There are many topics about the figure of the Graphic Designer. One of them is that they are all the same and seem almost the same person. This is so, but not so. The truth is that depending on the specialization of the designer, their characteristics can change. Yes, how you hear it. You can learn to differentiate illustrators from web designers if you stop and analyze them a bit. Like any other specimen, they have their quirks, their most characteristic features.
Next I propose the graphic designer profiles with some of its characteristics and I have taken the opportunity to describe its functions and the outputs of each field. Needless to say, the article is based on my personal perception (also playing a little with the topics, everything has to be said) and with all the love in the world. Do you know which tribe you belong to? ;)
Editorial Designer: Schematic, organized, sensitive and prudent.
The editorial designer is a variant of the conventional graphic designer who tends to be lonely, novice, and easily stressful. If you want to belong to this tribe, you must take something into account: InDesign is the keyword, you must be an ax with this application and master what the layout has been. It is usually one of the first options of every living graphic designer basically because it does not require excessive knowledge (do not get me wrong, the layout designers, but in technical terms we cannot compare editorial design to 3D design, for example). This branch is not going to require you to be an excellent illustrator, not even an Adobe Photoshop genius. We are in the purest and simplest graphic design and the important thing here will be your ability to organize and filter. They will ask you to be able to organize a huge group of items under one system. In you they will look for readability, sophistication and a certain sensitivity to adapt to the editorial project in question. If you decide to walk in this direction, you will find at the end of your path a range of possibilities that range from classic editorial work, magazines, printing companies or also a freelance modality.
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Web designer: Easily suggestive, addicted to coffee, geek, always tries to be at the forefront.
This profile is on the rise and is the most abundant example in the jungle of designers. He is fashionable and he knows it, he prides himself on being one of the most demanded profiles in the labor market. When has a graphic designer been so required globally by all companies? Maybe it never had been, but now is your time, you know.
Due to the exodus that is taking place towards mobile devices and the Internet, demand has increased considerably. To belong to this sector, it would be very important to use Photoshop, Illustrator, Flash, web programming and accessibility. HTML and CSS will be immediately necessary and also knowledge of all web standards. But where do these kinds of specimens go? Generally in advertising agencies, or as freelancers (freelance) they work for any company that is trying to emigrate or establish itself in the network.
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Photographer: Sociable, technical, bohemian, tireless philosopher and with great persuasive skills.
Along with its brother, the web, it also abounds within the species. Probably the vast majority fall within this group, in a way, all of us who are part of this, we have a certain degree of passion for the world of photography. Each and every one of the races that make up the species tend to keep photography more or less present, almost as if it were a kind of ritual, but it is also true that the vast majority of them do not dedicate themselves fully to this field. Possessing studies in graphic design and a degree gives us all the necessary tools to be a photographer. This includes color theory, compositional rules, lighting theory ... Logically, you should expand your knowledge if you intend to dedicate yourself to photography in a professional and rigorous way. You should increase the practical component and become familiar with all the professional equipment. Outputs? Start a business related to the field, set up your own photographic studio, teaching, work for communication companies such as agencies, press or audiovisuals.
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Illustrator: Extreme perfectionist, can be very cruel as a critic. Conscientious. If he is working, try not to get too close to him.
Have you ever tried to have a conversation with an illustrator friend while he is drawing? Surely if you have done it you have not come out very well. These types of designers usually require calm, precision and a relaxed atmosphere. If you manage to distract him at some point in his work and as a result he makes a mistake, try to get out of his study quickly, I tell you from experience.
Many people think that being a graphic designer is synonymous with being a great draftsman, but the truth is that not many designers develop a unique and attractive style that allows them to become illustrators. If you are planning to have a job in this area, try to feed your imaginative capacity daily and of course your range of myths and inspiring works. At the end of the whole process, if you manage to create a unique stamp and style, you will be able to be independent and sell your creations to agencies or publishers, image banks and more; otherwise, you can always work for large companies where creativity is part of the daily menu.
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