necesary skills to enter into graphics design?

Question

i am considering going into graphics designing..like using softwares like photoshop, illustrator and stuffs like that...i love it but i get discouraged by the fact that my drawing aint all that great. if u a graphics designer please let me know the best way to start..

Answer 1

Hello, I am a graphic designer. I have been in the field now for 2.5 years - I currently work for an Ad Agency. Honestly I rarely use my drawing skills in day - to - day work. Mostly just for sketches for myself or to concept for my boss.

However when I was in school for Graphic Design I had to take a ton of drawing / painting and sculpture classes and get a B or better before I could even apply to the Visual Communications (Graphic Design) field. I think this was because they wanted true artists and not just someone who can use a computer.

Luckily however, Graphic Design can sometimes be self-taught. However I have seen people like this who have come to Temp at my job and ultimately aren't nearly as skilled as those who have been to Art School and essentially "studied" design. I hope this helps. Maybe you could take some low level classes to just get trained a bit. Or even maybe apprentice / intern at a local Ad Agency of GD Studio in your area. I learned a ton at my internship. It didn't pay anything money wise but really helped me in my skill level, it's amazing what you can learn from others.

Good Luck!

Answer 2

I have my BFA in Graphic Design. I was like you, really into that type stuff in highschool, and really good at it!
So I decided to goto college for it! It was great! The classes were fun, challenging but fun!
Yes, I had to take 3 drawing classes and 5 art histories (required for all art majors). Neither of which were that bad, the art histories were exceptionally boring, but for the drawing courses, i found that if you honestly try, you work doesnt look that bad and the instructor takes that into account when grading you. They know you are not getting a degree in drawing (it says on their attendance sheet).
Graphic designers are not drawers, sure you need to be able to sketch **** up - but if it makes sense to you is all that matters. I never really draw unless im doing a sketch.
The only people who use the drawing classes are Illustrators, not designers (theres a differance).

My only advice is dont just be a graphic designer, you need to get into web design and development. I have found that you can really only go so far as a print designer. Which is why im a multimedia designer....

Answer 3

A good graphic designer does not need good drawing skills. It can help, but I know of quite a few pros that can barely draw beyond stick figures.

What they DO know is composition, color theory and a strong base in human psychology. They also keep up with the latest trends in design, fashion, advertising and technology.

For you, I recommend a few design courses, especially those that utilize those applications you mentioned, like Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, QuarkXPress, Painter and others. Don't neglect those drawing and painting classes because this is where you pick up the basics of composition and color, and to learn how to visualize a 3D world on a 2D medium. These classes establish a foundation on which you build your particular skill set.

It is this skill set you take to work with you.

Answer 4

I believe you need a natural born artistic ability....not necessarily in drawing. And, just as importantly...you'll need a degree from a good art school or an art degree from a good university before any firm will consider hiring you as a graphic designer.

I used to work for a Graphic Design Firm as Creative Head, and now I own my own Graphic Design studio. Sorry to say it, but I would not think of hiring anyone without an degree.

The field is exciting and a day at work is never the same as any other. I wouldn't do anything else for a living. Set your goal for art school and study hard. You'll get there!

Answer 5

Based on my experiece, you dont need to draw well to be a good graphics designer. Since you'll be using applications like photoshop, illustrator, or flash and not by manual means, it will be much easier to manipulate, edit, or create designs or images (given that you are proficient or knowledable with the app you are using).
All you need is a little imagination, creative ideas and attention to details of your work.

Answer 6

I think if you have the will and drive to learn graphic design, go for it. You will probably have to take drawing classes anyway, and whether or not you think you can draw well, you will most likely improve; and you can probably draw better than you think. Don't let drawing hold you back, at any rate. You don't have to be a master sketcher to be a graphic designer, but you do need to be creative and hard-working. Thanks.

Answer 7

Go to art school! You don't have to be a great drawer to be a graphic designer. Besides school will help your ability to sketch outlines and such. Apply to an art school as soon as you can. Meet with them. They will help you find the path of design right for you. I went to The Art Institute for visual communication/graphic design. (You know what? I can't draw).

Answer 8

i am no graphic designer..but i love playing with editting software..its my hobby..its not my place to advise u, since im not that great..but, for me, if u have the will to learn graphic designing, just go for it man..dont be bother about ur drawing..cuz u will learn all the great techniques in the graphic skool..i wish to further my studies in the field i love.. and now look at me..still using the same technique and my artwork are all look the same..hihihi..