What Skills Should Graphic Designers Have?
A graphic designer should understand design theory and composition as well as aesthetics. They should have a deep understanding of typography including how to create or select fonts, line spacing, logo creation, and storyboard creation. Graphic designers must be proficient in common technology used in their industry including the Adobe Creative Suite, basic HTML and CSS, and Sketch. Nearly half of all Graphic Designers have taken at least one computer science course.
Soft skills are arguably one of the most important skill categories across the board for any career. You may be the most talented graphic designer in the world, but without soft skills, you cannot get hired or work well on a team. You’ll need to master client communication which will include asking the right questions, active listening, and regular liaising for the duration of each client project.
Learn the Skills You Need to Become a Graphic Designer
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Graphic Design
Graphic design is the creation of visual content to communicate a message. Graphic design uses visual hierarchy, typography, photo editing, spacial awareness, empathy, color theory, and more to create visually appealing and communicative images. Graphic design can be done with software like Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Illustrator, Figma, and Sketch.
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Photoshop
Photoshop is a software application created by Adobe for image editing and photo retouching on Windows or macOS computers. Photoshop can be used to manipulate and retouch photos. It can also be used to create compositions, collages, design comprehensives, and more.
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InDesign
InDesign is a computer software created by Adobe for publishing and typesetting. It can also be used to create posts, flyers, magazines, brochures, newspapers, books, and presentations.
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Illustrator
Illustrator is a computer program for design developed by Adobe. Illustrator is used by designers to create and edit vector graphics. It can be used for print, web, applications, videos, animations, and more.
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Visual Design
Visual design is a set of strategic best practices used to improve a design or product's aesthetic appeal and usability through the selection of appropriate images, typography, use of space, hierarchy, color, and layout.