Graphic Design Jobs
Graphic design involves getting across a message or creating a visual effect using illustration, photography and/or typography. Most graphic design work is produced using computers.
Graphic design is used in many areas including the design of packaging for different products, and producing signs for shops and offices.
Graphic Designer
Graphic designers use illustration, typography, photography and computer graphics to create a visual effect or put across a message.
Many graphic designers work for design or advertising agencies. They may design posters, advertisements, brochures, packaging and websites.
Graphic designers use computer graphics in their work. For example, they use software to create visual effects, edit an image or design a website.
Packaging Designer
Packaging designers create designs for all forms of packaging, including bottles, cartons and boxes. Their designs must protect and preserve the contents of the package and be visually pleasing.
The designer finds out from the client what kind of packaging is required. They then make a series of rough sketches to show to the client. They use computer-aided design (CAD) systems to do this.
When they have decided on the best design, packaging designers use modelling techniques to produce a three-dimensional model before the design is finalised and production begins.
Website Designer
Website designers use a combination of design and computing skills to produce websites. They design the look and feel of the website, often receiving a brief from a product manager or a client.
It’s very important that the website should be easy to read and navigate, so the designer usually begins by thinking about the user’s needs. Website designers decide on the style and size of text, graphics, sound, animation or digital video. They also decide on the combinations of colours to use.
Website designers might use a programming language or specialist tools to create buttons and links, manipulate images, or animate parts of the site.
Illustrator
Illustrators produce illustrations (drawings, images or diagrams, for example) to communicate information visually, make a product easier to understand or appear more attractive.
They produce illustrations for a wide variety of products, such as book covers, magazines, text books, manuals and greetings cards.
Some illustrators specialise, for example, in medical illustration, commercial illustration or scientific/technical illustration.
Illustrators carry out a lot of research so that they have all the right information to produce the illustration. They use traditional tools like pencils and pens for drawing and computer graphics.
Computer Games Designer
Computer games designers create the ideas for computer games and help to determine the way they look and play. They begin with an outline of the game and then specify the game’s art, sound and interface.
They might develop games for a number of different platforms (types of computer), for example, PCs (personal computers) and consoles (dedicated games machines), mobile phones or online through the internet.
Computer games designers produce sketches and storyboards, and design the characters and their environment. Some designers work on just one level of the game.