by Yuan-Wei Tan
The moments that most clearly demonstrate to me the importance of basic computer graphic design knowledge in the workplace are the times when lacking such knowledge completely prohibits the carrying-out of essential functions.
Such moments were a common occurrence during my internship here in the summer, things had to be done that could not be done until some kind of design was finalized and approved. While I was able to contribute in the form of opinions, I could not explain in precise detail what exactly had to be changed to achieve what I was suggesting. Unlike with a sketchbook and pencil, I could not create a rough visual outline with the software as I was completely unfamiliar with it's operation.
This deficiency in skills also meant that my colleague with the necessary knowledge ended up shouldering a larger share of tasks that should have been split evenly.
My internship revolves around various events that have to be planned and organized; this necessitates the creation of pamphlets, booklets, flyers, web-pages, e-mail banners, logos, advertisements and various other items. All require computer graphics design and many of the hold-ups I experienced over summer were due to design issues. As computer graphics gets incorporated into more and more of our media and the corporate world inevitably starts updating their employment qualifications, this is clearly a skill to have.
In my next two blog posts, I will be exploring the best ways for someone with completely zero knowledge of computer graphics design and a layperson's understanding of general computing to begin learning basic computer graphic design and application. First, I will explore some sources to start picking up some basic knowledge as well as an introduction to the software used here in the LACD office. Next, I will conduct an interview with two of my fellow interns who served in the role of computer graphics designer during some of our projects here.
In writing this, I hope to demonstrate the ease with which a skill that is an essential function in the modern office can be picked-up by anyone.
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