Can I Sell Graphic Design Work Online?

If you have a love of art and enjoy being creative, you may have a future as a graphic designer. These artistic professionals create and develop visual images across all types of media. Their imagery can appear in print publications like newspapers and magazines or in digital media such as websites and television. The graphic design world merges traditional art forms of sketching, drawing and painting with technology. It’s a very exciting field in which to work, and there are many opportunities to become employed with a company or to freelance on your own, even selling your graphic design work online. Read on to learn more.

About Graphic Designers

Graphic designers use their art to communicate messages to a particular audience in various ways, including through company branding, advertising, brochures and other marketing materials. They may work for a design firm, advertising agency, communications company or public relations business. Some do work solo as freelancers, either part-time or full-time. While it’s clear that graphic designers must have artistic and creative skills, they also need to become proficient in other areas in order to keep their clients satisfied.

Graphic Design Skills

Graphic designers must have knowledge of design fundamentals in order to understand the basis of visual aesthetics. Color theory is also a strong part of graphic design, as color sets the mood and conveys so many other aspects of a message. As a graphic designer, you will need to become familiar with computer software packages like Illustrator, Photoshop and InDesign in order to produce cutting edge design work. In addition, you’ll become familiar with typography and the ways in which to utilize it most effectively. Web design understanding is essential to graphic design in order to create work that fits well within an online environment. Finally, as a freelance graphic artist, you would want to learn business skills such as proposal writing, negotiation, marketing and client networking.

Becoming a Graphic Designer

There are a number of paths you can take to break into a career as a graphic artist. Some are self-taught and are able to demonstrate their skills through an impressive portfolio, volunteer experience or networking. However, it is increasingly expected by employers that graphic designers have some formal education. There are two-year Associate level degrees or specific trade school programs that will provide you with the knowledge needed to work in the profession. Often times it is necessary to have a four-year Bachelor’s degree in order to be a contender in a competitive job market. It is even possible to go on to earn a Master’s level degree in order to pursue a job in teaching or to learn higher-level skills.

Regardless of the type of education you pursue, the field of graphic design is one with a great deal of possibility for anyone with talent and ingenuity. Whether you decide to work for a traditional employer or to strike out on your own as a freelancer, you can always endeavor to promote yourself and to sell your graphic design work online.

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