Graphic Design is defined as the process of visual communication which combines words, images, and ideas to present the information to the audience. Pictures are the most effective means of communication and graphic design implies this wonderfully well.The graphic designer is a specialist in solving the problems associated with visual communication. The competent graphic designers have the desired skills in Drawing, Layouting, Typography, Lettering, Diagramming, and Photography. They develop the layout and production design of newspapers, magazines, corporate reports, journals and other publications. They also create marketing brochures for services and products, promotional displays packaging, design distinctive logos for businesses and products. Due to tremendous growth of the media industry and excellent employment options available, many people are opting for professional and advanced level Graphic Design courses.

In today’s day and age when everything is so fast and the attention span of people is shorter than that of a goldfish, companies and brands heavily rely on eye-catching graphics to make a lasting impression, this is where graphic designers come in.

Combining art and technology to articulate ideas and communicate them visually,  graphic and visual communication design is everywhere. From websites, signages, illustrated books, brandings to packaging, every aspect of one’s life is someway or the other influenced by graphics. Everyday more and more companies are building their in-house creative teams and the need and demand for graphic and visual communication designers is increasing rapidly. Apart from in-house teams, over the last 5 years many new creative agencies have sprung up providing need based graphical and visual solutions. These companies can work with multiple clients at a time, providing designs as per their needs. With the ongoing pandemic and the increasing prevalence of social media, many small scale businesses and startups are using the platform to promote and run their business. Many times, these businesses cannot afford creative agencies and thus turn to freelance designers. Freelance designers can work with multiple clients at once and have the freedom to choose the kind of projects they would like to do. Graphic designing in India is becoming an increasingly relevant and sought after profession.

HOW DOES ONE BECOME A GRAPHIC DESIGNER

All great designers start the same way, with the will to make an impact. The same applies for graphic design, but there are certain points one needs to keep in mind when starting.

HOW TO BUILD A STRONG FOUNDATION

Graphic design is all about communicating your ideas visually and in the day and age where everyone is flooded with visual images and cues at all times, it all comes down to which image leaves a lasting impression on the viewer, which visual has the longest recall value. To ensure that, one needs to bring a string foundation, in other words be fluent with the basics of graphic design.

1. EDUCATION

Although obtaining a degree is not necessarily required to become a designer, the exposure and training provided by a design institute should not be overlooked. Irrespective of how bright a student may be, being mentored by stalwarts may help them reach their full potential.  A bachelor of graphic design degree from a reputable institute is a valuable addition to one’s résumé, but no design degree can teach a student to be creative but only show them the direction

2. THE THEORY

Graphic design is not just about using a funky font and putting together two images. They must have mastery over layouts, spacing, visual structure and hierarchy and use appropriate typography. Graphic designers should not only consider the obvious elements but also take in account of the white space available. Along with that one can never forget the importance of colors and the impact it has on people.

4. MASTERY OF THE VARIOUS MEDIUMS

In order to realise one’s ideas and designs it is vital to be proficient in various mediums available to do so. These mediums come in the form of various types of papers and softwares. Knowing the sizes, qualities and forms of paper is of utmost important as many of the graphic work is translated to a  printed form. To do so one must also have a strong command over the softwares used to make the designs, which usually happens over the course of time, working.

WHAT DOES THIS GRAPHIC DESIGNING COURSE TEACH YOU?

The program aims to provide students with an array of tools to become a problem solver through the medium of graphic and visual communication design.  Students studying this course  are encouraged to work on a range of projects through which they gain a holistic view of  various sub domains of graphic design. These include Typography & type design, publication design, illustration, photography, packaging, print design, corporate identity, branding, information & communication systems in both digital and analogue mediums In addition to the strong foundation in the practical and theoretical aspects of design, a student also learns about the contexts in which designers must work, they also understand the societal and ethical norms and how they affect design decisions.

HOW TO DISPLAY YOUR WORK

A portfolio is a representation of oneself. It is the first thing anyone would see even before they meet a person and thus it is extremely important to invest one’s time in developing a portfolio which speaks about you.

Working on each of your design assignments with the same fervour as that of a  professional project is the best way to construct a great portfolio. By the time you finish your degree, you already have projects which are industry ready. That being said, the work done during internships is also an important addition to the portfolio.

CAREER OPTIONS AND OPPORTUNITIES IN GRAPHIC DESIGNING

With the rise in demand for graphic designers, there is a plethora of job opportunities for Graphic design students. The following are some of the job profiles one can pursue after their graphic design degree:

– Communication Designer

– Graphic Designer

– Typographer and Font Designer

– Design Illustrators

– Web Designers

– Brand Designer

– Narrative Designer

– Experience Designer

– Strategy Designer

– Design Researcher

– Systems Designer

– Brand Manager

– Design Entrepreneur

– Social Designer 

– Chief Design Officer

– Chief Creative Officer

– Design Thinker

– Design Manager