Graphic design is fast becoming one of the most popular career choices for teenagers. Not only are there jobs in busy and creative offices, but also the freedom to work from home as freelancer, setting working hours and choosing projects you want to work on.
A career in graphic design has many benefits, but is it a good career choice in the long run?
Let’s take a closer look…
What do graphic designers do?
Simply put, it is a graphic designer’s job to create exciting and visually striking content that successfully communicates a business’s intended message. Graphic designers are expected to juggle many different aspects in their work if they want to be successful, such as marketing, art, customer service, and technology.
More often than not, their designs will take the form of visual concepts containing photos and art, and the projects they take will range from designing packaging for products, layouts for magazines, and logos for websites.
Is graphic design a profitable career choice?
Whilst graphic design might have a reputation as being a difficult career to succeed in, it is possible to earn good. For example, in the UK, the average yearly income for a graphic designer can range up to £31,000 a year.
Is graphic design competitive?
Graphic design can be competitive. Businesses both small and large are constantly on the lookout for new talent that can create amazing and marketable content that matches their established audience.
Despite this, there is rarely a shortage of graphic design positions, and new ones are always appearing. With determination, entry-level graphic designers will soon find work, especially if they have already created a diverse and interesting portfolio of content.
Similarly, there are numerous platforms on the web catered specifically towards freelancers. On these sites, freelancers can freely bid for projects and job opportunities, hundreds of which appear on a daily basis.
What skills do you need to be a graphic designer?
First and foremost, those seeking to become professional graphic designers must have a creative flair and a clear though processes.
Most companies will expect their graphic design teams to come up with new ideas to further their brand’s appeal on an almost daily basis, a task that can prove demanding even for the most creatively inclined.
Graphic designers must also be good communicators both in the workplace and as freelancers. Without these good communication skills, they will struggle to effectively explain their ideas, or fail to understand what their client is looking for in a particular design or project.
Communication skills are arguably just as important as creativity for a graphic designer.
Lastly, graphic designers will need to master typography, be able to deal well with time management, and have experience in digital and physical art if they wish to land a job in a higher-paying sector.
Do you need a degree in graphic design?
Although it can prove useful, having a degree in graphic design isn’t essential. Many graphic designers working in the industry do not have one, and it isn’t always a major priority for companies to ask for proof of a degree when they conduct interviews for new talent.
Instead, they will be more concerned with a person’s portfolio and prior work experience. Despite this, design education is important, and those interested in starting a career in graphic design will need to spend time learning the fundamentals before they jump straight into applying for jobs.
If kids want to get started in graphic design, FunTech can provide courses during term time to help get them started.
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