23/08/2009 by TGNs.

As in any profession you need somewhere to work. Pick somewhere quiet to setup preferably either loft or basement. Any room will do so long as there is sufficient light and power points. A one desk setup is the minimum a Graphic Designer could use comfortably especially if you’re just starting out. Also make sure you have a comfortable chair, standard or executive providing lumbar support for your back. OK, choose your weapon! Mac or PC? This is a matter of choice, both types of machine can provide excellent results using cross-platform software. The operating systems also share some compatibility between each other which is a big benefit for all Designers. A reasonable size monitor 18” and above can be used with your setup, including a comfortable keyboard and mouse. Some Designers also have a Graphic Tablet which although once thought to be an expensive market, the price for entry level graphic tablets has come down considerably. You will need at least an A3 size space on your desk for books and materials. Keep your work area tidy! This will help you stay organised and efficient a necessary standard for any Graphic Designer. I have a lot of reference material (Morgue files) and books close to hand along with paper, pens, pencils, etc. Choose your design program and learn it. Stick with it and try not to change to another program unless you find it impossible to use.

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20/08/2009 by TGNs.

First things first! You will need to work hard! Anyone can be a Graphic Designer all you need is the desire to become one. If you are just starting out, i.e. young, you can attend university and complete a degree in Graphic Design. By the time you have completed this course you would have a strong portfolio and the knowledge base to work with. This would be the best start for anyone planning a career in this field. If you don’t have the time and wish to do this by yourself start from the beginning and get the tools you need to do the job. If you’re not sure about what to get then keep checking back here where I will be covering ‘Work environment for a Graphic Designer’ a bit later in the week. I have always read books relating to what I’m learning, find books on how to draw things like the human body, wildlife and nature the ocean and its wonders. These will help a great deal as they give you an insight into how talented artists achieve realistic results and the techniques they use. Don’t forget you don’t need to be a Vincent Van Gogh with pencil and paper to be a good Graphic Designer, let the computer do all the work for you!

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18/08/2009 by TGNs.

A Graphic Designer is a trained professional who can visualise an idea and reproduce it visually. Almost like a psychologist tapping into the mind of a person in order to see what they see! It is one of the most difficult things to do as most people do not know what they are visualising until they see an actual picture. It’s not the client being difficult that’s just how it is, humans. A Graphic Designer would more likely have an art driven background and a resume containing art based qualifications. They should be a patient person with a compassionate temperament in order to maintain good client relations. A good Graphic Designer doesn’t need to be able to draw they only need to have a good eye for detail and an aptitude for precision. They should have good colour coordination and have a huge passion for art in all forms. With all this in mind all these traits should be reflected in the work they produce. The final product should also be sensitive towards the requirements of the client and not themselves.

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