A graphic designer is a professional within the graphic design and graphic arts industry who assembles together images, typography, or motion graphics to create a piece of design.
What Does A Graphic Designer Do?
Graphic designers convey inspiring and informative ideas in advertisements, brochures and other marketing communications materials. Some graphic designers work for specialized design firms as part of a collaborative team, while others are self-employed and work independently.
Print and digital designers use complex graphics tools to manipulate text, images, animations and color. Most graphic designers work full-time to meet deadlines.
Do you need math for graphic design?
Many graphic design undergraduate programs require three to four credits of math as part of degree completion. They can also encompass more specialized topics like business statistics, visualizations or perspective geometry, which are geared to the needs of the graphic design major
Is graphic design hard?
Is Graphic Design Hard to Learn? Learning graphic design is not hard, but it does require creative thinking, an aptitude towards art and design, and time and dedication. Graphic Designers need to constantly be practicing and improving their design skills, which takes time and effort.
Graphic Design Salaries and Job Outlook
Graphic Design Salaries
Salaries for graphic designers are variable across the country, based on factors including experience, education, type of employer and geographical location.
According to the BLS, the median national annual wage for graphic designers in 2014 was R 693691.20, while the top 10 percent of graphic designers earned over R 1171113.97. Graphic designers with the highest salaries are generally those with advanced training and who work for specialized design firms.
Graphic Design Degree Options
Exploring Academic Paths
Before enrolling in any postsecondary education program, students should have a strong sense of their long- and short-term goals including why they’re pursuing this education; the level of schooling they’re prepared to undertake; and what they expect from the program.
For some students, a degree is a means to an end: a new career, a better job, the advancement of skills. Degree programs are sequential in nature, and beginning students will focus on building a foundational skills and mastering key theories in visual communications at schools offering undergraduate certificates or associate degrees.
Below are steps to Become A Graphic designer In South Africa
Start Building Your Skills in High School
It never hurts to start early in any field, but it is particularly important when it comes to graphic design. While in high school, students should take classes in art history, drawing, graphic arts and website design. They can put their emerging skills to use designing and producing the school newspaper or yearbook.
Earn a Degree in Graphic Design
There was a time when a graphic designer could get hired strictly on their creative portfolio. Today, however, most employers are looking for designers with a more complete and well-rounded education the kind only a college degree can provide.
A certificate in the field, or an associate’s degree, may be sufficient in some cases, but the U.S. Department of Labor reports that fledgling designers are much more likely to land a quality job only after earning a bachelor’s degree.
Complete Internships
Not all college programs in graphic design require internships, but those that do offer students an exceptional opportunity to gain practical experience, to form professional relationships in the design community, and complete work suitable for presentation in their portfolio or design “book”.
Create a Compelling Portfolio
While a solid resume is an important aspect of any job search, the biggest asset to someone looking for a job in graphic design is an impressive portfolio. Though graphic designers will need a resume, the only way for a prospective employer to understand an applicant’s abilities is through a portfolio demonstrating a range of work and growth as a designer.
What qualifications do I need for a graphic designer?
You’ll usually need:
a foundation diploma in art and design.
1 or 2 A levels, or equivalent, for a foundation degree or higher national diploma.
2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree.
What subjects are needed for graphic design in South Africa?
Recommended subjects: Art, Design, History, Computer Application Technology, Science. A minimum rating of E (40-49%) for HG and D (50-59%) for SG subjects. English and Mathematics are compulsory.
Where can I study to become a graphic designer in South Africa?
WHERE CAN I STUDY?
University of the Witwatersrand. Bachelor of Arts: Fine Arts.
University of Johannesburg.
University of Pretoria.
University of Stellenbosch.
Cape Peninsula University of Technology.
Tshwane University of Technology.
Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University.
Stellenbosch Academy of Design and Photography.
How long does it take to study graphic design in South Africa?
Besides the University of Johannesburg, the degree takes 4 years to complete. Independent Design Schools are very focused on the practical aspect of design; you start designing from your first year. They give you a choice of doing either a 3 year diploma or a degree and cover all aspects of design.
Do you need math for graphic design?
Many graphic design undergraduate programs require three to four credits of math as part of degree completion. They can also encompass more specialized topics like business statistics, visualizations or perspective geometry, which are geared to the needs of the graphic design major.
What do graphic designers earn in South Africa?
Average Graphic Designer Salary in South Africa
ZAR 77k.
ZAR 158k.
ZAR 298k.
Is Graphic Designing a good career?
Graphic Designing is considered to be one of the most popular choices of students who wish to pursue a course in design in South Africa . There are several job opportunities after Graphic Designing in India and candidates with a degree in Graphic Designing have excellent career prospects.
Is graphic design hard?
Learning graphic design is not hard, but it does require creative thinking, an aptitude towards art and design, and time and dedication. Graphic Designers need to constantly be practicing and improving their design skills, which takes time and effort.
Are graphic designers happy?
Graphic designers rate their happiness above average. At Career Explorer, we conduct an ongoing survey with millions of people and ask them how satisfied they are with their careers. As it turns out, graphic designers rate their career happiness 3.4 out of 5 stars which puts them in the top 39% of careers.
How many years does it take to become a graphic designer?
It’s your choice how you want to learn, how much time you are able to give to learning and how much you want to get yourself a job. Though, ultimately, the time it takes to become a graphic designer can be anywhere between around six months to five years.
What does a junior graphic designer earn in South Africa?
In South Africa, a Junior Graphic Designer with less than three years of experience can expect to earn an average compensation of R 7 000 gross per month.
What do graphic designers charge per hour in South Africa?
Graphic Design Jobs by Hourly Rate
| Job Title | Range | Average |
|---|---|---|
| Job Title:Graphic Designer | Range:R55 – R367 | Average:R197 |
| Freelance Graphic Designer | Range:R150 – R350 | Average:R295 |
| Junior Graphic Designer | Range:R0 – R0 (Estimated *) | Average:R51 |
| Senior Graphic Designer | Range:R0 – R0 (Estimated *) | Average:R362 |
Is it easy to get a job in graphic design?
While many students are willing to look at jobs unrelated to their major, graphic design majors are not. 80% of them only want to consider design jobs. However, getting a full-time design job is hard. Over 80% have had a paid side job.