Going to a Good Graphic Design School Helps You Succeed in the Competitive Field of Graphic Arts

Graphic designers are the talented forces behind the ads seen in magazines, websites, billboards and various other visual displays. There are jobs for graphic designers in a wide array of industries. Where you decide to apply your creative skills depends on individual preference. The field has opportunities available areas from film to doing printed advertisements.

The role of a graphic designer is to create graphics that visually communicate the intended purpose to the viewer. These individuals possess natural skills in art as well as trained skills acquired through a school program. The classes will teach a variety of techniques used with computer and hand tools. There are degrees as well as certification programs available to become a graphic designer. There are also programs offering degrees from online learning facilities.

The degree you receive will not guarantee you a position in the field of your choice. It will, however, prepare you for the knowledge needed to succeed in fields such as marketing or film. Most graphic designers have enjoyed art of some form and have practiced perfecting their skill from as early as elementary school.

Taking graphic design courses will provide you with the options available in the field and prepare you for a career. The modern day graphic designer utilizes the use of a computer for the majority of projects required in the field. Classes will provide direct instruction for using design programs and creativity to move ahead in the field after graduation.

Even though the majority of art produced is done with a computer program this is an extremely creative field to be employed in. When you work as a graphic artist you will need to be consumer oriented. If you choose to work in advertisement the graphics produced should be appealing and grab the consumer's attention. If you choose to work as a freelancer, you will need to produce excellent work as well as be open to client recommendations and changes.

Going to school and getting a degree in design is a must for anyone serious about this kind of career. When researching school options, it should not be a program for fine arts, but one that is designated for graphic design. Many schools work with students to help them find employment during and after graduation with a company desiring a graphic design artist.

This is a college or university degree; therefore, if you are concerned about how to finance it know that there are grants, loans and scholarships available to finance your education in graphic design. It is an extremely competitive field so choosing the college to attend may play a crucial role in the positions you are offered upon graduation. Your portfolio is extremely important in the field and should include work you completed while in school as well as any small independent jobs you have done outside of class. The best kind of reference is one where you may find permanent employment. In other words while in school should you have the opportunity to intern at a company, take the chance.

A basic degree will earn you an average of fifty thousand per year, give or take a few thousand; however, with experience and a more advanced degree the earning potential increases to approximately eighty thousand or more per year. If you have a goal to be employed in a field of work you love and admired, it is important to get a great education in the field in order to excel in your field.

The demand continues to increase for graphic artists as advertisement continues to change and develop, however, as the need for a great graphic artist increase as does the completion for employment. Getting into a program that teaches you the must have bits of information needed for getting the job of your dreams is crucial. Rather you want to be in animations or print advertisements choosing a graphic arts program is the first step.

What Is 3D Graphic Arts?

3D computer graphics or graphic arts use three-dimensional representations of figures instead of older 2D models. They have several advantages over 2D representations, not least of which is that the representation provider uses much more accurate and realistic, so the results can be much more accurate and realistic, too. Although 2D representations were certainly a good start, 3D models allow a 3D object, for example, to be scanned into a computer, after which they can be manipulated to produce different effects.

How it works

With 3D graphic arts, objects are laid out within the scene and then rendered. The location and size of the objects and relations of the rest of the scene, as well as its movement and deformation over time, are also taken into consideration.

3D rendering is done to convert a model into an image, which can then be manipulated to determine various effects.

Uses for 3D modeling or 3D graphics

One of the most effective uses for 3D modeling or 3D graphics is in mechanical product design. With 3D graphics, prototypes can be developed much more rapidly; in addition, these prototypes are clean and there's a smooth transition to the final product, which lowers costs and manufacture. Many companies require prototypes to be produced quickly, and 3D graphic art programs can fill this need, for the lowest cost and most expedient processes possible.

3D graphic cards also be used with human modeling, for artists who want to manipulate human figures within scenery.

Many people can use 3D graphic arts programs during the manufacturing process

3D model design services can be used by many different people, including design technicians and engineers. This allows them to have working models of the product while still in development so that product development and ultimate manufacturer is much more efficient. 3D modeling allows for much more efficient prototyping than traditional methods to do, in that they are much more efficient and much less time-consuming than traditional methods. Product development was rife with delays when traditional methods were used, but this drawback has largely been mitigated with the advent of 3D modeling through 3D graphics programs.

Some advantages to using 3D graphic arts programs

* Because manufacturing drawings can be visualized in 3D, this gives developers a significant advantage over 2D renderings or even simple drawings.

* When one feature is altered, other information is automatically highlighted that depends on that feature, called "bidirectional parametric association."

* Assembly designs are much simpler, showing the relation between related parts and full assemblies as applicable.

* 3D sectional views allow for a closer look at the "product" in its modeling stage.

* Clearance, interference and kinematics can all be checked in assemblies in 3D format without the hassle of having a physical prototype to change, redevelop, reconstruct, etcetera.

How to Become a Graphic Designer - An Overview

There are a few careers that need only dedication for you to be successful in them. A sound education, willingness to learn and the ability to work hard can lead to reasonable success in these areas. There are others that you should consider only if you are passionate about them, a case in point being medicine or nursing. Then there are professions that not only need passion and dedication, but a generous dose of talent. All creative professions, including graphic design, fall under this category.

For those who dream of becoming a graphic designer, the seeds were probably sown way back in childhood when they got their first A in art class.

From drawing pictures in your childhood that still adorn the walls of your home, if you've now reached a stage where your idea of fun involves tinkering with design tools on your computer creating fine works of art, then you're the perfect candidate for a career in graphic design.

Graphic design is defined as visual communication by a combination of text and pictures. In other words, graphic design is the visual expression of a message, idea or concept. If a picture is worth a thousand words, then graphic designers are among the most prolific writers we know.

So if graphic design is what you want to do for the rest of your life, then it's time to start the action. Here's a three step approach on how to become a graphic designer.

Step 1: Get Informed

The first step to becoming a graphic designer is collecting relevant information - and lots of it - about the profession. Some questions you might want to find answers to include:

What is the nature of work?
What kind of career opportunities do they have?
What is their earning potential?
What kind of training is needed?

Some research on the Internet will yield answers for most of these questions. You can also interview industry experts for first-hand insights. Career counselors and admissions consultants may also be able to provide helpful information about the profession.

Step 2: Get Qualified

The second step towards becoming a graphic designer is acquiring the necessary qualification for it. There are a few things you must know about this profession before you apply for a suitable program. Creativity alone is not enough to succeed in this field. You need to combine it with computer skills and business knowledge.

Expertise in using different design tools and computer software programs is as important for a new age graphic designer as talent. Since the job of a graphic designer involves understanding client requirements and the target audience, business knowledge is also desirable.

That's why it's vital to choose a graphic arts degree that will provide you a solid foundation in web design techniques, computer skills, and business principles.

Although many professionals are able to get their foot in the door with short-term professional certifications in graphic arts, getting a college degree will definitely boost your marketability. Most colleges and universities offer two graphic arts programs - an Associate's degree and a Bachelor's degree in graphic arts and design.

An Associate's degree qualifies graduates for assistant graphic designer positions from which they can work their way up. A Bachelor's degree is the minimum credential required for most entry-level and advanced graphic design jobs.

Step 3: Get Experienced

Gone are the days when your academic achievements alone could get you plum positions in big organizations. Employers these days look for hands-on industry experience along with academic credentials, especially if you belong to an applied field like graphic arts.

Becoming a graphic designer will take more than a degree or a certificate. The sooner you start building a portfolio, the better will be your chances in the job market. Some graphic arts programs may provide externships for students to get their hands dirty with design while still in college.

If your school doesn't have such a provision, then you can approach a media or software company for a free intern position. Not only will you get some valuable on the job lessons in graphic arts, you'll also be able to make contacts for future use. Once you're fairly comfortable working independently, try and get some freelance assignments even if you're not paid for them. Having an impressive portfolio of work will do for a graphic artist's career what getting straight A's in school cannot!

How to Become a Graphic Artist

Ever looked at a colorful marketing brochure or a website and thought of different ways you would design it if given a chance? Often find yourself marveling at the originality of an artwork on a book cover? Every time graphics roll on the evening news, do you wonder if there was a way to do it better? If your answer to the above questions is yes and you have an undying thirst for creativity, then you probably are a prime candidate for becoming a graphic artist.

Becoming a graphic designer involves as much hard work and commitment as it does flair and creativity. Your talent needs to be nurtured appropriately, and your creativity channelized in the right direction if you want to make a serious career out of graphic arts. And one way to do this is through sound training and a relevant education in the field. But before we get down on the nitty-gritty of how to become a graphic artist, let's take a closer look at what graphic artists do.

Simply put, graphic designers create visual communication of an idea or a message. They use a variety of materials such as images, sound, illustrations, animation, type, and color to create visual solutions. They work in industries ranging from films, television, and publishing to advertising, gaming and fashion.

Getting Education

So, how does one go about becoming a graphic designer? The first step is to find your way to a college or university that offers a graphic arts degree. There will be many people who will try to argue you out of enrolling for a college degree. Some believe that there is no point spending hard earned (or borrowed) dollars on something that you can teach yourself, while others will insist that a portfolio is all that matters to make it as a graphic designer.

Admittedly, portfolios creation and online tutorials are crucial part of your training. But equally important is a solid education that only a graphic design program can provide.

Not only is a college degree essential to build a strong foundation in the field, but it is also the minimum credential that employers nowadays ask for when conducting job interviews. A graphic arts degree is also necessary if you want to mature into more senior roles and aspire to lead a creative team of an organization at some point in your career.

The good thing is that you can choose between a basic two-year Associate's degree in Graphic Arts and a more advanced and in-depth Bachelor's degree in Graphic Arts, depending on your career and educational goals.

For folks who are making a mid-to late-career shift to graphic design or who find a college education completely out of their reach, there are a range of professional certificate programs and diplomas that they can complete.

Gaining Experience

But an education is just the starting point of your training to become a graphic designer. It's important to work on creating an impressive portfolio of work while your education continues as that's something your prospective employers could use to gauge the level of your talent and experience.

There are several ways of creating a portfolio. You can take up projects and assignments on a freelance or consultative basis. Remember, no task is too small when you're looking to get your hands dirty in the field, so lap up whatever comes your way. You can also get an internship with a graphic design firm and gain some first-hand experience of working in a professional environment. This experience will be extremely valuable when you start your first job as a graphic designer.

Since technology is constantly evolving and graphic designers depend on a variety of software applications to complete their day-to-day job, it is important you stay abreast of the changes in technology and constantly upgrade your skills through self-learning if you want to remain employable.

If Art is Your Passion, Fetch Out a Career in Graphic Design

Hey have you loved painting since childhood? If you have an affinity towards painting, fetch out a lucrative career in graphic designing. This field has vast scope in today's world. It is fun too. Graphic design is a field which encompasses a vast creative spectrum. This field will give you a scope to turn your passion into your profession. Can it get any batter?

Some Career Scopes In This Field

CREATIVE / ART DIRECTOR: these people are in charge of art work. They create these. Their works are displayed in magazines, on bill boards, on the web, or even on products. An entire team may consist of several people artists, graphic designers, photographers, copy writers, production people etc. it is the responsibility of the art director to ensure that all the people of the team are working properly and on time. He has an immense part to play in creating graphic arts.

He has the authority to select models for the project. Other things like the props that are going to be used, the colors, and several other things are chosen by him. In order to be an efficient art director, you need to receive good training in graphic design. This is because the art director himself needs to do certain designing on his own. However, art directors are mostly given supervisory responsibilities over a team.

People, who are art directors, have received formal training in advertising and in graphic design. They are trained to plan, design and direct the print ads. They are also trained to run a 360 degree ad campaign. A director must have creative skills as well as business skills in order to be successful.

Ad directors get employment in ad agencies, in firms etc. Their approximate salary is $50,000 - $80,000 per annum.

LAY OUT ARTISTS: layout artists deal with the print media. They are concerned about the structures, the layout of the images, and the texts. The articles they work on comprise of magazines, broachers, posters etc.

The make their lay outs on acrobat page maker, acrobat in design etc.

BRAND IDENTITY DESIGN: this deals with the visual aspect of a particular brand. This deal with logo of a brand, business cards, stationary, packaging etc. this is a vital thing. This helps the customers to remember a particular brand. Careers in graphic design can be fun as well as lucrative.