is graphic design really just about drawing pictures?

Question

Cause I can't draw to save my life, but I love making things pretty on the computer.

Answer 1

You don't necessarilly have to know how to draw, but you do have to know how to design...how to make things look good. Design classes talk about taking graphic elements and assembling them in a way that is obvious, attractive and makes sense. If you can take things and arrange them in a way that just works...you're on your way.

Answer 2

A good graphic designer does not need to be able to draw, at all.

But, a good designer must understand how to apply the principles of good composition and human psychology to, either, the printed page, or television or computer screen.

If you lool around for, virtually, ANYTHING in print, for example, consider that a graphic designer was employed to decide, exactly, what and where everything on it was placed. From gum wrapper, to the largest billboard, a graphic designer made those determinations. Even how a buisness letter is formatted.

Think of cereal packages, for another example. Of course, some illustrator created and drew the pictures, but it was probably a designer, in another studio that had to determine how that illustration would fit, along with the product name, other text, nutritional information, recipes, etc.

I, personally, have worked with such designers. Some were very good at what they did, while others, (even some with degrees) couldn't design their way out of a closet. But the good ones knew EXACTLY what they needed from me, and how to best use the talents of those around them.

As a freelance designer, I have to take on multiple roles, in order to maximize profit. I am a designer, illistrator, copywriter, typeographer, typesetter, paginator, color separator, accountant, printer's monkey and all around gopher.

Makes for a long day, but, if I didn't learn how to do these things, I'd have to pay someone else to do them for me.

Answer 3

there is more to drawing a picture than just drawing...knowing where the golden mean is (and what it is), and general lay out and planning....anymore graphic design is all about being able to use a computer and all the programs involved, the hand drawn and hand painted stuff seems to be going the way of all things...

Answer 4

no i suppose if you wanted to fiddle around with graph design as a hobby than just "making things pretty on the computer" would qualify but if you wanted to make it your career then you would really have to learn how to draw

Answer 5

No you don't need to be a good at drawing. some of my sis friends don't really have good skills in drawing. and they still doing it. you jus gotta be good at photoshop, adobe, illustrator, i forget what other programs my sis has but those are some programs. you need to atleast know how to use a lil bit. cus you'll have projects to do that require you to use those programs. i hope that helps.