The Tribune

I NEED the design today? Really…

All careers have their benefits and drawbacks. Whatever profession you’re pursuing, it’s important to have an understanding of what you’re really getting into. When it comes to graphic design, there are lots of phenomenal advantages. After all, if you’re of the creative, strategic mindset, you’ll most likely find much of the design work you’re tasked with very fulfilling.

While graphic design has its advantages, you’ll soon discover that there are a few shortcomings to the industry therefore ensure that you familiarise yourself with all of the pitfalls attached.

Questions like, “Can you just throw a logo together quick for me?” or assumptions about how long it will take you to design something can be disheartening.

The unfortunate part of this truth is that, generally you’ll need to appease your client and that might mean designing a logo that doesn’t have the look or feel you would have naturally chosen.

Is graphic design stressful?

Graphic design is stressful for those who struggle with merging their passions with their work. Your art is directed by the visions of other people, constricted by deadlines, and subjected to constant criticism.

Graphic without boundaries.

You may also fall into the “Just one more quick revision” or “Can we see it this way?” Moreover, regarding deadlines, it is not necessarily a nine to five job. Graphic design is arranged around deadlines, time crunches, a great deal of pressure, “emergencies” and revision requests. In other words, get used to being interrupted during dinner by clients that want the text on their site changed to a dark blue green immediately.

Graphic design doesn’t allow for leisurely creativity, instead you have to force creativity to meet client expectations and time frames. Graphic design is all about precision and detail. A slightly off-balance element can ruin an entire design thus you have to pay “close attention” to details.

Love what you do

The passion can’t be faked. It’s something you must love if not it will certainly reflect in the work produced. I suggest that if any disadvantages cause you to second guess a career, then you should reconsider that career options.

Continuous learning is a must

Furthermore, this skill is increasingly challenged. Continuous learning is necessary as the meaning of many words and icons may not be known. A severe learning and remembering requirement are imposed on many users, and it takes a while to get up to speed.

Can I be a graphic designer if I can’t draw?

Yes. Graphic design, however is a standalone field and is dependent on specific design skills, not only art or drawing.

What major is graphic design under?

Graphic design major falls under: 3D graphics, animation, art, computer aided design, drawing, photography and web design etc.

Is a Master’s Degree in Graphic Design necessary?

A master’s degree is a valuable investment for students who want to hone or diverse their skills and study towards an advanced technology.

So now that you know a little more about the cons of this career path such as: (design is subjective, edits can become overwhelming without boundaries, sleepless nights, competitive, requires thick skin and patience, great communication, intelligence, intuition, and technical skill), hopefully this provides a more realistic view about the other parts of a graphic designer’s life that you may not be privy to.

So, is graphic design still a good career?

Certainly, it is still a great career but may not be suited for everyone as it requires a robust mental discipline. It’s a career path that attracts design criticisms even on a perfect day. Until we meet again, fill your life with memories rather than regrets. Enjoy life and stay on top of your game.

NB: Columnist welcomes feedback at deedee21bastian@gmail.com

ABOUT COLUMNIST: Deidre M. Bastian is a professionally-trained Graphic Designer/Brand Marketing Analyst, Author and Certified Life Coach with qualifications of B.Sc and M.Sc. She has trained at institutions such as: Miami Lakes Technical Centre, Success Training College, College of The Bahamas, Nova Southeastern University, Learning Tree International, Langevine International and Synergy Bahamas.