What is a graphic designer?
The graphic designer is both a technician and a creative person. They are responsible for designing and creating visual communications for different types of company. This includes graphic charters, logos, images, product catalogues, posters and brochures. Companies can also entrust us with the production of sales brochures, book covers, packaging and press advertisements. Then there are mobile animations, newsletters, banners and web pages. All these media can be used as part of a communication and/or advertising campaign.
Also known as graphic designer-illustrator, graphic designer, computer graphics designer or multimedia designer, graphic designers can work for a variety of organisations. They may be employed by a magazine editorial agency, a design studio or a communications or advertising agency. However, they can also work on a commission basis for companies or on a freelance basis.
The profession of graphic designer can be divided into three distinct categories. One of these is the graphic designer, who is responsible for adapting a graphic charter to different paper media. They generally use design and retouching software. Another is a graphic designer specialising in interactive and digital media. As for 360° graphic designers, their versatility enables them to work on all types of media. This enables them to work as generalists and to tackle all communication issues in their entirety.
What does a graphic designer do?
The main task of a graphic designer is to translate ideas into images. This involves developing a concept and thinking about the procedure to be adopted for its realisation. Beforehand, the designer will need to draw on a number of written documents, including a brief outlining the information required to create a visual identity. This includes the message to be conveyed, the targets to be reached, the communication media to be favoured, and the company’s values and universe.
Once the needs of the project and the client are understood, the graphic designer takes charge of the creative process. This may be based on the designer’s creativity, trends and/or the company’s previous communication campaigns.
He then chooses the medium (paper or digital), the colours and the typography before positioning the various visual elements (including images and text). This is done in accordance with the company’s graphic charter. The aim is to achieve a captivating, harmonious and legible result, which is essential to arouse the interest of target consumers or users.
Mock-ups of his creations are designed on computer before being presented to the client using desktop publishing software and a graphics tablet.
Why become a graphic designer?
There are several advantages to becoming a graphic designer . One of them is that it’s a job you’re passionate about, so it’s an interesting career path if you like working with digital media and enjoy graphic techniques. It’s also a fairly rewarding activity because of the workload available on a daily basis. In addition, the tasks of a graphic designer require you to maintain direct contact with customers, which is useful for personal fulfilment.
In terms of career opportunities, graphic designers can specialise in web design, user experience, motion design and design. After several years’ experience and a good portfolio, they may also consider the post of art director.
How much does a graphic designer earn?
A newly qualified graphic designer can expect to earn between €25,000 and €30,000 gross per year. An executive with more experience, however, could earn a salary in the region of 50,000 euros gross per year, depending on the nature of the client and the recruiter. However, if you are self-employed, your gross annual income will vary according to the regularity of demand and the number of commissions, as well as your artistic reputation. They may well exceed the salary ofan experienced graphic designer on the payroll of a company.
What do you need to study to become a graphic designer?
A minimum of 2 years’ higher education is required to become a graphic designer, but no specific qualifications are required. You can train at an advertising school such as Sup de Pub , which offers highly professional courses exploring all areas of communication. In particular, it offers students the chance to enrol for an SP2 Création. You can also opt for a longer professional project with an SP3 Visual & Digital Creation or an SP5 Art Direction and Visual Design.