Graphic design is the art of communication that involves the process or method of creating and applying design to items with particular attention to aesthetics, usage, and psychology.
Graphic designers use text, images, colors, patterns, lines, shapes, forms, and other elements to create a piece of work (whether it be an advertisement or website) that resonates with their audience.
A graphic designer uses visual communication pieces to promote the brand image, goals, and values of an organization.
Graphic designers can work in various industries - including print design (magazines, newspapers), web design (websites), or other areas such as advertising, architecture, or fashion.
While a degree is not always required to work as a graphic designer, some basic general education is usually needed to learn what elements are used in creating a design.
Many companies will require the candidate to have at least an associate's or bachelor's degree, but this may depend on the type of industry and the companies that you apply to.
A Graphic Designer's Salary
Graphic designers can expect to earn an average salary between $39,000 and $59,000 per year. It may be possible to make more than the average however depending on your abilities. Salaries will vary based on location, education, experience, and other factors.
There are over 60,000 graphic designers in the United States alone and the profession is on the rise. If you have a creative eye and enjoy bringing ideas to life, becoming a graphic designer could be a very lucrative career choice for you. However, this may not always be the case.
An increasing number of individuals are looking to become professional graphic designers- putting more pressure on companies to find the right candidates who will also work for a reasonable price.
You can earn money as a graphic designer in several ways:
· Freelancing- working with companies on projects that work within your skills and abilities for an agreed-upon fee
· Working at a design company or agency- which offers steady income, benefits, and sometimes more opportunities to work with different types of clients
· Getting your own design studio- although this will take more capital to start, it may provide you with the chance to make great money and work with a variety of companies
You can also earn money as a graphic designer by owning your own company. If you are not comfortable freelancing for different types of clients, having an agency or studio will be more appealing.
Graphic designers can also become company owners and start their own business, providing clients with high-quality graphic design services for a fee or for free!
It is possible to earn money as a graphic designer if you have the drive to work hard and create beautiful designs. View some ideas on how you can get started today!
You may ask, how to start as a graphic designer?
Aside from a degree, you can also take on part-time jobs to learn new skills and gain some experience in the field. This will make you more appealing to potential employers
Narrow down your interests and find out if there is a specific type of design that you would prefer doing the most. You could begin freelancing for this particular type of design or learn more about it
Start your own blog to showcase your work. Having a blog will allow you to share your designs with others- allowing them to comment on what they like and dislike about each design.
This can be an opportunity for you to improve on your work and receive invaluable feedback from those who visit your site
Improve your social media and other online presence. Having a popular website or blog will allow you to create a strong following for yourself and show future employers that you are serious about working as a designer
If you want to start an agency, research the different types of businesses that you can open as well as those in your area. Find out what they are charging for their services and how much you can charge for similar graphic design work
If you want to be an entrepreneur, take on freelance or part-time projects that will allow you to gain experience in the field before venturing off into your own business
This will give you a better idea of the specific types of projects that you want to work on and those that are not as appealing
Do your research and see what kind of clients you would like to have. Having an agency means that you will be working with all types of clients from small businesses to large corporations.
You don't necessarily have to specialize in a particular type of design, but knowing what clients you want to work with is essential
If you have a specific idea for a business, take on freelance projects and begin to save money. This will be necessary for the start-up costs associated with opening your own company
To earn money as a graphic designer, you will need to take on freelance projects and work hard. You can also start your own design company or agency if that's more appealing for some reason.
Be sure to research before venturing off into business ownership so you know what kind of clients you want to have first!
If all of this sounds intimidating and you want help enacting these principles, let us know.