Graphic Edge

Trying to make it in the art world is extremely difficult. There are so many people who try and so few people who do it successfully. Poor artists are even more common than poor jazz musicians. Basically, getting discovered is almost impossible. Until you find a rich art patron who really likes your work, you won't have any luck.

That is why so many artists get into graphic design work. Graphic designers are the success stories of the art world in my opinion. With graphic design jobs, you get to do it all. Not only do you get to design logos, work on marketing and branding strategy, and do other business stuff like that, but you also get to do beautiful, expressive layout. Working as a graphic designer really allows you to make a reputation for yourself, and that reputation can be the beginning of a great career.

A lot of graphic designers start out in graphic design school, but just as many of them start out in a college art school program or in computer programming. Freelance graphic design, a matter of fact, is becoming one of the most popular fields in high tech right now. A lot of web designers don't work for any major company. Instead, they have an eclectic mix of different skills that allows them to formulate a unique business plan that is all their own. These graphic designers will know a good bit of web programming, quite a bit of art, be skilled at website optimization, and know how to do marketing and branding as well. Clients both small and large will pick these guys up rather than work with the major graphic design firms a lot of the time.


Of course, the majority of graphic designers still work at the old-fashioned firms. These are great places to make your career. The great thing about being a graphic designer is that a lot of the people who are your clients are also major players in the art world. After all, people who really appreciate good logo design also appreciate art quite frequently. Working for world-class businesses, you can really get an in to the art world if you play your cards right. It is all a matter of taking advantage of the opportunities as they come. Networking in art, as in any other field, is 80% of success. The other 20% -- the talent – is crucial, but it is not the most important thing when you are beginning.

There are quite a few skills needed to become a graphic designer. As such, it really makes sense to go to graphic design school. Don't get me wrong; there are plenty people in the field – particularly freelancers – with little or no formal graphic designing training. These are generally skilled, creative, idiosyncratic people have taught themselves everything they needed to. They learned HTML, various design programs, freehand sketching, layout, and all of the other skills that the industry requires on their own. Nonetheless, these folks are generally paid less than they deserved. The more formal training you have, the more money you can ask for, and the less difficulty you will have getting the job you want.

Another great thing about learning graphic design at school is that you will make connections. Anyone in the industry will tell you – it is all about connections. This is not purely a matter of nepotism. People like to work with graphic designers that they know and trust. In school, you will inevitably get to know some people who will later be excellent connections for getting you going in the profession. They will be as important in your quest to become a graphic designer as schooling.

Although it is a rewarding career for many, some people become graphic designers for the wrong reason. You have to make absolutely sure that it is what you really want to do. It isn't just about following instructions, you see. You really need to have talent and passion for design. If you aren't a very visual person, you probably shouldn't become a graphic designer. If you don't like taking art assignments from other people, you also should think of a different career. There are a lot of temperamental artists who think that they can make a living in graphic design, but they are wrong. You have to be willing to compromise and not always stick to your vision. After all, the most important thing is what the client wants.

There are many different training programs available to people who want to become a graphic designer. Traditional art schools are a great option for many people. Most of these have a school of design as well as a fine arts degree. You can take classes in fine arts as electives, something that many people find fun. Of course, if you are eager to just get into the business, you should go to a school of design that doesn't focus so much on the fine arts aspect. It will get you the training you need more quickly, and then you'll be on your way to making a great living.

There is no simple answer to how to pick the best web design company. There are many different web designers, and all of them have their strengths and weaknesses. Some people go for the national web design companies. This can make a lot of sense because these people have the most resources, and often the most experience. They can get you high page ranking, national exposure, and a sleek, well put together page. For some projects, however, it makes a lot more sense to use a local web design company. Almost any major metropolitan area will have a few Web design firms, and it is much easier to work with people who live close to you.

Using a local Web design company is especially advantageous if you have a business that caters primarily to local clients. They will understand the local culture better than a national firm will, and will be able to give you just what you need to get the Web traffic you are looking for. They might even have local contacts that will serve you in drawing in customers from the demographic groups that you are targeting.

The most important thing is to look at a portfolio of any Web designers you are communicating with. Sometimes, a very reputable web designer will just not be into the kind of thing you are looking for. They might have a completely different sense of style than your own, or specialize in another kind of business. Remember, the Internet contains plenty of great Web design company businesses, so you don't need to settle for the first one you find that looks legitimate. You can always afford to shop around.

Of course, if you are looking for something simple and straightforward, you might want to try your hand at doing Web site design yourself. The website design software nowadays is really amazing. It is easier to use than ever before, and extremely powerful. If you are working on an extremely elaborate web page, or something heavy on animation, it always makes sense to get a professional to do it. Nonetheless, for something functional and elegant, you might be able to work it out yourself. A lot of HTML design programs have a free trial period, so you can try them risk-free and see how you like them. If you enjoy what you're doing, you can always purchase it and make your own website.