Graphic design is all around us. It’s found in your favorite artist’s album covers, the NFTs people buy, and the billboards you pass on the way to work every day. Perhaps this is even what sparked your initial interest in pursuing a degree in this field.
However, you probably still have some burning questions on your mind – one of them being if you need a degree at all. After all, committing to a degree takes time and money. A university requires 4 years, most of it being theory and electives. This means you won’t only be creating, but you’ll be taking exams, writing papers, and doing assignments.
This can be a lot to handle for a student. After all, the university isn’t all about studying. Fortunately, the expert writers at essayhub.com are ready to help 24/7. They take care of your papers when you feel overwhelmed and need time to refresh.
Commonly Asked Questions
What Career Paths Can I Take?
There’s a variety of career paths you can take when you have a degree in graphic design. Besides the obvious (becoming a graphic designer), you can choose to become a creative director, production artist, product developer, or art director. Surprisingly, these are only some of the paths you can choose to take.
How Much Do Graphic Designers Make?
According to Indeed, graphic designers in the US earn an average of $18.85 per hour. However, beginners with less than 1 year of experience earn about $17.07 and those who’ve worked for more than 10 years earn $24.26 per hour. This pans out to about $46,000 – $65,000 per year.
Full-time positions come with benefits like health and dental insurance, paid leave, and a 401(k). Freelancers have to cater for their own insurance and open a personal retirement account, but they often earn a higher salary. This begs the question, “Can I freelance?”
Can I Freelance?
Absolutely! Besides being able to set their own rates, freelancers have the opportunity to work flexibly from home. They can also pick which projects they’re most interested in.
A few websites to start your freelance journey are Upwork, Freelancer.com, and Aquent. But since these sites take a commission and are saturated with other freelancers, it’s advisable to find your own clients to work one-on-one with.
What Do I Need to Become a Graphic Designer?
You don’t need much to start learning the trade. Start with the basics: a laptop or desk monitor with enough memory for your software. As long as you’re passionate and willing to learn, you can make it.
A degree isn’t necessary unless you want to work in a big company. Most employers are more interested in what you can do, which is why you should focus on curating a stellar portfolio.
This isn’t to say that a degree in graphic design is worthless. But if you’re currently in school or seriously considering joining, keep in mind that your program will require you to submit research papers for different classes. However, you can check reviews from NoCramming and free up your time by delegating your assignments to an expert. Additionally, getting a formal education teaches you the fundamentals of design, challenges you to think outside the box, and helps you network.
What Software Should I Master?
Source: https://unsplash.com/photos/v9vII5gV8Lw
Most entry-level work won’t require Adobe Illustrator or Photoshop. You won’t be drawing or editing pictures. It’s mostly going to be typesetting, resizing ads, or creating posters. Although you should know a little bit of everything, pay special attention to InDesign and Quark. These two are very similar, but InDesign is used more in professional settings.
Other software to consider is:
- Vectr
- Gimp
- Inkscape
- CorelDraw
- SVG Edit
- Visualize
- Adobe Creative Suite
The Adobe Creative Suite provides many of the programs you’ll be using in the industry. It can be pricey, but Adobe offers students a 60% discount.
Should I Work for Free to Gain Some Experience?
No. Employers will likely take advantage of free labor. There are other ways you can get feedback on your work, like posting your portfolio on Behance and similar forums.
Do I Have to Be a Good Artist to Be a Graphic Designer?
Being a good artist isn’t necessary. You can apply your skills in sectors that need minimal illustrating – like in marketing and advertising, UX, product packaging, and so on. It would help to have an artistic eye, however. Knowing how to layout text on a page and how to use white space are part of what makes a good designer.
Conclusion
Deciding what to do with your future is a big step in life. Before choosing a degree or career, it’s smart to ask questions. Figure out if this is something that can remain as a hobby or if it’s worth turning into a career.
