Graphic designing is a creative process that combines art and technology to communicate ideas. It is the art of visual communication that combines images, words and ideas to convey information to an audience. It is present all around us. Most commonly it is seen as: logos, websites, business cards, advertisements, brochures, billboards, product packaging, posters, book design, magazine layout, newspaper layout and greeting cards. Wherever there is a need to communicate visually graphic designing comes into play.
Graphic designing is extensively used in: 1. Administration: used in road signs, inter office memorandums and reference manuals to enhance transfer of knowledge. 2. Advertising: Graphic design has the ability to sell an idea or a product through effective visual communication. It is applied to the products as well as to the branding of the company. It is used to design the logos, colours and text of the company. 3. Education: It is used in the designing of textbooks for illustrating theories as well as diagrams. 4. Entertainment: It is used in decorations, visual story telling and sceneries. It is used to set the theme. It can be seen on the covers of novels, comic books, in the opening and closing credits of films and in programs and props on stage. 5. Journalism: Newspapers, magazines, blogs and films may use graphic design to inform and entertain. The presentation of facts is often improved by graphics. 6. Web: Graphic designers are responsible for the look and feel of a website.
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Graphic design practice includes a range of cognitive skills, aesthetics and crafts, including typography, visual arts and page layout. A graphic designer is responsible for working with a variety of communication tools in order to communicate a client's idea and product to the world. They find the most effective way to get messages across in print, electronic, and film media using a variety of methods such as color, type, illustration, photography, animation, and various print and layout techniques.
The most commonly used elements in graphic designing are: o Shapes: used to establish layouts, create patterns and build countless elements on the page. o Lines: used to divide space, direct the eye and create forms. At the most basic level straight lines are used. At higher levels curved, dotted and zigzag lines can also be used. o Colour: It can be applied to any other element, changing it dramatically. It can be used to make an image stand out, to show links on a website and to evoke emotion. o Type: it is used for effective communication. Choice of fonts, size, alignment, colour and spacing all come into play. Type can be further used to create shapes and images. o Art, Illustration & Photography: Used to tell stories, support ideas and grab attention. Graphic designers can create this work on their own or they can hire an artist or a photographer or purchase the works from a website. o Texture: Refers to paper selection as the texture of the paper can affect the overall perception of a graphic work.
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The various tools essential to graphic designing are: o A Computer: Choice between a Mac and PC. o Software: Some examples are Photoshop,Illustrator, InDesign, Flash, Acrobat, CorelDraw, PageMaker etc. o Design books o A sketchpad: To note down ideas and for brainstorming.
The first step of the designing process is to determine the needs of the client, the message the design needs to portray and to determine its appeal to the users. Graphic designers consider cognitive, cultural, physical, and social factors before planning and executing designs for the target audience. Designers gather relevant information from clients, creative directors and by doing their own research. The second step involves preparing sketches or layouts by hand or by computer to illustrate their vision for the design. They select colors, sound, artwork, photography, animation, style of type, and other visual elements for the design. They also select the size and arrangement of the different elements on the page or screen. They may create graphs and charts from data for use in publications, and they often consult with copywriters on any text that accompanies the design. Designers then present the completed design to their clients or art or creative director for approval.
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Graphic designers are a link between the client and the audience. A graphic designer needs to be very creative. He should be able to express ideas and should have basic drawing skills besides having an eye for details. He should be a problem solver and should be able to communicate effectively with different types of people. They should be able to work under pressure and should be open to new ideas and influences.
A bachelor's degree in fine arts or graphic design is the basic requirement to enter the field of graphic designing. Graphic designers are expected to face keen competition. Individuals with a bachelor's degree and knowledge of computer design software, particularly those with web site design and animation experience get the best opportunities.
Graphic designers earn their living by working with specialized design services; advertising and related services; printing and related support activities; or newspaper, periodical, book, and directory publishers.
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Other designers produce computer graphics for computer systems design firms or motion picture production firms. A small number of designers also work in engineering services or for management, scientific, and technical consulting firms. Many designers also do freelance work in addition to holding a salaried job. After some years of experience one can become a “full time freelancer” and get enough assignments to keep himself busy.
