Graphic DesignerThe Real Poop

Almost everything that you see on your computer screen right now started in the head of a graphic designer; unless you’re still using MS-DOS, in which case we’re not real sure how you’re reading this. Graphic designers use photography, software programs, illustration, print layout, animation and type to deliver a message. (Ex. “Buy these sneakers!” – but more subtly than that) That message could be on a t-shirt, website, book, television show or even spray-painted on the street. Don’t get any ideas though – they usually get permission to do stuff like that. In today’s world, design elements are visible nearly everywhere in some form or another, so the range of work that a graphic designer may perform is a pretty wide one. Even governments use graphic designers to create signage for streets. Who are these little creativity gnomes popping up everywhere you look, and how do you get a start in the graphic design field so that you might one day become one of them? Time to make your mark, Mark.

^{Say hi to your mom for me.}

If you have a touch of the artistic bug, but prefer to make more money in your life than those starving half to death on Venice Beach or those desperately hawking their paintings for $10 a pop on eBay, you may have the correct mindset to become a graphic designer. While there is good money in graphic design, that shouldn’t be the motivating factor. At the root of it all, you should love art in all its forms. You should live to create, and to be inventive. And the good news is that you can do all your work on a computer, so you don’t have to worry about your hands being stained olive green from any oil-based paints.

Having a basic understanding of art history can also help you develop your own unique style. Over the centuries, artists have produced work that reflects their society and culture. Most art is a reaction to a specific ideology. For example, check out the artwork that was used on the cover of hip-hop albums from the 1980’s. (Yes, it was around back then.) Graffiti-inspired logos and designs that illustrated the idea that African American youth were fed up with the system. Well, it would be difficult for musicians to get their messages and branding across without the help of graphic designers. Especially those who can b-boy with the best of ‘em.