Let’s begin with saying that “Graphic Design” is a compound word. When you split these two words they have their own set of meanings. Graphic, the visual part that can express a mood or emotion of a designer. Design, composed by many important principles, one being “Balance”. So what is Graphic Design? Graphic Design is a process of generated ideas and concepts trying to send a message. It doesn’t matter what type of “designer” you are the essential idea is to send or inform people about a message. Similar to an art process. Art is a language.

Where to begin?

This might be the easiest part for a graphic designer. Graphic Design is a vague word. When you ask someone what they do for a living and the answer “I’m a graphic designer”, I wonder what they are trying to say. This is because a graphic designer can refer to a more specific field. For example; you can be a product designer or perhaps a logo designer. Although some may say “Graphic Designer” because they can design nearly anything. So how is this the easiest part? Simple. What do you enjoy designing? Do you get a kick from creating a clever logo in Illustrator? Or do you have a have a blast using brushes and filters in Photoshop to design a poster? Only you can decide.

So what fields are to consider?

You don’t have to decide on a specific field. Some designers tend to design everything. Others specialize in a more specific field. What’s better? You have options, that’s the beauty of being a designer. You can be a logo, web, product, or package designer the list goes on. It comes down to what you enjoy and what you are good at. Although I have the theory that a great designer can design anything. A great designer knows the principles of design and can apply it to any project.

The Design Process

An important factor for a designer is the design process. A designer who wants to stand out has to have a solid foundation of the design process. Once a designer has mastered the process he can then proceed to work on the design. “But I don’t know what’s involved in the design process?” As a beginner some words may sound foreign to you. Lets take this idea a step further. The design process involves certain steps. Although each designer may have a different approach the general idea is the same.

1. 1. Research: You are responsible for doing your own research. A client in the medical field would not want a logo portraying something similar to legal agencies
2. 2.Reference: Pick up a book, it could be a thesaurus to find synonyms to the companies name. Use the synonyms to generate ideas and concepts for the next step.
3. 3.Concepts: Use your valuable information from the previous steps to begin your sketches. These are sketches, they are meant to help you get your ideas out. If you get too detailed with them you might lose your train of thought.
4. 4.Analyze: How can you improve you design? Is every element actually serving a purpose. Eliminate elements when your design is looking too busy. Remember, “Less is more” – Bauhaus
5. 5.Digital: Carry over your hard work to the digital world. Work in black and white first. This may not seem important but it is! You don’t want your design to rely on color.
6. 6.Color: There are plenty of tools that can help you create a color palette. Just because you can add color now doesn’t mean you can add any color. This step depends on steps 1 and 2. What are the company colors? What colors are appropriate?
7. 7.Revision: Before you set your design on a sail boat, consider double checking your design for any mistakes you might have made. Walk away from your computer and let your brain cells relax. You might have been staring at this design for hours and can’t see mistakes that might be obvious to others. Then come back and make adjustments if any.
8. 8.Presentation: Your hard work pays off. Time to make the final presentation to your client. Educate them on why you made this design the way it is or why you placed and element in a certain position. This is your moment to shine! This is what your client will remember if they should recommend you and why.
9. 9.Finished: You have now completed a design and have gone through headaches. Congrats! Time to start over again with a new one.

I have chosen a field. Now what?

Ok, so now you’re a designer. Congrats again! You have now entered the most creatively-challenged fields. You’re duties are to do as your told by you’re clients. Your now responsible for transmitting your clients message through visual design. That’s what everyone really is, a visual designer. We do nothing but create elements such as shapes, type, and color to express a meaning. The way we use these elements and how we can use them to our advantage is what’s going to make us a professional designer.

Turning Pro

There comes a point where you no longer feel new in the field. You have experience. But that doesn’t make you a professional. So what does? Anyone can get a job a a design firm with the right qualifications. A “pro” can take this opportunity and give it all he’s got. While an amateur will design and keep his job just to pay his bills. A “pro” loves to work and will love it so much it won’t be considered work to him. This characteristic is what sets you aside from any designer. This is what makes quality work, because you cannot settle for anything less than your best.

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This post is tagged graphic design, inspiration