The Tribune

By Deidre Bastian

This is a typical question: “I’m thinking of choosing graphic design as a career path, as it appears to be a ‘cool’ profession. Besides, my first summer job was at a graphic design studio. And even though I was shocked at how intense the environment sometimes got, I was intrigued and still feel the need to pursue it. Do you have any advice?”

While the packaging changes, the question’s content remains the same. The graphic design career can easily be interpreted as ‘cool’, but the whistles and bells are a little more than having the ability to ‘photoshop’ or ‘cut and paste’ documents. Unfortunately, for freelancers, most times their jobs are 20 rolled into one.

Choosing a career can be one of the most challenging tasks an indecisive individual faces, due to the endless availability of professions that exist. Nonetheless, determining specifically what makes you feel good ‘deep down inside’ is actually a good place to start.

Most observers are aware that graphic design has become one of the most recognised careers in the world, and is quickly expanding with new inventions. In fact, many people who are creative and passionate about art are choosing this field as their number one preference.

A graphic designer has the unique responsibility of taking verbal ideas from a client and developing a creative way to capture the emotion they are trying to illustrate. Typically, after a few cups of coffee, their day begins with a mixture of some of the following tasks:

• Analysing problems and gathering information; consulting with clients, copywriters and art directors; sketching preliminary ideas for logos, layouts and illustrations.

• Selecting and arranging the most appropriate typefaces, images, colour palettes and other visual elements for a particular design.

• Consulting with printers over paper, binding options, costs, timelines, proofs and specific electronic print formats.

• Choosing computer equipment and software, developing new business contacts and performing administrative duties.

Design is highly subjective, so brace yourself, as some clients will not like your work and will request revisions more than once. “Patience is a virtue”, and is a necessary quality.

The above list is by no means comprehensive, but it gives an idea of the range of possible duties graphic designers perform on a daily basis. Those who achieve long-term success in this career path possess some of the following characteristics:

• Time management skills, with the ability to work under the pressure of tight deadlines.

• An intense appetite for new ideas and influences.

• Good attention to details, combined with strong problem-solving skills.

• Resourcefulness and the ability to get along with a variety of personalities.

• Great listening skills and intuition (a knack for knowing what someone really wants).

• A ‘thick skin’ with the willingness to accept thoughtful criticism.

• The ability to compromise when necessary and adapt to new, stylistic preferences.

• A knack for communicating ideas visually, verbally and in writing.

• The ability to react to changing trends by learning new skills independently.

• An eye for how individual projects fit into a ‘bigger’ picture.

• A strong interest in learning about the diverse needs of a changing society through the course of psychology, sociology and communication.

• Moreover, if you wish to separate yourself from the competition, you can start by developing professional writing and editing skills or, perhaps, programming.

As a final point, if you are really “enthusiastic” and “tickled pink” about pursuing a career in graphic design, harness the creativity and passion you were born with, attend graphic design classes, embrace tutorials and do not forget to network. Until we meet again, fill your life with good memories rather than regrets. Enjoy life and stay on top of your game.

• NB: Columnist welcomes feedback at deedee21bastian@gmail.com

ABOUT COLUMNIST: Ms Bastian is a professionally trained graphic designer who has qualifications of M.Sc., B.Sc., A.Sc. She has trained at institutions such as: Miami Lakes Technical Centre, Success Training College, College of the Bahamas, Nova Southeastern University, Learning Tree International, Langevine International and Synergy Bahamas.