Going to School for Graphic Art
Many universities and colleges now have courses and degrees in graphic art. Several schools offer bachelor or associate degree programs in visual communications, animation, network technology, media arts and game design.
Through graphic art programs, students can pursue a career in video game design, animation, PC computer repair, and much more. And, the best part is, many of these jobs can be done on a freelance basis!
Does Your Graphic Artist Have Computer And Print Skills?
When hiring a freelance graphic artist, evaluate his or her computer skills along with print knowledge. Talent in digital production is important. The ability to translate an editor's notes into art is important as well.
Knowledge of software such as Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator and QuarkXPress are basics. However, the person you hire should be up on the printing process as well. Today, a number of graphic designers have not bothered to gather an understanding of it. This could reflect badly on your business.
Getting What You Need From Your Graphic Artist
When working with a graphic artist, whether a freelance production artist or a branding professional, be sure to clarify his or her duties. Remember, there can be a disconnection between a creative mind and a business mind!
Company managers should adequately relay the needs of the client or project. Project managers can then oversee the scheduling and distribution of materials for review. By setting up an organized structure early on and clarifying needs, your graphic artist is free to do what he or she does best ¡ª be creative.
Tricks of the Graphic Art Trade
A popular saying in the writing profession is, "Good writers borrow; great writers steal." A freelance graphic artist can surely benefit from this mantra as well. Now, to be clear, this does not condone plagiarism. Rather, it reminds us to study the work of others and incorporate it into your own style. Being an avid reader of other material sparks countless ideas of your own.
Graphic artists should keep a file of designs that have "worked" for them or influenced them in some way ¨C even if it is an example of how not to do a task. A personal library of influential images and art will help a good artist develop his skills.
Designing Logos
It's almost inevitable that all graphic arts jobs involve designing a logo at some point or another. Here's a tip: design in black and white!
To help stay focused on typeface as well as shape and size, design in black and white, not color. Later on, as the design is finalized, you can transfer your design to color. There is another reason to do this as well. Your logo needs to be legible and clear in black and white if it is ever photocopied or faxed.
Portfolios For Graphic Artists
In order to get work, you'll need to show work. It's that simple. Nowhere is this more important than in the world of graphic arts. Your designs are your calling cards. So how much work should you put inside a portfolio?
Graphic arts professionals sometimes opt to show the quantity of work they have done. This is a mistake. It's better to choose 10 strong designs than twice as many mediocre ones. Sadly, the prospective client may remember the average designs the most. If this happens, your chances of being hired diminish.
How to Stay in Business as a Freelance Graphic Artist
Keep the freelance graphic artist jobs rolling in by taking time to write a brief newsletter. Let your clients know what you have been working on!
Another suggestion is to post press releases. These can be particularly helpful when anything new has occurred in your career. Perhaps you've won an award or a site you worked on has just launched. Keep your clients in the loop. Remember that when you write about clients, they are thrilled to get good press from you.
Where to Find Graphic Artists
In order to find a graphic artist that suits your company's needs, use the keyword phrase "graphic artist" in a search engine. This will generate leads to freelancers or companies that offer these services.
Request graphic samples from prospective graphic artists to make sure they can produce the style of graphics that will meet your expectations. Graphic artists may bring a fresh perspective to your site that you hadn't considered before. On the other hand, they may need help with your corporate vision and require supervision to become proficient in your business concepts.