A good design is timeless; it may fit within a specific style category and even may not be popular, the fact remains that it will still be beautiful. Mark it, this goes for all aspects of design. How do you then achieve a good design if not via experience gained over time…? Graphic design as we were taught in school is the art of integrating text, typography, illustrations and images for visual representation and productions. It is about communication; but it doesn’t end there. Callie (2013)1 clearly made it known that the next thing after taking the required educational courses and learning the technical skills is to acquire or gain hands-on experience which is crucial in becoming a Professional in graphic design. Experience solidifies your skills, builds your confidence and, with time, establishes your personality as an expert.
Real-world work experience will help you develop your design skills, providing invaluable knowledge on client relationships, personal branding and the ability to manage yourself while working under pressure. Success in the design field, like many industries, is based heavily on networking. The more designers you meet and the more clients you work for, the more industry contacts you’ll gain (Callie 20132).
The importance of acquiring work experience cannot be over-emphasized owing to the fact that the practical experience will expose you to technology used in Multimedia graphics which comprises the following application programs: Illustration/ Charting software, Database programs, Desktop publishing, Graphics and Photo imaging software, Music or sound creation and video editing suite, Word processing (Office) Suite which includes Presentation programs, Web design and development software. This is a topic I will separately discuss (in details) in another write-up/ article.
Meanwhile, to compliment hands-on (practical) experience, irrespective of your educational qualification, according to onetonline.org3, this specific set of educational experience is of high significance to be labeled “a success” in the field of graphic design:
Design — Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
Communications and Media — Knowledge of media production, communication, and dissemination techniques and methods. This includes alternative ways to inform and entertain via written, oral, and visual media.
Computers and Electronics — Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
English Language — Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
Fine Arts — Knowledge of the theory and techniques required to compose, produce, and perform works of music, dance, visual arts, drama, and sculpture.
Sales and Marketing — Knowledge of principles and methods for showing, promoting, and selling products or services. This includes marketing strategy and tactics, product demonstration, sales techniques, and sales control systems.
Customer and Personal Service — Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
Production and Processing — Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.
Administration and Management — Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.
Clerical — Knowledge of administrative and clerical procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and other office procedures and terminology.
Sociology and Anthropology — Knowledge of group behavior and dynamics, societal trends and influences, human migrations, ethnicity, cultures and their history and origins.
Mathematics — Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
Psychology — Knowledge of human behavior and performance; individual differences in ability, personality, and interests; learning and motivation; psychological research methods; and the assessment and treatment of behavioral and affective disorders.
Telecommunications — Knowledge of transmission, broadcasting, switching, control, and operation of telecommunications systems.
History and Archeology — Knowledge of art historical events and their causes, indicators, and effects on civilizations and cultures.
Economics/ Accounting — Knowledge of economic and accounting principles and practices, the financial markets, banking and the analysis and reporting of financial data.
Law and Government — Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process.
Engineering and Technology — Knowledge of practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.
Summarily, the three main components of success in graphic design as a career is getting educated, knowledge in technical skills and acquiring ample amount of work experience which will lead to a rich portfolio.
REFERENCES:
1. http://www.rasmussen.edu/student-life/blogs/author-archives/Callie%20Malvik
2. http://www.rasmussen.edu/student-life/blogs/author-archives/Callie%20Malvik
3. http://www.onetonline.org
