Is anyone familiar with graphic design?

Question

I am looking into this work; I think I would be good at layouts and design. However all the courses are actual drawing classes. How much freehanded drawing do you actually have to do? I had thought most classes would be about using the software or designing the software.

Answer 1

Graphic design is an awesome field.  Graphic art is all around you.........the internet is littered with it.  Major retail/restaurant areas are covered in it.  Magazines can't function without it.  I've had a few friends who do it.  

Initially, you won't make loads of money and it isn't always about expressing your artistic-ness, but rather tranlating what the customer wants onto paper/screen.  The computer won't "create" for you, it'll simply expand upon and clean up your concepts.

Answer 2

Yes well... It is recommended that when say creating logos, it isn't advisable to go straight at the computer. Graphic artsits sit with their paper and a pencil/pen and just try out the ideas on paper.. the letters and all.. forms.. it's much faster and easier to use your hand than click all sorts of things with a mouse...

I shouldn't be answering this questions as I am a beginner myself.. I am now reading an excellent book on graphic design, which covers everything about graphic design, practical and theoretical thigns. A really good book called "Graphic design school" by David Dabner.

EDIT

I just found a link where the writer of this book is talking on this topic.. I haven't finished watching it..  just told you immediately.....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Xg5O0l7y...

Answer 3

Look for specialised courses, relating to each different piece of software, start with Quark, Illustrator and Photoshop courses which are the most common pieces of software for this type of work. Quark is especially good for layouts and Illustrator is more for the art/drawings, hence the name. The most important thing then is to get experience which is what the employers are interested in more than qualifications so write to loads of companies which do design work, telling them what you've studied and ask for work experience. good luck :o)

Answer 4

Graphic design incororates a lot of illustration...it was a graphic artist who came up with images like the coca cola Santa...Graphic Artists need to be able to draw....