Graphic designers create visual communications such as adverts, branding, publicity materials and magazine layouts.
Responsility:
- liaising with clients to determine their requirements, timescale and budget.
- managing client proposals from typesetting through to graphic design, print and production.
- working with clients’ ideas and managing their expectations.
- developing concepts, graphics and layouts, including making decisions about fonts, images, readability and readers’ needs.
- determining size and arrangement of copy and illustrative material, as well as font style and size.
- preparing rough drafts of material based on an agreed brief.
- keeping clients up to date, listening to and acting on feedback, and explaining the rationale behind graphic design decisions.
- reviewing final layouts and suggesting improvements if required.
- keeping up to date with design and software trends.
- liaising with external printers or production teams to ensure deadlines are met and material is printed or presented to the highest quality.
In-house graphic designers work mainly typical office hours but may need to work longer when deadlines are approaching. You can also work as a freelance graphic designer and set your own hours but again, these are likely to be longer when projects are due.
Key Skills:
- Excellent IT skills, especially with design and photo-editing software.
- Exceptional creativity and innovation.
- Excellent time management and organisational skills.
- Accuracy and attention to detail.
- An understanding of the latest trends and their role within a commercial environment.
- Professional approach to time, costs and deadlines.