Is Graphic Design Hard?

If you are interested in communicating in visual mediums, working with cutting-edge computer programs, and bringing creative ideas to life, then a degree in graphic designing might be for you. The field of graphic design is one made for those with a sense of creativity, a passion for producing effective solutions for real-world communication problems, and the dedication to learn the latest design tools and software. To see if it is the right path for you, keep reading to learn more about graphic design and how you can succeed in the field.

How to Become a Graphic Designer

The path to becoming a graphic designer can be challenging yet is highly rewarding. Everywhere you look, the work of graphic designers, whether created using computer software or by hand, is on display. From advertising to entertainment to news, graphic designers are needed to create a wide array of materials to communicate ideas through print publications (magazines, newspapers, brochures), digital and broadcast media (television, websites, and social media platforms), and much more. As a graphic designer, you can find yourself working for a business, corporation, non-profit organization, or as a freelance graphic designer. If this sounds interesting to you, read on for five steps to becoming a successful graphic designer. 

Find a Degree Program

The first step to becoming a graphic designer is finding a degree program that best aligns with your academic and career goals. For instance, students choose the graphic design program at North Central College to develop a comprehensive set of design skills by working in a full-scale lab equipped with cutting-edge, industry-standard hardware and software. Similarly, students can build a robust professional network by working alongside industry experts and gaining hands-on experience at the student-run Design Agency creating designs for on and off-campus organizations while getting valuable client experience.

Since North Central College is part of the University Partner Program offered by the Art Institute of Chicago (AIC), students have the unique opportunity to gain admittance to the AIC free of charge with their identification cards. With this opportunity, they have access to lectures, educational programs, and other special events within the Chicagoland area. 

Learn Graphic Design Principles

Throughout the time you earn your degree, you will take various courses to develop your graphic design knowledge and skills. While possessing a creative mindset is beneficial, it is not everything you need. Having a solid understanding of design principles and theories will allow you to better plan and execute your ideas. Not to mention, it will help you bring all elements of a design together, such as shapes, colors, spaces, forms, lines, values, textures, and typography. Each of these elements can affect the outcome of the design and how it informs, inspires, or captivates an audience. 

Practice in Graphic Design Programs

After you learn graphic design principles, it is time to test your knowledge. While graphic designers use a variety of programs, software, and tools, most work within the Adobe Creative Suite. The software that graphic designers frequently work with includes Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, and Adobe InDesign. While these programs might seem daunting at first, plenty of tutorials and resources are available to help you get started. 

Work on Projects to Develop Your Skills

Once you are well versed in graphic design principles and software, spend time practicing what you have learned. “The best way to grow your skills and master graphic design software is to work on your own design projects,” stated Brooke Belair, graphic designer at North Central College. “To get started, you can create mockup ads and logos for real or made-up companies. You can also take a company’s existing designs and try creating a new design — this is good practice for identifying and designing for target audiences.” 

Start Building Your Portfolio

After you have worked on several projects, you can start to build your portfolio. In graphic design, a portfolio is a visual representation of the work you have created so far that showcases who you are as a designer. It displays your graphic design personal style and skills and gives employers an idea of what you can do. If you are unsure where to start, reach out to a faculty member, Office of Career Development, or even alumni from the graphic design program for some guidance. 

Is graphic design a stressful major?

As a graphic designer, you have the opportunity to inform, inspire, and captivate an audience through visual mediums. In most cases, the ideas you visually communicate will be subject to feedback and will need to be completed by a specific deadline. While these factors may be stressful at first, over time, you will learn how to manage your time, implement feedback, and meet deadlines with ease. Although there are guidelines to follow, graphic designing sometimes can mean adding your own creativity, which some find to ease their stress.

With these challenges in mind, the graphic design program and faculty at North Central College prepares students and helps set them up for success right from the get-go. “Our department stresses the value of being multidisciplinary,” stated David Cordero, assistant professor of art and design. “We want our students to approach problem-solving with a variety of tools at their disposal. The more skills you have, the easier it is to pivot in an ever-changing world.”