Graphic design is the academic and professional field whose activity involves creating visual communication systems intended to convey specific messages to specific social groups with defined objectives. These messages are normally in the form of logos, images, or written content. Graphic designers use a variety of design strategies and tools to create visual communication systems.
In order to master the techniques of digital design, an individual should have some knowledge in the visual arts. Most designers start their careers as art students who take part in digital art classes. Some other individuals start their academic training from an early age, while many others choose to complete post-graduate studies in the visual arts. The majority of individuals however, begin their careers as graphic designers.
Some of the specialized areas in which visual designers perform include computer-aided design (CAD) which is a computer-based application used for creating and editing digital projects, and animation, which entail animated films and visual illustrations. Other specialized areas in which visual designers work include magazine layouts, web page layouts, print publication layouts, brochure layouts, film posters, television screen graphics, packaging design and concept development. While each of these different types of visual designer designs are quite different, all require the cooperation of at least two graphics hardware components. One of these components is the hardware device such as the computer, printer, camera or video recorder, while another component is the software that controls the implementation of these design techniques on the device.
When it comes to visual designer salaries, the industry looks set to continue to grow for at least the next five years. However, the amount of new entry into this area of design work is also on the rise. Some people choose to enter the industry because they enjoy the challenges and stimulating opportunities it provides them. Others opt for it because they can earn a handsome salary and also receive a jumpstart into the exciting world of print design work.
The job of a visual designer entails preparing comprehensive plans for creating and designing concept views and final product layouts. The layout project is one of the more important parts of a visual designer’s job due to its high level of responsibility. Concept views of a proposed product or interior layouts of an interior space have to be created, adjusted and revised before the interior designers get to “print” the layouts. Visual designer salaries depend on a number of factors including the amount of responsibility held, the number of samples produced and the complexity of the job. Generally, those who perform typography or graphics design have lower salaries than the ones who specialize in visual design.
It has been said that the days of hiring web designers to create web pages are numbered. In the past, sites had to be created by hand to accommodate all of the site’s users. Now, thanks to the advent of website designing software, complete designing processes can be completed within minutes. For this reason, many professionals in the web designer and visual designer fields are switching jobs to focus solely on these applications. Overall, this is a good thing for consumers because the demands of today’s market require sophisticated designs.
