Graphic design is the art of designing digitally rendered artwork, by programs such as PhotoImpact, Adobe or even MS Paint. Adobe is widely used and it’s my program of choice, I’ve been using Adobe Photoshop CS for four years. It has some great tools to really let you unleash your creativity. It doesn’t do all the work for you. There are some tech terms you have to get familiar with and understand well before you can get to work.
But there is another side to graphic design that is often ignored… Artistic ability! Just because graphic design is a computer related endeavor, it certainly does not mean that graphic design doesn’t require actual artistic ability. You’re creating a work of art with a mouse (Or Wacom tablet) and a keyboard. I’ve seen many a time where a kid thinks he knows a thing or two about Adobe babble and then he has no clue as to what looks good. You’ve got to have the know how and the eye if you’re going to make it in graphic design. That last word is essential. “Design”!
Here’s a tip: Sometimes the design is in the details. Create or find some of your own decorative layers to liven up an image and give it a modern feel. Here’s a yearbook cover design I finished recently for an example.
This image has no decorative layer underneath what is already a nice design. Sometimes, your eye is drawn to the blank white areas. This is a bit of a no-no, as your eyes get bored. As I was designing, I wondered how it may look with a subtle decoration.
Notice the difference between this image and the first. The writing underneath adds just a little bit of what this design needed… More richness of color and something for your eyes to scan over when it gets bored in the white areas. It also gave a little bit more of a modern feel.
So remember, all you graphic designers out there, think like an artist! You’re not just a designer, you’re a da Vinci! You’re a Van Gogh! Don’t be afraid to think outside the box and let your creativity flow.
