Graphic Design is an artistic and professional discipline that focuses on visual communication and presentation toward the goal of delivering a message or creating a product. Possible graphic design occupational titles include: graphic designer, graphic artist, production artist, designer, creative director, artist, design director, creative manager, and desktop publisher.
Product design describes the process of imagining, creating, and iterating products that solve users’ problems or address specific needs in a given market. The key to successful product design is an understanding of the end-user customer, the person for whom the product is being created. Product designers attempt to solve real problems for real people by using both empathy and knowledge of their prospective customers’ habits, behaviors, frustrations, needs, and wants.
Things to Consider
Designers must combine creativity with functionality. Educational requirements vary. In some fields, graduate training is beneficial or required. Students can begin by observing professionals, talking with them, studying their art and technique, and obtaining experience through internships.
Students considering these fields are encouraged to reach out to their faculty and alumni to develop professional relationships and contacts. Portfolios are fundamental for demonstrating previous experience and should be adaptable to fit changing career narratives, as well as capable of demonstrating the process as well as the product.
