What it takes to become a graphic designer

Graphic design is the art of visual communication that combines text, images and illustrations, colors and shapes.

The graphic designer uses these elements to create posters, brochures, websites, magazines, books, billboards, logos, and other types of media.

Graphic design is present everywhere. From street billboards and buses to magazines and newspapers; from product packages to websites.

Some of the most common forms of graphic design are:

advertisements
logos
websites
business letters
posters
product packages
Magazine and newspaper layouts
Book covers
brochures
billboards
Credit cards
banners
nozzle sides
postcards
frills
newsletters and bulletins

Many different softwares are used for graphic design. Some of the most popular are:

xara
Image position
Magix Extreme
CorelDraw
Photoshop
printing workshop
ACD Canvas Print
paintwork
notary
InDesign
illustrator
QuarkXpress
iStudio Editor
corel ventura
Adobe Page Builder
Adobe Frame Maker
PhotoPaint skill
adobe fireworks
ArtWeaver
fancy painting
Canvas Deneba
GIMP
iPhoto

A graphic designer needs to have many skills to be successful. Some of them are:

* Ability to use Photoshop and understand the basics of photo manipulation.
* Ability to work with vector-based graphics, which is essential for logo design and other types of artwork. The most used program for this purpose is Adobe Illustrator.
* The ability to use page layout software. This type of software is used to create print jobs, including covers for books, magazines, newspapers, and brochures. The most common programs used for this purpose are InDesign and Quark Express.
* The ability to use flash
* Generation of ideas. A good graphic designer has the ability to come up with new and great ideas all the time.
* Basic business skills. Every graphic designer should have some general knowledge about marketing, sales, and accounting. These skills are really important for freelancers and freelance graphic designers.