Graphic designers in India help businesses communicate with consumers using imagery such as logos that can instantly bring a product to mind. You can see graphic design at work all around you, on labels, packages and billboards as well as the opening credits for films. Designers create messages with the help of artistic elements such as typography, negative space, illustrations and photographs. The field relies heavily on technology, including fonts, video editing software and digital cameras. In this profession, you can create designs and layouts, either drawing by hand or using computer equipment, and then update these drafts based on collaboration with coworkers, supervisors and clients. Graphic designers design for websites, company logos and products.

Education qualifications for a graphic designer

There are many courses in graphic design that impart sound theoretical and conceptual insight into the nuances of becoming a professional graphic designer. There are diploma, certificate and degree courses in graphic design. Apart from various principles in graphic design (such as typography, type design, print design, photography and illustration,) these courses may also impart knowledge in web design, multimedia and computer graphics. Professional graphic designers should also have a good understanding of tools and software such as Photoshop, Corel Draw and In Design that may come in handy for various graphic design assignments.

Skills required by a graphic designer

Since this a highly creative line of work, it goes without saying that graphic designers should have the basic skill sets required of a designer:

• Basic drawing skills
• Creativity and imagination
• Eager learner and observant
• Have an eye for detail
• Knowledge of graphic design software
• Good listening and communication skills

Career opportunities for a graphic designer

Career opportunities could include design for print media, mobile device applications, websites, electronic publications and videos. Design plays an important role in marketing, media, advertising, publicity, promotions and communications for organizations in both the public and private sector. Designers may work in design service firms, advertising agencies or the entertainment industry, or they may start their own freelance businesses. With a background in computer science, creative professionals can also seek positions in the game design and software publishing industries.

Graphic artists take advantage of their communication skills in teamwork projects with colleagues such as writers and production specialists. Designers may also interact directly with customers to determine their needs and seek their approval on ideas. With experience and the right training, some designers move into management roles such as art director or design director.

Salary outlook for graphic designers

The starting salary for graphic designers varies and is dependent on factors like the institute from which they graduate and the company that hires them. “If you graduate from brands like Delhi College of Art, National Institute of Design (NID) and get recruited by established companies, your starting salary could be around Rs.20,000 per month. Otherwise freshers can expect anything between Rs. 10,000 – 15,000.” says Pritika Arora who is a senior User Experience (UX) designer with an internet company. “After four to five years in the industry, the average salary is around  Rs. 50,000 – 60,0000 per month,” she says.

According to PayScale.com, the average annual salary range for a graphic designer or graphic artists is between Rs. Rs 98,228 – Rs 5,17,548. After a few years of experience in the industry, a senior graphic designer may earn up to Rs. 7.5 lakh per annum.