Visual Designer is a combination of art and technical disciplines that involve creative visualization and the production of visual interfaces. Visual communication design is a hybrid discipline between information-marketing and design which is primarily concerned with the way visual communication such as posters, crafted, printed or live presentations convey with individuals. The success of a product or service depends largely on the effectiveness of the message it conveys. Visual design covers a broad area of specialization within the broader field of communication design. The specific discipline of visual design bridges the gap existing between “non-verbal” communication and “verbal” communication.
To learn how to be a visual designer, one must possess certain technical skills that can be taught in any design school. The key skill set required for being a successful visual designer is creativity combined with technical expertise. Artistic and technical skills are crucial for building a strong foundation. The understanding of the discipline of visual communications will provide the designer with a deeper understanding of his or her industry. Visual designers have an opportunity to develop their communication and design skills through training at a formal art and technology school or through self-study.
The best courses for a visual designer start with an overview of basic concepts and technologies that are used in the process of visual communications. The topics include interface design, graphic design, typography, composition, and psychology of visual presentation. One can also opt for specialized studies that will equip him or her to handle projects from advertising to motion graphics to theatrical productions. Many visual designers often go on to specialize in one particular segment of the market. Specialization in one particular segment allows visual designers to work at the forefront of technology while building a solid reputation in their particular field.
A successful designer should be able to demonstrate a strong command of the fundamental areas of graphic and image design, text and layout design, color theory, and usability. A thorough understanding of the theoretical foundations of visual design and how they apply to specific situations is critical to starting a career as a visual designer. Courses in graphic design can include programs such as The New England Institute of Art, the Association of Arts Educators, and the Interdenominational Institute of Design and Computer Imaging.
If a visual designer wishes to pursue a higher degree in his or her chosen profession, he or she may need to increase their qualifications or take additional advanced classes. A degree in fine arts, for example, will enable visual designers to apply their knowledge to the creation of paintings, sculptures, and other visual mediums. Higher salaries will also usually lead to a more competitive edge when it comes to applying for jobs within the visual designing field.
When it comes to acceptance rate statistics, it seems that designers who have a general understanding of design basics perform better than those who lack this knowledge. In order to increase the acceptance rate, however, a visual designer must meet certain hiring requirements. Most schools require that candidates have a formal training program, exhibit high school level comprehension skills, and be able to pass a portfolio review. Some schools, such as the University of Maryland, even have entrance exams that must be passed before earning a degree.
