In this current day with technology growing day by day and new software being introduced into the industry, i believe that every designer will always need to acquire new skills and improve on their existing ones.
As for myself i believe that there are many skills i need to improve on and also obtain. I need to learn and develop skills such as HTML, CSS and FLASH - these are important especially as i want to focus on getting into web design as well as publishing.
For the publishing industry i think i need to improve my knowledge of Indesign and other desktop publishing software as well as the more theory side to publishing. Things such as the stock available, the types of printing media available (process and spot colour etc.) and also how the industry is run.
With technology growing, it is easier to develop new skills and also improve existing ones. Now available on YouTube are a wide selection of tutorial videos on software such as Illustrator, Photoshop, Indesign and Flash. As well as YouTube, Adobe also offer online tutorials. I think these are defiantly the most used ways of improving skills as well as experimenting on the software in any free time. I think i will be using these methods regularly to improve and learn new skills... As for the learning and the development of HTML, CSS and FLASH i will be looking at online media as well as media available in local libraries and the Colleges' LRC.
As for the more obvious skills i need to improve things such as physical design work (drawing, printmaking, book design etc.) i will need to experiment using different materials and colours to find the best way to complete each type of design.
Wednesday 19 October 2011
Tuesday 18 October 2011
Skill i have already
At this present moment in time i would like to think that i already have the required skills to complete an appropriate design in either web or print for a client. I believe what i have taught myself on Adobe Dreamweaver, Indesign, Photoshop and Illustrator over the years is enough to be able to satisfy a clients needs.
However as most designers i would like to gain more experience and learn a lot more in using Adobe creative suite along with other industry software and hardware. i Believe that my drawing and painting skills could be improved slightly as i do tend to work on the computer more than paper. I also believe that i have the skills to think outside the box when designing and also to have the ability to be organised.
However as most designers i would like to gain more experience and learn a lot more in using Adobe creative suite along with other industry software and hardware. i Believe that my drawing and painting skills could be improved slightly as i do tend to work on the computer more than paper. I also believe that i have the skills to think outside the box when designing and also to have the ability to be organised.
Five design companies within the United Kingdom
While researching for the top five UK design companies i came across a website that listed the top 50 - Design Intellect. I scanned through the website to find 5 companies that i like some work that they have completed.
The first company i came across was All of US....
Formed in October 2003, AllofUs is a truly multi-disciplinary interactive design consultancy. There ultimate aim is to improve the way their clients and the audience connect by interactive media, technologies and communication channels.
While looking on their site i found out that they were worked with sky to bring sky player to the xbox.
AllofUs helped sky put the full range of their on-demand, catch-up and live TV at the fingertips of console owners. In 2010, they integrated Microsoft’s Kinect technology, allowing users to control Sky Player by gesture and voice.
AllofUs have completed work for a range of companies such as Renault, Playstation and even the BBC.
The second company that i came across was Checkland and Kindleysides...
In three decades of designing, Checkland and Kindleysides have grown with creative diversity and an ability to create work that is physically and commercially successful.
While looking through their work i found out that they did the rebranding for Bentley.
As well as doing work for Bently Checkland and Kindleysides also completed work for companies such as Matalan, HSBC and Sony Ericsson.
While searching through design intellect i also found the following three companies;
Over 25 years of experience in the design and draining industry, Design Bridge now work in over 40 countries across the globe and employ people from all over the world.
One of the work that i liked from Design Bridge was their rebranding of Tiger beer. As well as rebranding Design Bridge also have to make sure that Tiger beer never lose its relevance to the young asian consumers.
As well as doing work for Tiger beer, Design Bridge have also completed work for companies such as Nestle, KFC and many more.
In 1989 Elmwood became an independent design company, opening their first studio in West Yorkshire and now recently opening one in Singapore. From winning international design awards to rebranding companies Elmwood have defiantly achieved the right to be with in the top 50 design companies in the UK.
One of their most recognising work that many people don't know is the rebranding and redesigning of durex and its packages.
Elmwood have also completed work for companies such as The FA, BBC, Asda and The MET Office.
Rufus Leonard...
They have work with leading brands, major multinational corporations. Companies they claim 'your mum will have heard of'. These are including a market-leading telecoms brand, Britain's biggest energy supplier, one of Whitehall's premier departments, a leading international children's charity and the UK's largest retail banking group.
From viewing Rufus Leonard's online portfolio i found that they played a pivotal role in updating the Churchill, by completely transforming the website and simplifying the process from quote to purchase. They claim 'By developing web initiatives through new online channels, they not only helped Churchill interact with existing customers, but also reach out to new audiences, in a cluttered and competitive marketplace'.
The first company i came across was All of US....
Formed in October 2003, AllofUs is a truly multi-disciplinary interactive design consultancy. There ultimate aim is to improve the way their clients and the audience connect by interactive media, technologies and communication channels.
While looking on their site i found out that they were worked with sky to bring sky player to the xbox.
 |
| Image taken from allofus.com |
AllofUs helped sky put the full range of their on-demand, catch-up and live TV at the fingertips of console owners. In 2010, they integrated Microsoft’s Kinect technology, allowing users to control Sky Player by gesture and voice.
AllofUs have completed work for a range of companies such as Renault, Playstation and even the BBC.
The second company that i came across was Checkland and Kindleysides...
In three decades of designing, Checkland and Kindleysides have grown with creative diversity and an ability to create work that is physically and commercially successful.
While looking through their work i found out that they did the rebranding for Bentley.
 |
| Image taken from checklandkindleysides.com |
While searching through design intellect i also found the following three companies;
One of the work that i liked from Design Bridge was their rebranding of Tiger beer. As well as rebranding Design Bridge also have to make sure that Tiger beer never lose its relevance to the young asian consumers.
 |
| Image taken from designbridge.com |
Elmwood...
One of their most recognising work that many people don't know is the rebranding and redesigning of durex and its packages.
 |
| Image taken from elmwood.com |
They have work with leading brands, major multinational corporations. Companies they claim 'your mum will have heard of'. These are including a market-leading telecoms brand, Britain's biggest energy supplier, one of Whitehall's premier departments, a leading international children's charity and the UK's largest retail banking group.
From viewing Rufus Leonard's online portfolio i found that they played a pivotal role in updating the Churchill, by completely transforming the website and simplifying the process from quote to purchase. They claim 'By developing web initiatives through new online channels, they not only helped Churchill interact with existing customers, but also reach out to new audiences, in a cluttered and competitive marketplace'.
 |
| Image taken from rufusleonard.com |
Friday 14 October 2011
What skill set's are needed by a Graphic Designer?
Being a Graphic Designer means you have to utilise a lot of skills to help you succeed in the industry.
Because all work is client based briefs the most fundamental skill that a designer could hold is the ability to communicate. Both the designer and client need to be able to understand each other and understand what the requirements of the final outcome must be. The ability to communicate is also necessary for the designer to able to know how the client would like research and designs presented to him. This could be in a interactive form or even in an unconventional way. Without the ability to communicate properly the chances are that the client or designer won't be happy with the final outcome.
Another skill that is expected of designers is the ability to organise their work sufficiently. Keeping all their work in clean and tidy folders so that current and previous work can be found easily. It is also required that all work is backed up if completed on the computer and stored in a safe place.
As well as being able to project manage and be organised, time management is also a skill needed. It is critical that designers know when and how they will complete tasks as this will affect the pricing of the entire brief.
Creative thinking and professionalism is also skills that will help designers succeed in the industry. This is because designers will need to be able to think outside the box and be creative with their ideas to help add value to the products that are being created. Professionalism is must be another skill that a designer must have and this is because they must have the desire and interest to complete every job to the best of their ability while holding a positive attitude towards all clients.
One of the main skills required apart from communication that is need would have to be the ability to network. Building a network in the 'design world' will help boost the designers career, this is because most of the jobs that a designer will get would be from 'word of mouth'. If a previous client really liked the work you completed for them , then they would be happy to pass on your details to a friend/colleague. Networking is also required because having a good group of colleagues and other designers around you will help you improve and hopefully succeed further in the industry.
Tuesday 11 October 2011
What Job Opportunities Exist?
There are many job opportunities that exist for a Graphic Designer. The standard Designer might only step their toe into only one pool of the design world. However with technology growing day by day, most designers have to gain experience in all the types of media available.
Here are some current local and national job opportunities around for a 'Graphic Designer' full time and part time.
- www.createanet.co.uk
Applicants will need to be able to work inside Photoshops workflow blindfolded, and have ability to develop clean, semantic XHTML/CSS. The successful applicants responsibilities will include: * Work collaboratively with team members and meet timelines * Troubleshooting issues with existing websites/systems * Conceptual designs for new interesting clients * Working with a project from conception to launch * Creating + turning comps into full XHTML driven templates...
Click here for full details
- www.pro-logo-design.com
A freelance Logo Designer is required! Pro Logo Design are a logo design company specialising in professional logo design, corporate identity design and print management for businesses of all types and sizes in the UK, Europe and America. Their in-depth knowledge of logo design and the design industry combines with the advanced skills and creativity of their design team to allow them to consistently provide clean, polished, professional brand identities that are effective, guaranteed to make a lasting impression, and above all, promote their companies in the best way possible....
Click here for full details
- www.crccasia.com
The CRCC Asia China Internship Program introduces motivated students and recent graduates to business culture in Beijing and Shanghai. CRCC Asia works with some of China's leading Chinese and multinational companies, across a variety of sectors. With a CRCC Asia work placement for one or two months in Beijing or Shanghai, you will gain insight into the Chinese business environment and gain key transferable skills...
Click here for full details
www.printing.com
The Design Executive is to offer innovative creative solutions to our clients. You will be based in one of our outlets in the UK or Ireland. Design Executives are responsible for creating great, eye-catching designs across a wide range of products including stationery, leaflets and corporate identities. Typical clients are usually small to medium-sized business looking to make the most from their money. Our Design Executives also have the opportunity to liaise with clients...
Click here for full details
www.cineon-productions.com
Exeter based video production company Cineon Productions is looking for camera operators to work for them on a freelance basis, taking on casual paid contracts across the South West region...
Click here for full details
The successful applicant will be helping to design furniture layouts for the luxury boat market. This means they will need to have innovative ideas & be able to draw this up in 2D/3D & follow through to production. You will join a fast paced In-house Design Team on the development of current/new Motoryacht furniture, GRP mouldings and components. They will have the freedom to create...
Click here for full details
As you can see from some of the job opportunities that are currently available a creative, imaginative and committed approach to every job search will be the key to success.
Here are some current local and national job opportunities around for a 'Graphic Designer' full time and part time.
Web Designer
- www.createanet.co.ukApplicants will need to be able to work inside Photoshops workflow blindfolded, and have ability to develop clean, semantic XHTML/CSS. The successful applicants responsibilities will include: * Work collaboratively with team members and meet timelines * Troubleshooting issues with existing websites/systems * Conceptual designs for new interesting clients * Working with a project from conception to launch * Creating + turning comps into full XHTML driven templates...
Click here for full details
Logo Designer
- www.pro-logo-design.com
A freelance Logo Designer is required! Pro Logo Design are a logo design company specialising in professional logo design, corporate identity design and print management for businesses of all types and sizes in the UK, Europe and America. Their in-depth knowledge of logo design and the design industry combines with the advanced skills and creativity of their design team to allow them to consistently provide clean, polished, professional brand identities that are effective, guaranteed to make a lasting impression, and above all, promote their companies in the best way possible....
Click here for full details
Marketing Manager
- www.crccasia.com The CRCC Asia China Internship Program introduces motivated students and recent graduates to business culture in Beijing and Shanghai. CRCC Asia works with some of China's leading Chinese and multinational companies, across a variety of sectors. With a CRCC Asia work placement for one or two months in Beijing or Shanghai, you will gain insight into the Chinese business environment and gain key transferable skills...
Click here for full details
Design Executive
www.printing.com The Design Executive is to offer innovative creative solutions to our clients. You will be based in one of our outlets in the UK or Ireland. Design Executives are responsible for creating great, eye-catching designs across a wide range of products including stationery, leaflets and corporate identities. Typical clients are usually small to medium-sized business looking to make the most from their money. Our Design Executives also have the opportunity to liaise with clients...
Click here for full details
Freelance Camera Operators
www.cineon-productions.com
Exeter based video production company Cineon Productions is looking for camera operators to work for them on a freelance basis, taking on casual paid contracts across the South West region...
Click here for full details
Interior Boat Designer
http://www.tqr.co.uk/
The successful applicant will be helping to design furniture layouts for the luxury boat market. This means they will need to have innovative ideas & be able to draw this up in 2D/3D & follow through to production. You will join a fast paced In-house Design Team on the development of current/new Motoryacht furniture, GRP mouldings and components. They will have the freedom to create...
Click here for full details
As you can see from some of the job opportunities that are currently available a creative, imaginative and committed approach to every job search will be the key to success.
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