When I told my father that I wanted to be a Graphic Designer, he immediately pulled out the local newspaper, pointed to the ‘Help Wanted’ section and began to tell me that I would never get a job with a degree like that. For many people who work with their hands, I can understand that logic. My father was raised in a time before the internet or cell phones, and a television set was still a fairly new luxury that many didn’t have. The most marketing meant to his generation was going door-to-door handing out business cards or a hand painted sign that hung above your front door. Graphic Design has come a long way from that.
So what is Graphic Design? Dictionary.com describes Graphic Design as “the art or profession of visual communication that combines images, words, and ideas to convey information to an audience, especially to produce a specific effect.” I like to think of Graphic Design as art that does work. Typically in the way we think of art, it is simply something beautiful or that makes us ponder at life. Sometimes fine art is sold, but the creation is often purely aesthetic. Graphic Design, on the other hand, is normally created to convey information. While both are beautiful to look at, fine art makes you think of questions and Graphic Design can help answer them.
We are bombarded by Graphic Design messages every day. When you wake up in the morning and put on your shoes, look at the tag or label. That logo and even type were made by a Graphic Designer. Drag yourself into the restroom to brush your teeth. What toothpaste do you pick up: the Colgate with its bold red colors or Crest with its cool blue? Both of these were designed by a Graphic Designer who probably agonized over the color scheme for weeks. You get the idea. Everywhere we look, every magazine we pick up and every credit card we use were designed with love and passion by a Graphic Designer. The reach of a Graphic Designer is limitless, and so are the job opportunities. Every single business (whether large or small) uses the talents of a Graphic Designer in some fashion.
Now, when I sit at my desk at work, I smile remembering my father’s words… and I send him samples of everything I make.