What is a Graphic Designer?
What does a graphic designer do? I’m guessing it’s more than you think. In short, graphic designers are visual storytellers. We combine creativity with technology to communicate ideas, brands, and sometimes emotions, in an aesthetically pleasing way. The visual messaging that we create is a form of communication.
From calligraphers to video game creators, graphic designers have a wide variety of ways to use their skills. Also known as “graphic artists”, designers can define their style using form, function, shapes, and typography in digital or print media. Most graphic designers use software programs to create and develop their projects. A lot of designers still rely on good ole pencil and paper to sketch ideas, then transfer them into digital form. Technology is ever-changing which keeps us designers on our toes, but pencil and paper are always reliable.
From large design firms to smaller independent studios (like me!), graphic designers at their very core are collaborators. We get to partner with a variety of talented individuals such as copywriters, coders, font creators, illustrators, photographers, printers, manufacturers, publishers, ad agencies, and my favorite… clients.
The creativity of the job is a huge bonus, but what I really love is the flexibility and variety of opportunities that being a graphic designer can offer. Coming alongside my clients to help them visually communicate their ideas is not something I take lightly, I believe it’s a privilege to be part of building something new. My favorite moments of working with clients are when that lightbulb pops on and they can see their dreams coming to life, what a joy!
On a daily basis, each graphic designer develops their own rhythms to create. My client process has been developed and shaped over many years based upon feedback, learning new tools, and the desire to provide an efficient and enjoyable partnership with my clients.
I can’t cover everything that a graphic designer does in one little post, but hopefully, this has given you a broader picture of what we do. If you have any questions that I didn’t mention in this article, please don’t hesitate to ask, I’m just a click away.
