Many employing graphic design skills work in a communications and marketing role. Technically, graphic design is visual communication. The American Institute of Graphic Arts today defines the field for current and aspiring graphic designers.
The field formally incorporates creative and function understanding of seven elements into its own form of communication: space, texture, color, line, size, form, and shape.
While many in graphic design do complete a college degree, it is not required. You will, however, need to demonstrate your graphic design skills beyond what is listed in your resume.
What Kind of Skills Do You Need to Work in Graphic Design?
Communication
Graphic designers communicate ideas through text and image. Therefore, communication skills are critical to the job. However, communication is important in graphic design in other ways too.
Graphic designers have to articulate ideas to companies, clients, employers, etc. It requires strong public speaking skills for presentations and writing skills for proposals. Designers also have to be able to communicate with clients and employers by phone, email, and sometimes through Skype. Graphic designers must listen to their clients’ needs and convey persuasive solutions.
- Confidence
- Consultation
- Customer Service
- Establishing Rapport
- Interpreting Artwork for the General Public
- Understanding Clients’ Artistic Preferences
- Interpersonal
- Active Listening
- Receiving Constructive Criticism about Artwork
- Sales
- Verbal Communication
- Collaboration
- Written Communication
Creativity
Graphic designers need to be creative thinkers. They have to creatively convey ideas through text and image. They have to generate solutions for their clients through creative means; for example, they might have to promote a company’s mission through a website or design an image that helps sell a product. All of this involves creativity, as well as creative problem-solving skills.
