Graphic Design Jobs
Successful graphic designers are flexible in the work they take on. Graphic designers create brochures, annual reports, publications, packaging, ads and many other pieces of print communication. Whenever you see print materials attempting to sell a product or promote a view, you are viewing a graphic designer's work.
The work of graphic designers is increasingly evident on many Web sites and multimedia projects today. Therefore, a freelance graphic design job can come from any number of sources. That's good news for your career!
What to Look Out for When Hiring a Graphic Designer
Look online to see if your potential graphic designer has his or her own website. These days it's a standard to have one's portfolio online and/or to have designed the very site on which the portfolio is posted! If a graphic designer tells you that he or she can write your copy be wary. Very few freelancers excel in more than one field. While one aspect of your job will be done well, the other may be mediocre. Very often a good freelancer will team up with another good freelancer in a complimentary field to bring you the best possible work for your specific needs.
The Craft of an Established Graphic Designer
A well-established and experienced freelance graphic artist should be able to initiate creative concepts on his or her own. Besides being technically proficient, he or she needs to translate clients' needs into a successful design format. A freelance graphic artist should be aware of and understand different trends and ˇ°looksˇ± in design and be able to alter them for different contexts. Showing talent at art-directing photographers, retouchers, and illustrators is also key.
Beginning a Career in Freelance Graphic Design
A newcomer to the career of freelance graphic design should have a decent eye for layout, spacing and type. Even if your experience dealing with color is limited, you should have some spot color background such as working with charts and graphs. An entry-level graphic designer often uses graphics and artwork provided by others. So you should be able to set up files for laser printing or screen display. Working knowledge of the computer programs QuarkXPress or PageMaker are essential. It is also hopeful to know Illustrator and FreeHand as well.
How to Be a Great Graphic Designer
A great freelance graphic designer is also a skilled multi-tasker. The job requires excellent organizational skills because one is juggling several assignments at once. It also requires flexibility and the ability to develop fresh concepts with a client's copy, illustrations and photos. Remember that redundancy is death to a graphic designer! There is a fine line between developing a signature style and repeating the same look over and over again.
Computer Knowledge of Graphic Designers
If you are hiring a freelance graphic designer, it's a good idea to check his or her resume to see what design programs he or she knows. Knowledge of QuarkXPress and Pagemaker are basics, much like Microsoft Word is to writers. As the levels of experience increase, your potential designer should also be able to use Illustrator, FreeHand, Photoshop, and DeBabelizer. But, beyond just knowledge of these programs, a very experienced designer will be able to system troubleshoot in the event of program or project glitches.
Banner Ads: An Easy Way to Promote Your Business
Hiring a freelance graphic designer to develop a few simple banner ads may be the simplest (and sometimes most cost-effective) way to promote your business online. Banner ads are the blocks of advertising copy and graphics you encounter on certain websites throughout the Internet. Unlike pop-up ads, banner ads can be effective without being intrusive. A graphic designer will have the skills to develop an eye-catching ad for your company using graphics and text treatment that will adequately promote your business. Because the jobs are smaller, many freelancers will be able to provide the service at a lesser cost than large design jobs.