Definition
According to the Dictionary, the graphic designer is a “Draughtsman responsible for the design of graphic projects”. According to Wikipedia, it is a “ Communication professional who designs visual communication solutions”.
So, what’s a graphic designer? well, it’s a…
- Artist
- Web Designer
- Game Designer
- Infographic designer
- Advertising
- Graphic Advisor
- Illustrator, etc.
The graphic designer is therefore a bit of all of this at the same time. His job consists of formatting visual elements (texts, shapes, photos, illustrations, pictograms, etc.) to convey a strong, impactful, original message, through visual supports and communication tools.
These communication tools can be institutional brochures, graphic charters, logos, etc. Informative ( leaflets, brochures, business cards, etc.), Advertising ( promotional flyers, posters, or advertising panels, etc.), or commercial ( Site internet E-Commerce, etc.).
We distinguish between so-called PRINT media ( posters, leaflets, brochures, panels, vehicle coverings, etc.) which require printing to be used, and “ DIGITAL ” media such as websites, blogs, web banners, multimedia, etc.
Although in form the creation techniques are different and adapted to each type of media, in substance the work of “formatting” and “clarity of the information to be conveyed” on the part of the graphic designer remains the same.
Through mastery of appropriate software, a keen eye, and a deep sense of “art”, the graphic designer knows how to create a visual tool that is pleasant to look at, clear in its reading, impactful in its message, in short: EFFECTIVE!
To do this, he knows how to offer his clients suitable choices of colors and formats while respecting the wishes of his clients, the already existing communication tools or the company’s graphic charter, but also the symbolic codes and cultures that allow a clear message to be conveyed.
How to become a graphic designer?
The job of a graphic designer is an exciting profession that can be learned easily by someone who is motivated, however, there is an essential prerequisite for embarking on a career as a graphic designer: being creative and having an artistic sense!
Do you have to “know how to draw”? Not necessarily, but it’s a plus! In all cases, you have to be interested in the artistic world be on the lookout for current graphic trends, and even know how to stay ahead of them sometimes!
To be a graphic designer you also need to have solid knowledge of art history and a good general knowledge: curiosity is not necessarily a bad fault for the graphic designer because he must be interested in everything around him to progress in his activity and know how to adapt to all projects!
And of course, you have to be comfortable using IT!
The Studies
There is no specific diploma to practice the profession of graphic design, so in this capacity, you can train “on the job” and over time become a talented graphic designer. Experience is indeed the best training for progressing in this profession.
Opportunities
Following this training, several possibilities are then available to the young graduate to work independently (Freelance) or as an employee in an advertising or marketing agency. It is also possible to work in the communication centers of administrations town halls, or even large companies when they have dedicated departments.
The range of activities of the graphic designer profession is very broad, it is possible to follow additional training to specialize in illustration, branding, web design, DTP (Computer-Aided Publication), publishing, Press, printing, 2D or 3D animation, photocomposition, digital marketing, packaging, etc.
Salary
A salaried graphic designer at the start of their career earns on average $1,500 to $1,600 gross, after 10 years of experience, an experienced graphic designer can claim a salary of approximately $4,000 gross, and even beyond for a Senior graphic designer at the end of their career. careers.
These figures can vary depending on the size of the company hiring the graphic designer, but also according to their reputation or talent, their specialty, and their salaried status or not.
The status of independent or freelance graphic designers is a little different: their remuneration is generally a little less than that of an employed graphic designer, but this status allows them to touch a little (and often even A LOT..) in all the disciplines of the profession. The freelance graphic designer is often considered the “Swiss army knife” of graphic design!