Computer Graphics Design and The Workplace Part 3: Life As A Designer

by Yuan-Wei Tan

In my last two posts, I talked about the benefits bestowed by learning basic computer-graphics design and explored some of the free resources available for beginners interested in picking up this skill.

Today, I'll be talking with two computer-graphics design undergraduates from Purdue, Danny Chesla and Erik Kupsis, to gain a bit of insight into the mindset of a computer-graphics designer and to see if they have any advice to share.

Why do you feel computer-graphics design is important?

Danny: Graphic Design is important because it sells/promotes the product/event or whatever you are making it for. Graphic Design is what gets the initial interest for the customer.

Erik: It's important because it breaks monotony, it's what makes 1 poster promoting the same thing better than the other.
 

What are the usual tasks handled by a computer-graphics designer in an office?

Danny: The graphic designer is normally responsible for logo or poster designs for a product. They create the logo and put together the visual aspects needed for a advertising campaign.

Erik: Usual tasks = pleasing the client with whatever they're asking. One day it's a 100th birthday banner for their grandpa and family to take photos around and remember that day. Another day you're promoting dill pickles. There's nothing really that usual I guess.


What is a good way for a beginner to start learning computer-graphics design?

Danny: There are many different tutorials available for people who are new to graphic design. Youtube/other online tutorials are very helpful in getting started. Once you have learned the basics there are also books made by Adobe to help go more in depth.

Erik: Good way for a beginner to start is just be passionate about it. Whatever you 'need' to do will fall into place.

Thus, we can conclude that learning basic computer-graphics design is an easy and cheap yet highly effective way to differentiate yourself from other employees and to serve a role that is very useful in a typical office-environment. The ability to take on extra design tasks is certain to get you noticed by your employer and will also make a good addition to the "knowledge, skills and abilities" (KSAs) section of your resume when it comes time to impress the human-resources department of a potential new job.