The Tribune

Many have wondered how graphic artists are able to transform a sentence into an art form that communicates the intended message. Others have questioned how they can function with so little sleep. Are all designers coffee drinkers? Do they even have social lives? Are they born talented? Where does their creativity come from? Who are these analytical people?

I have always found graphic designers to be very insightful character, albeit sometimes peculiar with strange, bizarre behaviours that often leave minds wondering and heads scratching. Their sharpness is not in doubt. I will avoid further upsetting my counterparts by focusing on the safer questions, so let’s get the ball rolling:

❶ What is it like being a graphic designer?

We are visual communicators and, in people’s minds, we often get lumped together with fine artists even when really we are almost opposites. Artists create to inspire, to promote, to share something that is uniquely theirs with the world, and the best art lets each viewer find their own interpretation.

Designers, on the other hand, create to communicate. We are visual-thinking problem solvers, and if people are interpreting our message in their own ways, we are not very good at our job.

Working as a graphic designer is not as glorified as many would think. It can be a stressful, cutting edge career where one has to wear many different hats and face daily challenges. The industry, technically and creatively, evolves faster than almost any other.

Graphic designers have to constantly stay on top of trends, learn new software, remain creative and create intriguing concepts and designs that will capture the minds and emotions of customers. A huge part of the graphic designer’s job is being intuitive and attentive to the client’s needs, and being able to interpret what they are saying versus what they are really saying (or meaning).

It takes more than artistic ability to be a good designer; it takes excellent communication skills to understand and manage the client’s expectations and criticisms. Developing client-related skills, and making the design process about them and their product (and keeping your ego out of your work), will keep you on the radar.

❷ Do graphic designers need to have the ability to draw?

Now that computer-based tools are available, the ability to draw is not as important as a good sense of design. You do not have to be an amazing artist to be a graphic designer, but you might have to make some basic sketches and drawings on paper.

Your sketches and drawings should be able to convey your natural ideas. If you feel uncomfortable with your drawing skills, find some tutorials on drawing and try not to get frustrated, as the more you practice, the more you become comfortable and gain more confidence.

❸ What is the difference between a graphic designer and an illustrator?

Graphic designers and illustrators both do design-type work. For instance, graphic designers will work on design elements and structures, providing a visual message/brand for a company in order to sell a product or service.

Illustrators, on the other hand, will typically design commercial work for companies such as comic book houses, publishing houses and advertising agencies. They create more drawings, designing of product packaging, working on book illustrations, creating company logos and graphic novels.

However, graphic design degrees require a concentration in product design, website design and publication design. Illustration students have some graphic design training, but most of their coursework includes art history, drawing and painting. The illustrator does not have the advanced knowledge of a graphic designer.

If you like to draw and illustrate concepts, illustration would be a good fit. If you prefer to code, make websites and do detail-type work, graphic design might suit you better.

➍ What is some good advice for graphic design students?

Sometimes you will become overly invested in a design you are working on, so much so that you become defensive if it is criticised. Do not get overly sensitive about criticism, and do keep your mind open to suggestions. Just because someone does not like your work does not mean you are a bad designer.

Invest in your portfolio and be selective in what goes into it. Focus on your best pieces, and make them impressive as you can make them. Employers will often ask you to explain what is in your portfolio, so make sure you can explain why you included each piece.

➎ Where can one find graphic design inspiration?

Sometimes it is hard to find the inspiration to create a unique work of art for a client. One of the techniques that often opens my creative mind is putting myself in my customer’s shoes. What would persuade me (as a customer) to buy the service or product? Why am I buying it (is it a need or a want)?

Ultimately, the one and only mission that a graphic designer has is to sell the client’s service or product (they act like visual salesmen). That’s it. So if you found an idea which compels you (yourself) to buy, then you are definitely on the right track.

➏ I can’t draw. Will that hurt my chances of succeeding as a graphic designer?

I do not think it hurts, but it certainly helps. Being able to draw helps frame an idea and keeps you from having to flesh out the entire design on the computer, only to discover it does not work as well as expected. Being able to visualise what you want and drawing it are similar, so you may realise that you can draw, but just lack the patience for it.

➐ Is it true that I have to know Quark?

Having knowledge of Quark is good. Knowing InDesign, however, is key. Your first job will not likely demand that you draw in Illustrator all day or retouch photos. Most likely, you are going to end up doing prepress or resizing ads or typesetting, all of which requires InDesign (for at least the foreseeable future).

Finally, it is important to love the entire design process - from beginning to end. Be sure to keep abreast of any changes in the industry, as it moves at a fast pace. Having said that, do not blindly follow trends and leave great ideas behind. Doing design for the sake of design is not the way to go. Until we meet again, fill your life with memories as opposed to regrets. Enjoy life and stay on top of your game.

• NB: The columnist welcomes feedback at deedee21bastian@gmail.com

ABOUT THE COLUMNIST: Deidre Marie Bastian has qualifications of M.Sc., B.Sc., A.Sc. She has trained at institutions such as: Miami Lakes Technical Centre, Success Training College, College of the Bahamas, Nova South Eastern University, Learning Tree International, Langevine International and Synergy Bahamas.