A graphic designer’s role has never been more relevant in a business world that has scurried toward streamlined operations and communication. The job description has evolved slightly over time, but the core duties remain the same. Their job does not necessarily require them to live in the company headquarters or be local to the customer’s location. You may find remote graphic design jobs available in every company. Designers play a role in every type of company, from the fledgling start-up to the large corporation. However, each design demand is tailored to the individual business and client.
Some people think graphic design is all about designing logos, but there’s so much more to it. If you love playing with graphics, shaping the visuals of a brand, and being creative, graphic design might just be your calling! Whether you’re just now considering a career in graphic design or you’re on the job hunt, it’s nice to know what an industry certifies as a “graphic designer.” This article explores the top graphic designer skills to help you decide if graphic design is the right career for you. We look next at some great resources where you can get started learning more about graphic design.
So, for those of you who are still considering joining the bandwagon, here’s how you can start:
Skills required for remote graphic design jobs
Becoming a graphic designer means acquiring a broad and specific set of skills. Graphic designers need a solid artistic vision as well as an awareness of color theory and typography. However, graphic designers aren’t just artists who can cleverly arrange text and images. They should be masters of the art of persuasion. They should also have the ability to turn complex ideas into simple concepts that can be easily understood by a range of people with different levels of education and experience.
A good graphic designer knows how to create a strong brand identity that people trust. They know how to build an emotional connection with their clients. They know how to use color, fonts, contrast, and graphics effectively in communication. An excellent graphic designer does more than just design things–they create an emotional bond with a reader that lasts long after the project is complete.
Graphic designers need more than just a good eye and design skills. Graphic design projects require various skills, including project management, time management, and communication skills. A professional graphic designer communicates with her team effectively, keeps tight control of the schedule and budget, and completes a project that meets (or preferably exceeds) all of the design requirements.
Remote graphic design jobs are fun and require hard work to become successful. There are many resources to help you, including books and articles, tutorials, and classes. But nothing can replace real-world practice.
Software used by Graphic Designers
The graphic design employs many techniques to communicate visually. They use a variety of software for tasks—from photo editing to digital illustration to page layout. For example, artists and art directors use Photoshop to create artwork, InDesign to layout publications, Illustrator to create logos, and After Effects to create motion graphics. Web designers use Dreamweaver and Flash (an Adobe program) to build websites.
While Adobe continues to make some of the absolute best design products in the industry, you can find cheaper alternatives from other companies. So do a little research, download demos, and try them out to see which ones suit your needs best. To make sure you’re making the most of your time, you need to identify your current level of skill and which programs can help you improve. When it comes down to it, choosing one graphics design program over another is less about which one is better and more about what kind of features you need to get the most out of your work.
Types of Projects
Typical graphic design projects range from simple digital designs to more complex websites and applications. Some might require your participation in late-night meetings to complete before they can get started on the next stage of work. Others might require extensive research and brainstorm with other members of the team.
Graphic designers are often used in many different industries and can express their own opinions and ideas when necessary. In addition to creating the visuals for websites and manuals, graphic designers are also responsible for maintaining the company’s brand image.
Some graphic designers focus on design for the web, creating and formatting sites with graphics, animation, and interactive features. Some design for print, while others develop posters or work with video or film. They are often hired by businesses to create advertisements, promotional materials, and product visuals.
Remote graphic design jobs
There are different ways you can work as a graphic designer. Freelancing can be good for building your portfolio and earning a steady income. Regardless of whether they work for an agency or a client, most of them do their jobs remotely and are responsible for all marketing and business activities of their work.
Because they’re hired on a per-project basis, freelance graphic designers must learn new skills fast. In addition, freelance designers are often responsible for creating new business ventures. Because of this, freelance designers are usually sought out as partners or consultants.
Advantages of having remote graphic design job
Are there any drawbacks to having a remote graphic design job? Not really. Thanks to the rise in technology, there’s now an abundant marketplace that allows you to earn as a freelancer without ever having to leave your home. While some might feel more comfortable working from home, having a physical presence can be advantageous, should the need arise. If you’re an aspiring graphic designer or just interested in trying out an extra income stream, then freelancing could be an excellent opportunity for you. When you work from home, you can control your environment and schedule to suit your current tasks.
Are you a fit for a freelancing graphic designer job?
The key to being successful as a freelancer is knowing how to balance the needs of freelance work versus personal finances. Freelancing offers an exciting opportunity to earn money from your own designs in a flexible way, where you get to choose how much you work when you want, how, and for whom.
Learning about how tax refund time works, creating a budget, and finding ways to save money will give you an edge over less experienced job seekers and free you from the chains of your 9-5. In addition, freelancing can provide you with power over the schedules that suit you well. You don’t have the boss telling you what to work on when and how often.
The freedom of working remotely allows for creativity and expression that would be difficult to replicate in an office setting. For some, freelancing has allowed them to build a career that’s closely aligned with their passions. Freelancers set their own hours and are free to engage in a project or not, as they wish. They can devote more time to mastermind new ideas and works with their peers on their terms. They don’t have the risk of going overboard with a large workload.
It helps if you’re a highly motivated self-starter who wants to work from home. Freelance work requires an ability to multi-task and keep yourself organized. If you choose to freelance, you will need to work out how to create an excellent client-contractor relationship with your clients. Although remote work affords you the flexibility to set your schedule, you will still need to get a handle on what you can afford if you want to pursue remote work as a long-term option.
Working with clients
Graphic designers work with a variety of clients, from graphic design boards to desktop publishing software. They must meet deadlines, work independently and in teams, and have an eye for detail. To be a designer, you need some art skills (like drawing) and computer skills (like designing sophisticated equipment). In addition, a background in the subjects that you’re designing for can make you more valuable to employers. You’ll work with clients to understand what needs to happen, define the scope of a project, and gather feedback along the process. This will be done to create a design that turns the concept into reality.
Careers as a graphic designer
Graphic designers in advertising are usually involved in print, web, and billboard campaigns. They also create brochures, logos, flyers, and banners. Breaking into the design field, with its many sub-specialties and niches, can be challenging. However, there are many resources out there to help you break into design no matter your interest, whether that’s becoming a product designer or building the next Pinterest.
Final Thoughts
Graphic designers are an integral part of nearly every industry. As a graphic designer, you’re a jack of all trades. You play a significant role in creating visually appealing products for businesses and organizations and communicating with customers. But, whether you are a freelancer or work as an in-studio artist, there are certain things that you need to know to excel. The key is identifying what makes you happy—picking projects you’re excited about, finding communities of like-minded people, and enjoying yourself.
