This year I decided to get into graphic design. I’ve always wanted to create my own art by mixing and matching photos and editing them, then showing them off to my friends and family. I really enjoy making my own little edits to photos but that got me thinking: “What if i can use this skill in my career?”
Graphic design is making visual concepts through software or by hand to communicate a concept to consumers. The way this information can be delivered can be through posters, banners, art and more. But, what are the requirements for the job, and why am I passionate about it?
Work Environment:
What a Graphic design studio can look like below:
Graphic designers normally work in an office space, which I personally favor because I’m very used to sitting at my computer playing games, doing homework, or browsing all with my own privacy. Sometimes, designers may have their own personal studio and I am not a very extroverted person, so the added layer of privacy is nice to have. The average work time for a graphic designer is 37 hours a week (about 5 hours a day) and the time table is very comfortable to me because sitting at my computer for more than 8 hours a day just drawing or making artwork would get very boring very fast.
Most of the work graphic designers do is meeting with clients, drawing or editing photos and selling them.
Educational Requirements:
Graphic designers are normally required to have a degree in Visual arts specialization. This specialization can be in graphic design, commercial art and graphic communications or cartooning. To get a better chance of being hired, however, it is recommended to have a bachelor’s or higher degree on a different field.
Salaries & Annual pay:
Thanks to Neuvoo.ca, I managed to find some information about the salaries plus the tax. On entry, workers make about $27,307 a year. Plus tax, that would be decreased to $23,267 ($14 per hour, plus tax: $11.93). On the other side of the coin, the most experienced are estimated to make $77,903 and $57,831 plus tax. ($29.66 per hour plus tax).
My Passion:
When I was 11, I found a genre of art and music called Vaporwave. I found the visuals and audio mesmerizing as I’ve never even seen or heard anything like it. For 3 years I’ve wanted to make my own art based on that genre, until i got Photoshop and Paint.net. The very first edit I made, was a mashup of retro style photos in an mspaint window from windows 95. I titled it “Tranquility” because of the 3d text I put on the photo reading “Tranquility.” Here is a photo of it below:
It wasn’t very hard to make and i’ll admit, this isn’t as good as the other photos I’ve made. Fast forward to now, I made a photo while I was sick, to distract me from the pain. I was originally going to add palm trees, Fiji bottles and a grid to the photo, but as soon as I inserted a rose, I saved it and I love how it turned out. I titled this “Trippy” because of the sides of the photo.
The thing that connects all of the photos I’ve made is that every time I finished creating something, I felt a rush of joy that I’ve never felt before. This makes me want to improve and come up with new ideas and pursue this skill further by becoming a Graphic designer.
Demand & Contacts:
Is this job going to be in demand in the future?
Most likely, no. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ current Occupational Outlook Handbook, the graphic field is expected to grow by 5 percent through 2026, which is slower than average. This may be the case because of the specializations required to get hired. Even if the field is smaller than average, it’s not easy to get a job because of again, specializations.
Who can help me pursue this career?
Through Upwork.com, you can find quality graphic designers, and contact them through the website.
Kathrina T:
“I am a Graphic Designer with over 8 years of professional experience in the industry. I am very proficient in Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign. I have a lot of background in both Print and Web design. I have gained a Top-Rated status here on Upwork because of my successful collaborations with a lot of different clients. I am very passionate about what I do and my clients can attest to my professionalism, proven by the countless positive feedback I have garnered.”
Rated 5 stars, works 9 hours a day and has completed 204 jobs.
Video About Graphic Design:
This video is literally graphic design communicating the concept of graphic design. It goes over what the concept of graphic design is, (Communicating information through art) and gives examples of graphic design, such as when they presented the definition of a widow line, or kerning.
In the end, I want to pursue this career because I have the skills to do it and I find it interesting and fun. I am passionate about this field even if I’m an amaetuer and I enjoy graphic design as a pass time activity.