Board Meetings Highlight Revival of Graphic Design Industry
In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, the graphic design industry has experienced a significant boom, driven by a shift towards remote work and a growing emphasis on digital marketing [1]. This shift has led to an increased demand for graphic designers and animators who can create visually engaging and animated content to attract customers in the competitive digital environment.
Essential Skills for Graphic Designers
To stand out in this dynamic field, foundational skills are crucial. These include proficiency in page layout, understanding clipping paths, and utilising different file types, among others [1]. A strong grasp of colour theory and the ability to navigate grid systems and parent pages are also essential.
In addition, an understanding of social media is a plus, and the use of AI tools in design software is becoming increasingly common [1][2]. UX visual designers may also benefit from coding knowledge, although they only touch code infrequently.
The Importance of a Strong Portfolio
A portfolio is a graphic designer's calling card, showcasing their skills and creativity. It should be available both digitally and in-person for review and discussion [1]. Employers prefer to see real-world projects from internships or freelance work, demonstrating versatility, creativity, and up-to-date skills [1].
The portfolio must be easily accessible, either through a link to a portfolio site like Behance or a PDF [1]. Avoid using pre-made templates to ensure your portfolio stands out.
The Role of Attitude in the Industry
In the graphic design industry, attitudes such as adaptability, continuous learning, self-motivation, and the ability to deliver personalised and innovative visual content that aligns with marketing strategies are highly valued [1][2][3]. Freelancing has also surged during the pandemic, indicating a growing preference for flexible work arrangements.
Curiosity is also valuable in creative positions, enabling effective problem-solving and strategy. When hiring, employers prioritise the strength of a designer's portfolio and general education knowledge over the type of degree they hold.
The Evolution of Graphic Design Roles
During the pandemic, many designers have been referred to as brand designers, reflecting the increased focus on creating cohesive brand identities across multiple platforms [1]. Good projects for a designer's portfolio include fliers, publications, social posts, branding/corporate identity, packaging, signage, and vehicle wraps.
The Demand for Mid-to-Upper-Level Designers
There is a demand for mid-to-upper-level graphic designers across various design firms, agencies, and in-house departments. Employers want to understand the extent of a designer's skills, whether they are largely self-taught or guided by an art director or teacher [1].
The Future of Graphic Design
The rise of video for marketing purposes makes simple Adobe Premiere skills beneficial, and the integration of AI tools in design software is likely to continue, allowing designers to focus on creating original and personalised content [1][2]. With the continued shift towards remote work and digital marketing, the demand for adaptable, creative, and innovative graphic designers is likely to remain high.
References: [1] Adobe. (2021). The State of Creative Jobs 2021. Retrieved from https://www.adobe.com/uk/resources/research/state-of-creative-jobs-2021.html [2] Forbes. (2021). The Future of Graphic Design: Trends and Predictions. Retrieved from https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbesagencycouncil/2021/02/22/the-future-of-graphic-design-trends-and-predictions/?sh=7319b41a436a [3] Nielsen Norman Group. (2020). The State of UX Design 2020. Retrieved from https://www.nngroup.com/articles/state-of-ux-2020/ [4] TNW Conference. (2021). The Future of Graphic Design. Retrieved from https://thenextweb.com/conference/sessions/the-future-of-graphic-design
- Pursuing education-and-self-development is essential for graphic designers seeking to thrive in the industry, as continuous learning and mastery of new tools, such as Adobe Premiere and AI integration in design software, are crucial for career development [1][2].
- In addition to strong technical skills, a graphic designer's portfolio is a key component of their education and self-development, acting as a demonstration of their versatility, creativity, and adaptability in the graphic design field [1].
