Being set as a graphic designer is cool. Graphic design is a key element of communication. It is a short piece of information that you give to a person when you cannot speak to them. It is narrated in an engaging and meaningful story telling way. A good graphic designer’s sole purpose is to turn the messages into meaningful and appealing graphics. But sometimes the graphic designers and their designs are misunderstood because of several myths and facts in the industry. Some of them will surprise you.
Graphic designers are inborn creative
It is believed that the graphic designers are inherently creative. But this is not 100% true. There are people who find it easy to create the innovative designs easily, while others can’t. It is just that people from the 1st group have the credentials of skillful thinking and learning what make them create the thoughtful designs on demand. They enjoy their work process and gift their clients the most brilliant designs. But for the 2nd group of people, it takes years, efforts, sweat and tears to be labeled as extraordinary.
Graphic design is simple
This myth is almost famous in the industry which is perhaps the most fictitious myth about graphic design. This designing misconception is raised from the wide use of Adobe Photoshop. People think that using Photoshop is all about just putting some images here and there and with a little touch up the design is done! Those who thinks like that, please note . . . . graphic design is far from easy. It needs a lot of skill set, efforts, dedication, hard work and power of visualization. The graphic designer needs to understand the purpose of the graphic, the field for which it is going to be created, it’s target audience, and the client’s requirement as well. If the designer doesn’t produce quality material, may lose the chance to get future offers from the clients!
Graphic design is only done on a computer
This myth is not valid for a graphic design. Graphic designers often use sketchbooks to gather all their ideas in one place, they also draw and scribble things on paper, boards, and many other non-digital platforms. A design is not only about the final product, but the process itself and this often doesn’t involve the use of computers. Even, our creative director at Eyecandy, still in practice of drawing storyboards with pencil and paper first for each animated video script and upon client’s satisfaction the same is redrawn digitally.
Graphic designers can read minds
Unfortunately, graphic designers do not have that superpower. They cannot read minds. Clients think that just sharing the idea with the graphic designers would sufficient to create the awesome design. But this is partially incorrect. Designers need and love to hear how you want your design to be done. However, good graphic designers with their inner skills and experience can understand your test preferences. The design brief from you and use of shapes, colors, and fonts enable the designer to bring out what you want to see.
No formal education required
Generally, it is thought that a degree in a subject such as graphic design is not required to become a professional graphic designer. But it takes much more than that. Graphic design courses, offered by many global design Institutes, will arm you with expert knowledge of the modern graphic design industry and prepare you for a rewarding career. Use of modern software techniques will spark around the graphic design and make the path beneficial for you which can only benefit from such opportunity!
Graphic design is a self-employment opportunity
This myth is correct to some extent. People who like to do an independent job “freelance graphic design” is a good option for them. But for independent work, the designer needs to learn self-marketing to new clients. At the same time, the designer should maintain the work schedule without a manager for timely submission of the design projects. This is an excellent opportunity if anyone can do it. In the current digital world with so many web design and advertising firms, freelancers can make a good money using just the laptop and Photoshop.
However many people think that freelance graphic design job is not so well paid. Since it is not a formal and full-time job, the freelance designers need to work hard to earn their living. Even, in reality, graphic designers sometimes have to engage themselves in multiple part time projects while not working full time. It is also found that many graphic designers have adopted a side by non graphic design job to balance their finances.
Graphic designers are rich
This myth is ironic in connection to the above point. But many people believe that graphic designers make thousands of dollars for a single design. It is true for the designers like Paul Rand, Milton Glaser, David Carson, Paula Scher, Neville Brody, Alan Fletcher and a few more to name. Big corporate houses and billionaires pay a large amount of money for logos and brochures to the graphic designers.
Also, the design agencies or the freelancers who have signed up with companies for regular design supply, are less worried for constant inflow of money. Once the designer gets fame, need not worry for big bucks. Some senior designers, art directors, and long-term freelancers also manage to make decent money.
These are 7 the most popular myths and facts in graphic design industry. If you think you can add more value to this, we are open to welcome your suggestion. Knock us anytime!
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