Job Description
A graphic designer is responsible for creating design solutions that have a high visual impact. Their designs are required for a huge variety of products and activities, such as websites, advertising, books, magazines, posters, product packaging, exhibitions and displays, corporate communications and corporate identity, i.e. giving organizations a visual 'brand'. A graphic designer works to a brief agreed with the creative director. They develop creative ideas and concepts, choosing the appropriate media and style to meet the company objectives. The work demands creative flair, up-to-date knowledge of industry software and a professional approach to time, costs and deadlines.
Job Specification
A graphic designer's job may involve managing more than one design brief at a time and allocating the relevant amount of time according to the value of the job.
Typical activities include:
• Estimating the time required to complete the work and providing quotes for clients;
• Developing design briefs by gathering information and data through research;
• Thinking creatively to produce new ideas and concepts;
• Using innovation to redefine a design brief within the constraints of cost and time;
• Working with a wide range of media, including photography and computer-aided design (CAD);
• Proofreading to produce accurate and high-quality work;
• Contributing ideas and design artwork to the overall brief;
• Demonstrating illustrative skills with rough sketches;
• Working on layouts and art working pages ready for print;
• Keeping abreast of emerging technologies in new media, particularly design programs such as InDesign, QuarkXPress, FreeHand, Illustrator, Photoshop, 3ds Max, Acrobat, Director, Dreamweaver and Flash;
• Developing interactive design;
• Working as part of a team with printers, copywriters, photographers, stylists, illustrators, other designers. Whether they're self-employed, working freelance or employed within a business, graphic designers often have to be proactive in presenting or 'pitching' their ideas and designs to the agency director and/or prospective clients.