Graphic Design FAQs – Finding the path of success!!

 
Encountering problems in graphic design is customary but finding a quick solution remains an issue. Sometimes even the most talented graphic designers get caught in a quandary. Even if he does manage to work out the remedy, solution to one problem gives way to another :-D

To answer the most general questions people have in their mind regarding graphics designing, I have assembled a list of FAQ’s. The replies are based on my personal experiences as well as the solutions given by other professionals.

 
 
If you also have some confusing concepts about graphic designing, come up with your questions and our blog readers can drop their comments to help you find the correct answers.
 

1 ) What is Graphic Design?

Graphic design is the talent of creating ideas. It unites the creativity of fine art with the results-focused theory of marketing to produce effective communication materials. Where graphic design differs from fine art is in its pursuit of fulfilling the customers’ goals. Whether convincing the audience to support a social cause, helping a business attract clients or simply teaching employees how to operate new computer software, every element of the design is intended to achieve a goal.
 

2 ) What are common Graphic Design Degrees?
The most common graphic design degree programs to become a Graphic Artist are an Associate or Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design. There are many degree programs available, but it’s important to locate one at a school with experienced design faculty, resources and a comprehensive prospectus that match with your career objectives.
 

3 ) What does a graphic designer do?
Graphics designers make use of a visual vocabulary; concept, photography, color, shape, illustration, and fonts to create a wide array of communication projects. These projects may involve logo design, company brochures, business cards, advertising, annual reports, newsletters, publications, packaging, other promotional items, website designing, sales related materials, training/educational materials, etc. By drawing on their individual creativity, methods of fine art and market research, a graphics designer expresses the message to inform, persuade, and motivate audiences to action. In a nut shell, graphic designers organize and develop the "look and feel" for the communication.
 

4 ) Is Graphic Design a high earning career?

Although, Graphic Design may not be one of the highest paying professions, but the prospects in this field are growing. Most Graphic Designers ought to start with a salary in the average range and find their pleasure in the quality of their work. Some areas of Graphic Design do pay very well; with experience, many designers could earn a fortune.
 

5 ) What are the most common graphic design software programs?
The term desktop publishing was originally formulated to describe Aldus (now Adobe) PageMaker and among professional designers refers to high-end page layout software programs like Adobe InDesign and QuarkXPress. Additionally, Adobe Photoshop Adobe Illustrator FreeHand Corel Draw, are frequently used graphics software programs used for professional graphic design work. There is no single best graphic design software program. There are, however, specific programs that are better suited for certain tasks than others. The above cited programs are deemed as standard; nonetheless, they are not the only options.
 

6 ) What is 3D Graphic Arts?
3D Graphic Arts (also called computer graphic animation) uses computer graphics to create lifelike 3-dimensional images for computer and video games, web and movie animation. 3D computer animation techniques are more sophisticated than 2D animation techniques because they create more realistic figures and smoother motion.
 

7 ) How to get paid in graphics designing?
The potential costs linked with the development of various materials differ greatly based on the complexity of the work and the requirements involved. All clients are supplied with a price estimate, which includes a break-down of the design time and the printing/production costs.
 

8 ) Why should people consider hiring a professional graphic designer?
Freelancers, generally, are people with a limited amount of experience in graphics designing. They may work a full-time job and freelance (so they work on your project when they get a chance). Freelancers may not have a backup system in place or have a secure area for your personal/business information. A professional designer will employ the latest professional tools to develop your work. The files created are the kind that printers and web developers expect to receive in order to produce professional output. Moreover, a professional designer will consider contrast, color, proximity, repetition, alignment, typography and much more when designing for you.
 

9 ) Interview questions asked from Graphic Designer?
  • How much experience do you possess?
  • How do you define graphics designing?
  • Which graphics designing software do you have experience using?
  • Where do you go for inspiration?
  • Who is your favorite designer? Why?
 

10 ) Is it necessary to get my work copyrighted?

A copyright is a type of intellectual property intended to protect the creator of an original, novel and creative work against unnecessary duplication of his work. When someone creates a new original work, he or she has already, in theory, secured the rights for that work, simply by creating it first. The dilemma is that copyrights which are not officially registered are difficult to defend legally if someone else attempts to steal the idea or replicate it; so many copyright owners enroll them to further protect their ideas.
 

11 ) What is a good piece of graphic design?
Last but not least…how to know a good design has been created? Although the answer to this question is quite subjective but in short a design is successful when it appeals to the viewer and makes him react. That response might be a person making a decision to purchase a new product, or something a little harder to evaluate like brand recognition. It may be an emotional response, such as laughter, or even shock. A good design should communicate the intended message effectively.
 

My aim for listing these basic questions is to clarify the vague concepts occupying the minds of upcoming graphic designers. However, regardless of this all… I have a question for YOU which can only be answered through your judgments.
 
QS: Is it the creativity and effective communication skills that make you a successful graphic designer? Or the design degrees and latest graphics software play the critical role in boosting your graphic design career?
 
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  1. Logo Design On January 27th, 2010 at 7:07 am

    A very informative and helpful post ! It may come in handy for reference later. Surely going to bookmark this post. :-)

  1. Kimberly Roberts Design On January 27th, 2010 at 9:04 am

    In #8 you state “Freelancers, generally, are people with a limited amount of experience in graphics designing.”

    I consider my work and quality to be that of a professional graphic designer, but I have been representing myself as a freelance graphic designer because I am self employed.

    Can you provide any suggestions on how I can improve my status/ appearance on my website? I would like prospective clients to know that I have experience not just with snapping out a quick layout, but really listening and understanding the needs of the client and converting those ideas into beautiful designs that ultimately increase the sales and/or awareness of their business.

  1. Dizen Brand Design On January 27th, 2010 at 9:46 am

    Awesome design guide. I would retweet this info for others too.

  1. Jeromy On January 27th, 2010 at 10:24 am

    Thank you for the very informative post. These answers should definitely help in clearing up misconceptions about GD.

    However, you did paint with a rather large brush (too large in my opinion) in regards to freelancers. You painted them in a very negative light, which across the board, is not a very fair assessment. You basically boiled it down to: Freelance Designer = Non professional, untrained, works with low-grade equipment, and does not consider contrast, color, proximity, repetition, alignment, typography and much more when designing.

    I know many freelancers that are very professional, use the latest equipment, are highly trained and talented, etc. They have simply made a choice to begin their own thing vs. working for someone else.

    I appreciate your opinion, but to be fair, I think a more generous and balanced assessment might be helpful. After all, we are all in this together.

  1. Printing Companies On January 27th, 2010 at 3:08 pm

    It’s a very competitive field! Very helpful though — this post is excellent. Thank you for it.

  1. buy r4 dsi On January 28th, 2010 at 12:05 am

    Hi…
    I love to do graphic designing.Right now I am new in this field.I am very delighted and very thankful for getting such a great article.This is very useful for me as well as very informative.Thanks again.

  1. veterinary clinic On January 28th, 2010 at 12:27 am

    Awesome post. Man if you are going to keep churning out content like that I will keep up the assists and email you articles. I know this is your bread and butter at the moment so I will continue to shoot what I find. Obviously I am interested in the topic, but am far less educated than you. Nice work dude and thanks for the tips.

  1. Banner Stands On January 28th, 2010 at 6:04 am

    Excellent post. Very Informative as well. I’m looking forward for your great success guys.
    Thanks for this.

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  1. Stickers Printing On January 29th, 2010 at 6:49 am

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  1. Aaron On January 29th, 2010 at 11:14 pm

    I have recently been given a Non-Compete contract by my full-time employer, which I cannot sign. He knew about my side-job freelance business of graphic design and print brokering. The work that I designed in his business for the last three years I’d like to use in my portfolio of examples of what I have done. I need to know my LEGAL rights. Also, would the following disclaimer cover my butt? “The following examples are examples of my work while employed at (Company) and are neither customers of bigA Designs nor outsourced to bigA Designs.” Anyone know?

  1. theLULAdesigns On January 29th, 2010 at 11:47 pm

    Fantastic article with great information; however, I do agree with Jeromy about the statements in #8. There are definitely undereducated people who shouldn’t be passing themselves off as graphic designers in any capacity.

    Freelance does not equal “people with a limited amount of experience in graphics designing”. Freelance simply means a person decided to make a living by being their own boss.

  1. MYO HAN HTUN On January 31st, 2010 at 11:20 pm

    Very informatics for the definitions. I will be looking forward for your posts. Nice to read.

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  1. Cathy Mason On February 21st, 2010 at 11:06 pm

    This is a great article! Thanks for posting!

  1. Design Passion On March 11th, 2010 at 1:08 am

    Charlie, Thanks for the wonderful post! I am sure that as a graphic designer all of us would have been in some kind of a dilemma and must have asked one or more of the above questions to ourselves. Graphic design, I feel, is an extension of your imagination and creativity. Designers who enter the field just because they believe that Graphic design is emerging and help them earn a fortune must strictly stay away. This is because graphic design requires passion. One myth that commonly prevails amongst the graphic design community is that you do not need formal education if you are highly talented. Even I was a victim of this misconception until I took a graphic arts course at college and saw a substantial boost in my knowledge.

  1. Six19 Creative SEO On March 26th, 2010 at 8:04 am

    I found it informative & excellent post forever. You gave importance to every point which helps in many ways in many resources too like, for a job, freelancer, Clients projects, etc. Thanks for sharing it.

  1. The Loft Creative Branding Design On March 26th, 2010 at 8:10 am

    Thanks for such nice article which helps anyone, like a beginner in Design field or for experienced designer. Great :)

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