I’m often asked what I actually do as a graphic designer…
As a graphic designer, I have the opportunity to be an artist, a computer geek and an entrepreneur – all at once!
The AIGA, The Professional Association for Design, defines graphic design this way:
Graphic design, also known as communication design, is the art and practice of planning and projecting ideas and experiences with visual and textual content. The form of the communication can be physical or virtual, and may include images, words, or graphic forms. The experience can take place in an instant or over a long period of time. The work can happen at any scale, from the design of a single postage stamp to a national postal signage system, or from a company’s digital avatar to the sprawling and interlinked digital and physical content of an international newspaper. It can also be for any purpose, whether commercial, educational, cultural, or political.…Read more on their site
I spend most of my week working in software programs within the Adobe Creative Cloud, specifically InDesign, Photoshop, and Illustrator. But also use paper and pencils, pens, scanners and photography. I love the use of traditional and digital creative tools in conjunction to create unique designs.
I create visual branding (logos, business cards, brochures, you can check out my portfolio here.) for small businesses and entrepreneurs which helps them to reach their target audience with the ultimate result being to produce sales. I love how Fiona Humberstone defines what she calls “Brand Styling” in her book How to Style Your Brand:
“Brand Styling is about bringing out the personality in your business with flair and intention…it’s about emphasizing your best assets and creating a cohesive and compelling look. It’s about telling a story, evoking the senses and captivating your clients. It’s about aligning your identity with your business aspirations and helping you get to where you want to be, faster.”
To accomplish successful visual branding, I have to listen to the client and ensure I design appropriately for their audience. The better I understand my clients and their audience the more successful I am at designing for them. My work is not about just designing things I like; that’s where the line is drawn between a fine artist and a graphic designer. A fine artist can listen to their soul and create for the sake of beauty. As a designer, I have to create with the purpose of selling, and that’s where the entrepreneurship influences the art.
In short, my job involves creating and supplying an image and elements that surround it, and then continuing to service the client as their printed and digital material is created over the years.
Most importantly, I find that forming a good relationship with the client from the beginning is the key to successes in future projects.
This is a general list of the services I offer:
- Visual Branding, Print & Design, Book Design
- Friendly, helpful customer service at all times.
- Qualified advice on marketing your product and/or service.
- Exceptional handling of your files for future use whenever you need them without extra service charges.
- Instructions to help you use your deliverables (logo files, color schemes, fonts, etc.) correctly.
Are you considering becoming a graphic designer? It’s an exciting field that continues to offer challenges and rewards. I would encourage you to check out Lynda.com for their design training videos, it’ll help you decide if that is the path you wish to take for your future career.
If you’re interested in hiring a designer for your business needs, we’d love to chat with you, use this form or schedule an appointment on our calendar and we’ll get back to you within 24 hours!
