain products or services.
The majority of web designers are freelancers, working directly with the owner of the site to create the most visually appealing pages possible. Freelance web designers will often use the WordPress platform to build websites, while others will prefer to use the Magento or Joomla platforms for more advanced design work. Whether a freelancer chooses to freelance or work through a company, the important thing is that the designer understands how to efficiently and properly complete the design work. A graphic designer can help to complete a graphic design project, whether in house or through freelancing arrangements with a web designer firm.
