LO2: Task 3 Career Pathways
Graphic designer -
a)Independent (free lance) -
In the freelance sector there are several opportunities available to graphic designers. Often graphic designers choose freelance work as it allows them to build a portfolio and gain valuable work experience that makes them more employable for future companies in addition to having the ability to gain money on the side of an possible existing job. However, a downside to this type of career is that it is not always guaranteed work and the payment is not regular. One example of such site would be freelancer.com, where people advertise jobs needed and freelancers can advertise there services/ expertise allowing them to be hired on jobs all over the world, either on an hourly contract or for a fixed price per project.
For this career pathway a variety of skills are useful and detrimental to producing a product which the client is happy with. Most importantly, technical skills are required. For this role it would include being fluent in graphic design packages such as the Adobe Creative Suite and the ability to best use the equipment to get the job done. Another key skill for this pathway would be organisational skills. Organisation is important to ensure the designer is able to meet specific deadlines set by the client. Not only this, but it is also important as an organised workflow and layout results in more efficient and therefore faster production. This career pathway and job role frequently results in constant back and forth communication between the client and designer to ensure the product meets the exact needs and purpose set out in the clients brief. Subsequently, good communication skills are needed within this role, these skills would be needed for such situations as meeting with clients in addition to collaborating with other artists or personnel that may be 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. However, this is less common in the freelance pathway as it is common for freelancers to work independently for the majority of the work, compared to that if the designer was to be employed as part of a design agency. A final set of skills which are crucial to this pathway would be creativity and problem solving. 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. Whilst problem solving is also crucial in order to adapt and overcome and problems or issues that may arise throughout the design process.
b)Voluntary Sector -
For the job role of a graphic designer there are several opportunities for work available on a voluntary basis. For example, several sites publish jobs under charity and volunteer work which graphic designers can approach and undertake, this is mutually beneficial for both as the designer gains experience and can build up a portfolio of work from such jobs, whilst the client receives the desired product. Another real life example of this pathway would be several magazine companies.
Key skills needed for this pathway would be communicative skills as it is crucial that the clients ideas, brand and image are well represented. Whereas skills such working as part of a team are likely to be less dependant one as this closely follows the skills and practices of a freelancer as stated in the section above.
c)Employment -
Within this industry there are several jobs that require the use of graphic designers. Examples of employment for graphic designs would include such areas as advertising agencies or big corporate brands who hire such people to produce material for the company and its marketing. The skills and attributes for this job role are also key for employment as it ensure satisfaction for both the clients and there the employer.
Similar to that of employment through freelancing, this pathway closely follows with the skills required. As previously mentioned it follows the requirements to have practical/technical skills, communication, organisation, problem solving and creativity skills. However, this career pathway differs slightly from that of a freelancer, this is largely as a result of the situation and environment.
For example the skills of being able to work in a team or group setting is key for employment as it is likely that when working in a design agency that the designer would have to confer and discuss ideas as part of a team, this differs from other career pathways such as free lance work as this works is largely independent and has less dependency on such skills. Commutative skills may also differ slightly from that of a freelancer, as those in full time employment with agency or brands would likely frequently be involved in team meetings and communicate with their managers and those in charge of them and the work they produce.
d)Work based training -
Work based training for this job role is seen in many areas. Such things as apprenticeships can be undertaken which provide real life work based training, these are often specific job roles where you are hired to work on a year contract for example. This type of employment can also be provided to ages from 16 years and onwards, allowing them to gain valuable experience and skills which is beneficial for real world applications and future work. These can be found on several sites which allow for easy application and management of apprenticeships such as below:
As with all career pathways for this job roles, it requires skills in; specific industry knowledge, communication skills, creativity, communication, organisation, in addition to knowledge on practical and technical skills. However, unlike full time employment the level at which these are at would likely be lower as, as part of this pathway you would gain and develop these skills.
e)Further education -
As part of further education it is possible to gain a large variety of skills and personal attributes which can be applied to future jobs or education. For the role of a graphic designer they could take specific courses at A level such a graphic design or creative arts. Alternatively, other options such as Extended diplomas in Creative digital media are available as part of further education. These courses are extremely beneficial as it allows for the both practical skills in using industry standard equipment and software's in addition to gaining work based skills such as working and collaborating as part of a team.
Although still requiring skills in practical and technical skills, the level of which they are at differs slightly from that of employment/ working with clients. This is because the nature of this pathway is that it involves training and education for the practical skills which enable those part of the pathway to transition into employment easily once they have developed the necessary skills at a level required by design agencies. Despite this, other skills seen in the other career pathways are also key. For example communication skills are important, instead of conferring and communication with clients or team members, as part of this career pathway you would still have to communicate with course leaders and teachers for example. Working as part of a team could also be seen to be important, this is because tasks would likely involves collaboration with peers in this situation. Another aspect to the pathway of education would be meeting coursework deadlines, therefore organisations skills are crucial to achieve this and stay on top of what work needs to be due and when.
f)Higher education -
Similar to the options available at further education, there are a large variety of options and courses available. Unlike further education, higher education often is a more specific and in depth study of a subject, therefore for this job role a BA Graphic design would be best suited as it provides the necessary skills and knowledge needed for a job in such area. In addition to this it is seen more favourably among employers meaning an increased likelihood of attaining a job post education. One example of such course can be seen below.
With regards to skills needed for this pathway it closely follows those needed by the further education pathway, stated above. However, it could be perceived that due to the older age requirements of this pathway that you must operate in a more professional and mature manor.
