What is graphic design?

Graphic design is the art of visualizing ideas. We see it all around us, on street signs and billboards, on books and magazines, on soda cans and bubblegum wrappers, on menus and taxi receipts, on passports and annual reports, on web sites and movie titles.

The effect that designers have on marketing is becomingly increasingly recognized. The slogan "good design sells" is now a reality. Graphic design holds a place of increasing importance in today's world because of its impact on business and the economy.

Graphic designers combine letters and numbers, colour and layout, charts and graphs, photographs and illustrations in meaningful ways. Sometimes they use graphic design to get your attention. Sometimes, they use it to help you get where you want to go. Sometimes, they use it to help explain complicated ideas.

Computers and software programs are integral to the work designers do, but learning these tools does not make you a designer. It is much more important to understand the design process and the principles of effective design.

Do I want to be a graphic designer?

The three most common traits graphic designers share are interest in the visual world, curiosity about communication in all its forms and creativity. Do you look at the colour and texture of packaging? Do you question whether the layout of an ad might have been done better? Do you approach a problem from all sides, searching for a solution with a twist; one that goes beyond the ordinary? Since graphic design is so much about the visual representation of words, it's just as important that a graphic designer enjoy reading as drawing or working on a computer. All of these skills are important ones for the successful graphic designer.

Graphic design offers a lot of flexibility as a career. Many graphic designers work out of their own homes, start their own companies or work in large advertising agencies, non-profit organizations and corporations. Some designers specialize in a specific area of design, such as book design or packaging, while others do a variety of design work from print to multimedia.

Whether you work in a large company or on your own, there are other skills that are keys to success. Graphic designers should communicate effectively, both in person and in writing since they often present their work to clients and colleagues. Graphic designers who work on their own or start companies must also learn entrepreneurial skills to run their own businesses effectively.

What now?

Students who are interested in becoming graphic designers should plan to attend a three- or four- year graphic design program at a community college or university. Click here for a list of the programs recognized by RGD Ontario. We encourage you to get in touch with the coordinators at these programs to understand which program would serve you best.