When I graduated from graphic design school in 2012, graphic designer was a profession that primarily focused on marketing a company’s brand identity. You had to be knowledgable on things like color theory, font management, typography, Adobe Creative software and other technical skills I won’t go in depth with.
Utilizing these skills you can design cool things such as logos, corporate identities, brochures, flyers, ads, postcards and more. These designs are very useful and needed to market a company’s brand, however the role and value of a graphic designer has drastically changed since I finished school. Let’s examine why and how.
Why
As a result of the great recession in 2007-08, the unemployment rate soared and companies that were hiring realized their employees had to do more with less. That meant for many companies you had to wear many hats to get the job done. A graphic designer was no different. As a matter of fact, the role of a graphic designer expanded probably more that most professions because you can generalize the position in marketing to do many things. Let me illustrate how the role has changed.
How
With the advancement of technologies and growing marketing needs for many companies, a graphic designer is required to be proficient in many more areas nowadays than a few years ago. These areas include web design and development, content management systems, SEO, website maintenance, content marketing, social media marketing, email marketing, video creation and editing.
The title of a graphic designer has also evolved and can now carry such titles as visual designer, graphic artist, marketing coordinator, marketing consultant, marketing specialist, presentation designer, and ui/ux designer. Some of these have specialize skills but most skills overlap from one title to another.
I learned first hand what companies are looking for nowadays in a graphic designer having at one time being in the market seeking a job. I realize then and even more now that you must continue to hone your skills and adapt to new technologies to meet the marketing needs of businesses.
If you need a graphic designer (AKA multiple hat wearer) to help market your business please contact us today. Aside from my love for graphic design, you are the reason I grow as a designer to help you reach your business goals in a ever changing business world.
