Practical and technical skills: Graphic designers need to be fluent in image editing and design software such as the Adobe Creative Suite in addition to being well adapted to using both pc and Apple Mac. More specifically, macs as this is the industry standard and common lace among many design agencies. It would also be beneficial to have good practical skills in art and drawing to aid in the planning of graphic products with clients in a meeting environment. Examples of this can be seen in my portfolio here: https://www.freelancer.co.uk/u/OllyFletch
Specific Industry Knowledge: In addition to knowledge on crucial softwares such as Adobe Photoshop, InDesign and Illustrator graphic designers also require specific industry knowledge. This is needed as it allows for the graphic products produced to have a greater success and have a greater appeal. For example it is key for designers to have a wider knowledge of current design trends and fashion in order to tailor there products to meet this criteria which maximises its potential success. An in depth understanding of advertising and composition is also extremely beneficial to this role. Arguably, an understanding of regulatory bodies is key part of this skill. Such regulatory bodies as ASA and Ofcom are key considerations when designing for advertising as these bodies set out specific guidelines and rules which have to be followed for advertising material or Ofcom for general media which is distributed in the UK. Failure to do so could result in legal implications or adverts/ materials being taken down.
Communication skills: Communication skills are needed within this role due to the constant interaction between clients and those employing you. Communicative skills would be needed for such situations as meeting with clients in addition to collaborating with other artists or personnel needed for projects. Sufficient written communication skills would also be required for such tasks as emailing clients or those involved in a project or team.
Organisation: Like communication skills, organisation skills are also key. Organisation is important to ensure the designer is able to meet specific deadlines, it is also important as an organised workflow and layout results in more efficient and therefore faster production. For example this would involve organising peers and what work needs completing, one way in which this could be achieved is by imputing such data and information into a online calendar app such as Google calendar which can then be shared to allow peers to access and edit simultaneously.
Creativity: Most importantly, a graphic designer must be creative and have a natural artistic ability. This is crucial as the role requires the need for creative, original and interesting pieces to be produced, that help the product stand out.
Problem Solving:
Problem solving is important within this job role as it allows for effective and efficient design. For example a graphic designer has to be adaptive to overcome problems that may arise in the design process. One such example of this would be if the client was not happy with the product or it did not suit their intended purpose. Therefore, changes and alterations would have to be made to the product to overcome the problems. Other examples would be possible changes to deadlines and due dates, a change in when the final product is required would result in a problem that needs solving, this closely links with organisation skills as it would require the workflow to be changed and reorganised to adapt to the problem and changes.
Working as part of a team:
Working as part of a team would be important due to the nature of employment for this role. It is common for graphic designers to work as a team or with other individuals in design agencies or as part of a brand. Commonly, a graphic designer would work alongside other creatives as part of job/ task. For example in the production of a magazine the graphic designer would have to collaborate with copy writers and editors for the written elements which would be incorporated into the design. In addition to this, other people in the team would include the photographers and visual artists for some of the visual elements of the product. All of which have to seamlesly communicate and work together to create the product which the client or company requires.
