Graphic design is the art of visual communication. It uses both image and text in order to convey a particular message to an intended audience. This is generally on behalf of a client who is looking to promote a particular product or service to the public. Because of this, the practice of graphic design is often associated with the related fields of marketing and communication. A graphic designer s main responsibility, however, is to create and organise visual elements across an extensive range of different media (e. g. posters, magazines websites or mobile applications) while bearing in mind that his or her design marks the critical first phase of an end-user s product experience.
What`s involved in Graphic Design
While many graphic designers still use sketchbooks to record ideas and draw by hand during the preliminary stages of their design work, the activity is now largely a computer-based one, meaning that programs such as Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign, Flash and Dreamweaver have all become the industry standard. As a result of this combination of techniques, part-time graphic design courses not only give students a solid skills base in using such programs, but also offer instruction in some of the less technical though no less important areas of design. These include story-boarding practices and sketching design concepts, along with teamwork and presentation skills. Training in graphic design generally involves students in a series of minor projects, the purpose of which are to allow course participants to become comfortable using programs with which they may have been previously unfamiliar, while also giving them a chance to develop their confidence and gain some practical experience. Most part-time Digital Design and Desktop Publishing courses are specifically aimed at helping small businesses and individuals to learn how to produce their own marketing material for their business at a professional level. The more introductory-level courses in graphic design will cover the basics how to use Photoshop, add effects, filters and layers while diploma-level courses (FETAC approved) will examine elements such as composition, typography and font use, colour themes, and brand design in much greater depth. It should be noted that some course providers deliver their training through Apple iMac computers. The duration of courses varies greatly; they can last anywhere from six weeks to several years. Shorter courses tend to be aimed at small and start-up businesses interested in improving their marketing and branding strategies. Longer courses, which are generally FETAC approved, are aimed at people with an interest in taking up graphic design as a profession. These courses are much more in-depth and offer students training in a wide variety of design areas, such as interactive design, animation, and information graphics. A key element of these courses is that they give students the chance to build a strong portfolio of work for entry into either further education or employment.
Why do it
Part-time graphic design courses allow students to develop their level of expertise and confidence in the many components of visual communication. Depending on the depth and duration of the course, students may also receive training in elements of interactive design and animation. As courses are often project based, students will also have the chance to put together a strong portfolio of work for entry into either further education or employment. What comes next While students with training in graphic design may work solely as visual designers, they often find work in related fields such as in marketing, art direction or website design. In order embark on a career as a reputable designer, however, the level of training and practice required is noticeably high.
At a glance
Skilled graphic designers use typography and image manipulation in a creative way in order to convey information from clients to their consumers. Students will learn how to use Adobe products, such as Illustrator, InDesign, Acrobat and Photoshop. Short-term courses can last for a little as one week while more in-depth courses will ordinarily last for at least three months.
