Design has options

I think the last unit of Dabner, Stewart, and Zempol’s graphic design school is most likely the section I will refer back to most upon graduating design school. Though graphic design is in general, becoming a more useful and versatile career path, the options that you can go about designing have particular skills required. Web design, as I discussed in my last post, is not only a very popular trend at the moment, but it is in high demand. This career can allow for more freelancing and remote circumstances, if working online is a desire that comes with your understanding of user experience, web interactivity, and of course, good design. Another approach to non-print design is motion graphics. This path allows you to explore 2D and 3D design, movement, and video-like story telling. Though the innovative, fast paced work in motion graphics is exciting, it can be very time consuming and require a quick turn around time. However, if web and interactive is not your style, print design is certainly not dead. Nonetheless, editorial design, branding, environmental, and information design are all also being converted to web’s online formats in addition to their print styles. For example, the branding you do for business cards, brochures, and t-shirts for a company, most likely will also need to be translated on their website.  Likewise, magazines now-days, most of the time also have an online publication to accompany the hard copy.
In an article by Joshua Johnson, titled “Career Options: 10+ Types of Graphic Design Jobs to Consider,” I thought it was most helpful that Johnson included the “level” categories designers fall into before discussing the different career paths. Though you may prefer package or print design over web for example, whether you are the Don Draper (as the Creative director) or lower on the totem pole (as an entry-level designer), can play a huge role in how enjoyable you find your job. Another point I pulled from Johnson’s article was the difference between marketing and advertising in design. Where advertising can relate more closely to identifying a brand (it’s message, goals, color, logos, type, etc.), marketing is more closely linked with promoting an existing brand, and adding additional advertisements that tie in with the company mood that is already created. Reading about the various career paths that designers are able to take, allows you to take a step back and look at what is important to you and where your skill lies. Once you establish your own creative abilities and future goals, you’re then able to narrow down the career options that best fit the way you think and design.

User experience doesn’t always necessarily mean online or web experience, it can be something as simple as allowing people to participate in your print design.

I love how this interactive mobile app incorporates real folds and movement, so that the real paper experience is still integrated.

This information design is a perfect explanation of how user experience goes beyond just the design aspect. The think and planning that goes into making sure the message is communicated and the consumer is engaged in the right way.

 

http://prix2014.aec.at/prixwinner/12662/

The above link is a motion graphics video. The transitions in the design are incredible, and though simple, the movement and detail is quite beautiful.

references:
Graphic Design School by Dabner, Stewart, and Zempol.
http://thesiteslinger.com/blog/career-options-10-types-of-graphic-design-jobs-to-consider/