5 Job Duties of a Graphic Designer
Graphic Designer Duties
If you’re thinking of entering the world of graphic design, you’re probably wondering what the job duties of a graphic designer are. Graphic designers can work in a variety of settings and experience some really unique assignments. If you want to become a graphic designer, read the information below to help you understand the job description better.
Brief/Initial Meetings
Graphic designers typically meet with clients, or their bosses meet with clients, to discuss the client’s requirements. Graphic designers must understand what their clients want regarding communication, the time frame for the project, and the budget. In larger firms graphic designers may not meet with clients personally, but may instead take project orders and requirements from an account manager that is responsible for a graphic design team.
Concept/Ideas
After receiving all available information from the brief, designers begin to prepare their initial ideas to show to the client. These initial plans usually include a plan on their approach, written proposals and forms of visuals to present to the client. Designers must “put their best foot forward” and pitch their best ideas to the client. The initial estimation of cost is usually provided to the client during this time as well. Graphic designers must also create a schedule for the project that coincides with the client’s needs.
Design Development
When the client approves all ideas and concepts within the first few meetings, and a budget and schedule has been agreed on, the most important graphic designer job begins. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, this is when graphic designers “combine art and technology to communicate ideas through images and the layout of websites and printed pages. They may use a variety of design elements to achieve artistic and decorative effects.” Design development simply means that designers are doing the work the client has hired them to do.
Progress Meetings & Project Management
Before the project is completed, graphic designers will attend progress meetings and take steps to manage the project. Progress meetings are used to discuss the work being done on the project, ensuring the clients happy with the progress, and obtaining the client’s approval before moving on to the next stages. These meetings must coordinate the work of the graphic designers to ensure they are meeting the requirements of the project. Budget and costs are also discussed at these types of meetings; needs for increase, overspending, etc.
Production
At the end of the project, if the client is satisfied with the final product, a graphic designer’s job is complete. After the client has approved the project, graphic designers send off their work to be printed, put online, or created. As part of graphic designer duties, they must ensure they proof all work related to the project before sending the final product over to the client. Graphic designers must not only create the initial product, but also ensure that the final product is properly created to the desired requirements.
Conclusion
The world of graphic design is challenging and multi-faceted, but also unique and rewarding. You can use your imaginative mind to create amazing things for a variety of clients, in all sorts of industries. These job duties of a graphic designer will help you understand what graphic design means and what you’ll be doing on a daily basis.
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