What is Graphic Design?

Graphic design basically is visual problem solving using text and/or graphical elements. Your aim is to create something that is pleasing to the eye, and gets the attention of the viewer. But things can't just look cool. They have to work as well. How effective is a great looking restaurant menu if you can't for the life of you find beverages, or it's hard to tell which price is for what?

So what do graphic designers actually do? I'm sure most people can name at least a few things, but the graphic design spectrum is perhaps broader than you think.

Designs can include: brochures, posters, magazine covers, magazine layout, tickets, business cards, T-shirts, signs, logos, book layout (typesetting), importing advertisements into a newspaper, websites, cd covers, dvd interactivity elements, Internet banners, flash animation, web interfaces, Powerpoint presentations, and more.

So what can YOU expect? Some employers will have a very specific and narrow job description, and some will want you to do a whole load of stuff. Often an in-house graphic designer (meaning a non design company will hire someone to do their graphic design rather than work with a company) will be the jack of all trades. You might expect to create the website, brochures, a poster for an upcoming event, and prepare powerpoint presentations. And then there is the other end of the spectrum where your entry level job for the first 2 years is scanning photos for Auto Trader Magazine, and placing them into the layout. It all depends on who is hiring, and what they want.

There are quite a few options these days. One of the best ways though is through reading. One book you might want to consider is: Becoming a Graphic Designer: A Guide to Careers in Design, 2nd Edition

Also contact local colleges and trade schools about careers in graphic design. Request information regarding their courses/degree programs, and you start getting a better idea of what graphic design is all about. You can check out some schools and colleges across North America that offers graphic design related degrees and programs.

You can even get a graphic design degree online through The Art Institute of Pittsburgh - Online Division. Also if you know anyone that is in the graphic design field, try and get them to take you along to observe for a day. This can give you a good idea of what to expect.

Custom Vinyl Decals, Graphics & Bumper Stickers
Our custom decals, graphics and bumper stickers are printed and cut from adhesive vinyl creating an attractive and durable product that you are sure to be happy with. The vinyl stickers can be applied to any smooth non-porous surface. Possible applications include window decals, car decals, truck decals, vehicle graphics, wall decals, helmet decals, boat decals and boat graphics, windshield decals and more.

You can choose from thousands of images to start your custom decals and then use our design tool to customize it just the way you want. We do not require any minimum order like most decal manufacturers, so you can order any quantity of custom vinyl decals that you want.

To create custom bumper stickers, simply start up our Custom Bumper Sticker Design Tool in the Decals section, and make your own bumper sticker however you would like it. You can set the background color for the bumper sticker, add custom graphics and insert lettering.

Custom graphics, bumper stickers and vinyl decals are great way to add a unique look to things. Use our design tools to make them just the way you want and you will be able to boast that the attractive custom decals you are displaying were designed by you!