What is a Graphic Designer?

The graphic designer creates visual concepts to inspire, inform, or attract consumers to a company using software or through manual techniques. You can work in various sectors such as advertising, marketing, communication, printing, branding agencies, and others.

He is responsible for creating attractive designs that communicate a specific message to the target audience, such as logos, websites, brochures, packaging, and other promotional materials.

The constant updating and evolution of technology and design trends make this profession exciting and challenging.

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What Does a Graphic Designer Do?

Graphic designers play a vital role in today's society, producing designs that help convey messages and concepts. They use typography, color theory, and layout skills and techniques to create designs for various sectors. His work helps companies to communicate effectively and influences people's perception and interaction with the world in general.

From designing logos, posters, billboards to book covers and websites, they have the power to shape the visual landscape of society, informing, inspiring, and connecting people from diverse communities and cultures.

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Functions of a graphic designer

The duties and responsibilities of a graphic designer may vary depending on the specific industry and your position. However, some common functions include:

• Research and understand the target audience - Before creating any design, graphic designers must research and understand the target audience to ensure that the final product clearly communicates the intended message.
• Collaborate with clients and other members - They generally collaborate with clients and other team members, such as marketing professionals, in order to align the designs with the company's overall marketing strategy.
• Selection of typography, colors, and layout design - Graphic designers must have a good knowledge of color theory, typography, and layout structures (arrangement of elements) to ensure that the final product is aesthetically appealing and functional.
• Creation of designs - Graphic designers are responsible for creating logos, brochures, publications for social networks, packaging, advertisements, and other promotional materials.
• Creating and editing images - Graphic designers use software to create and edit images, such as photographs or illustrations, that will be used in the final composition.
• Manage multiple projects and meet deadlines - Graphic designers generally work on several projects at the same time and must manage their time effectively to meet stipulated deadlines.
• Stay up to date with design and software trends - Graphic designers must stay informed about the latest design and software trends to ensure that their creations are current and distinct.

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Types of graphic designers

There are several types of graphic designers, each with their own set of skills and specialties. Some of the most common types of graphic designers include:

• Branding and identity designers - Specialized in creating visual identities for companies, organizations, and products. They can create logos, packaging, and other visual elements that help establish a brand's identity.
• UX Designers (User Experience) - They design the user experience on digital products, such as websites and applications in order to create intuitive and engaging user interfaces that facilitate interaction with those products.
• Web designers - We specialize in creating visually appealing and functional websites. They can work on the layout, typography, and other design elements to ensure it's easy and intuitive to navigate.
• Illustrators - They create visual designs for a wide variety of media, including magazines, books, and advertising campaigns. They may specialize in a particular style or type of illustration.
• Print designers - Print designers create designs that must be printed, such as business cards, brochures, and packaging. They ensure that the final product has the intended appearance and function.
• Designers motion graphics (motion graphics) - Specialized in creating animations, videos, and other motion graphics. They may work on projects such as advertisements, explanatory videos, or creating videos for television programs.
• Environmental graphic designers - Environmental graphic designers create visual designs for physical spaces, such as stores, museums, and public spaces. They can work on projects such as guidance systems, signage, and exhibition design.

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Why choose the profession of graphic designer?

Opting for a career in graphic design allows you to express your creativity and learn new technologies while influencing the way companies and brands present themselves to society.

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The importance of solving problems

Design is a multidisciplinary area, requiring diverse and complex approaches to problem solving. Not all designers are able to solve all kinds of problems. With experience, it is possible to acquire new skills that allow you to direct your professional path taking into account personal preferences and/or professional needs, however, it is worth noting that each designer addresses different problems in a unique way.

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What is the salary of a graphic designer?

The average salary of a graphic designer in Portugal is 1250€/month in March 2024. Like all professions, it varies according to experience, the starting salary is approximately 1076€/month, however professionals with more experience can earn up to 2940€/month (Glassdor.com).

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Employment prospects

Despite the challenges with the evolution of automation and the implementation of artificial intelligence, the graphic designer profession has a promising future for those who adapt and evolve.

By adopting new technologies and focusing on the strategic aspect of design, it is possible to differentiate their competencies as essential professionals in the creation of impactful visual solutions. The future of graphic designers will essentially depend on their ability to reinvent themselves and remain relevant in a constantly changing world.

The global graphic design market is expected to grow at an annual rate of 4.5% by 2030 (Nextmsc).

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How to become a graphic designer?

As the profession of graphic designer is not regulated, any individual with the skills to master the languages, tools, and concepts of graphic design can practice the profession. Therefore, it is not necessary to have higher education to work in this field.

However, a university degree or certificate programs increase employment opportunities. Making the most of graphic design education also includes considering internships to gain practical experience.

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Career plans in graphic design

Being a graphic designer can provide opportunities in various areas and professions.

It is possible to progress to leadership positions in design departments, such as creative director or project manager. Many graphic designers also explore innovative fields, such as augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR), where visual creation is essential to provide interactive experiences.

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Add a graphic designer to your team

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For companies looking for a dynamic, scalable, and cost-effective approach, graphic design subscription services are a transformative solution!