subject: Graphic Design A Lucrative And Growing Online Venture [print this page] The general public doesn't realize just how much graphic design affects their lives. At the same time, it's impact can be felt whenever someone tries to run a stop sign or decides on a can of Coke over Pepsi, or while searching online for Online Web Development Degrees. It's a field that has become as much science as art, and shows no signs of going away.
By definition, the graphic designer is a commercial artist who specializes in creating marketing messages in one form or other. You see and unconsciously remember their work whenever you look at your cell phone or stop at a traffic light or pursuing online education. Their work can also be seen on magazines, signs, turning on the TV or going on the Internet. Many work for advertising studios or are freelance.
Not too long ago, the graphic artist worked much like the stereotypical image of the job, with magic markers and tissue paper, leaning over a drawing board. Like everything else, the profession was completely transformed by the advent of the personal computer. Nowadays, these artists need to know graphic software, scanners and computer-generated animation as much as pencil and pen.
While it's not uncommon for new graphic artists to pick up their first-usually freelance-assignment with one to two years of school, recruiters tend to prefer personnel with a full Bachelor's of Arts degree. What sells a hiring authority on one person over another these days is really a well-designed professional portfolio displaying the best work the artist has already worked on...and sold. This is also going through its share of change as the bound portfolio is now often being replaced by a graphic presentation disk. This is due to much of the latest work now being done on the web and has some for of animation in it.
As it stands there are many fine on campus and online schools offering four year design programs. Recommended courses include the study of commercial art, printing techniques, and other production processes. Modern times also require courses in the latest computer graphic packages. From there, the degree can be rounded out by liberal arts or marketing courses.
These days a good designer also has subscriptions to the latest graphic publications and web sites. They need to do so to stay on top of the constantly changing trends. The top designers all know what's hot today is quickly forgotten tomorrow, and these sources are a great way to stay on top.
As previously intimated, graphic arts is a hard place to find steady work. Most designers are usually hired on a freelance basis, and let go as soon as the job is done. At the same time, the profession is expected to grow slightly above the national average, thanks to the need for designers on the Internet.
by: Michelle Conner
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