There’s nothing wrong with being a starving artist, but if your idea of the good life involves doing what you love and getting paid for it on a regular basis, then a career as a graphic designer might be worth investigating.
A graphic designer is someone who is able to create works of design featuring existing and created images, usually for purposes of marketing and product packaging. The designs may be intended for viewing solely on the World Wide Web, in print, or a combination of both. He or she may also be responsible for fully preparing printed copy, including the typesetting and illustration. Graphic designers figure prominently in web site, television, and print magazine production.
One of the many positive aspects of becoming a graphic designer is how comparatively easy it can be to break into the field. Companies regularly hire graphic designers based on the strength and diversity of their portfolios, and although most companies now require some form of certification from accredited programs or schools before they will consider hiring a graphic designer, the entry level credentials are not difficult to obtain. It is possible to earn up to a PhD in graphic design, but many professional graphic designers have two-year degrees, or even no college degrees. They are all mostly required to hold professional certifications, however.
Computers and technology are heavily involved in the production of graphics and layout for publications, and as such, certifications in specific graphics design software titles are especially sought after by employers. The most widely used graphic design software today is Adobe’s Creative Suite, featuring Photoshop, Illustrator, In Design, and Dreamweaver. Adobe offers certification programs through vendors around the world who have met the company’s strict requirements for training others to be proficient in using its programs, and while these courses can be expensive, employers will often pay to get their graphic designers trained and keep them up to date.
Owning Adobe software takes a substantial investment. For an individual who is not affiliated with a school, the current Creative Suite will set him back $1,899. Most graphic designers do make that investment, since it allows them to work freelance as well as for a company. Graphic designers do not have to pay for the software they use at work while on the job, but the company doesn’t buy individual licenses for its designers under normal circumstances. Some graphic designers use the Creative Suite only at work, and make do with less expensive (or even free) tools at their home offices. The Gimp, for example, is an open source software title that is nearly just as good as Photoshop. The drawbacks include a less attractive and less up to date user interface, and a little more personal involvement in getting plugins to install — but the results are potentially every bit as good as Photoshop for someone who doesn’t mind putting in a little time to really get to know The Gimp and how to use it like a pro.
