Since the evolution of humans, we have come a long way, adding various elements, including letters, words, and dialects, through the diverse communication systems and languages across. In the past decades, the evolution of computer technology has introduced graphics design.
As technology advances faster, graphics design tools are expanding with widespread applications in various fields. It has led to massive growth in the graphics design industry resulting in the development of industry-ready graphics design education and opening new career opportunities for young talented graphic designers.
Graphics design education
Graphics designing is an amalgamation of art and technology that equips us with the tool to articulate and communicate ideas through non-verbal visual elements with the world. Experts identify eight types and graphics designs as follows:
- Visual identity graphic design
- Marketing and advertising graphic design
- User interface graphic design
- Publication graphic design
- Packaging graphic design
- Motion graphic design
- Environment graphic design
- Art and illustration graphic design
Owing to the expanse of graphics design modalities, students from various backgrounds can choose a career path in the industry. Many graphics design institutes in Pune offer exclusive courses in the discipline. They can be mainstream or short-term programs.
- Bachelor of Design (B. Des) in graphics designing
It is a four-year, semester-based undergraduate program with a comprehensive course structure that provides an in-depth understanding of the discipline. Students learn the principles of design and technologies implemented in the field.
Students who have passed 10+2 standards from a recognized education board, without restriction on the stream, are eligible to pursue B. Des. The aspirants must appear for the entrance exam stipulated by institutes. It comprises written tests, drawing tests, and interviews. Entrance exams for some institutes do not conduct interviews.
Students can opt for specialisations, which include Fashion Designing, Interior Designing, Accessory Designing, Textile Designing, Graphic Designing, Multimedia Designing, VFX Design, Visual Communication, and Game Designing. The curriculum includes CAD, CAM, product development, marketing, specialisation-specific, vocational, elective subjects, and personality and skill development subjects.
In addition, top institutes organise co-curricular events, including seminars, guest lectures from accomplished designers, presentations, designing competitions, and workshops. It encourages students to take initiatives for self-development and broadens their perspectives in graphics design. Nevertheless, they introduce new ideas and improve their knowledge.
Institutes exclusively dedicated to graphic design education strive towards building a foundation for the career of their students by providing opportunities to make a place for them in a company. They exhibit collaborations with various industries, which offer internship and employment opportunities to exceptional students who prove their technical capabilities and creativity in graphics design.
- Master of Design (M. Des) in graphics designing
It is a 2-year postgraduate program for students who want to specialise in graphics design. The course helps students deepen their knowledge and hone skills in graphics design.
Students with an undergraduate degree or diploma in design are eligible for the program. Candidates with a bachelor’s degree in architecture or engineering can also take up the course. The selection of candidates is based on the merits achieved in the common entrance exam for design (CEED) for B. Des candidates, while applicants holding degrees in engineering or architecture are selected based on their GATE (General Aptitude Test in Engineering) score.
The course design aims to expand the knowledge of graphics designing and technology and deepen the understanding of the concepts introduced to the students in their previous program.
The postgraduate degree enhances the credibility of the students for job opportunities based on the level of their understanding and their creativity. The students are more likely to land a job through campus placements. However, the institutes collaborate with high-profile companies looking for talented graphic designers because the postgraduates have exceptional skills and exposure to the industry through internships and projects.
- Short-term courses in graphics design
Many institutes and coaching centres offer short-term graphics design courses in Pune. The duration of these courses varies between 45 days to one year. While the 10th standard is the eligibility for some, the others require the minimum qualification of +2 or equivalent graduation from any stream.
Some courses introduce the candidates to graphics design and give an overview of various aspects of the discipline and technology. On the other hand, some of them teach advanced techniques and tools. The aspirants should choose the courses based on their qualifications, interests, and career prospects.
Desirable characteristics for a graphic design profession
Though graphic design involves technology and demands in-depth knowledge of tools and techniques, creativity is the key to a successful career in the industry. Following are the qualities and skills overlooked by employers in the candidates.
- Soft skills
Interpersonal skills play a role in the performance of graphic designers. Hence, recruiters look for candidates with the following soft skills.
- Active listening
- Clear and concise communication
- Time management
- Ability to comprehend and accept constructive criticism
- Patience
- Storytelling abilities
- Discipline
- Attention to detail
- Technical skills
In addition to the core techniques of graphic design, candidates with the following skills have advantages.
- Adobe creative suite
- Typesetting
- Social media
- Website design
- Packaging
- Project management
- Marketing materials
- Art direction
- Digital design
- Illustration
- The conscience of staying up to date
Technology is advancing faster and introducing new tools and techniques in most industries. The only way to remain relevant and improve the credentials is to keep up with graphics design trends. The current list includes the following elements.
- AI Design
- Abstract 3D
- Risoprint
- Holographic Surrealism
- Minimal Layouts
- Modern Nostalgia
- Brutal Grunge
- Candy Colored Palettes
Graphic design career opportunities
According to a report published in September 2022, the graphics design industry in India is growing at a rate of 23 to 25 per cent annually.
Some popular types of graphic designer jobs are as follows:
- Graphic designer
The roles of graphic designers are broad and depend on the industry. Primarily, they develop graphics and layouts for product illustrations, company logos, websites, and more.
- User experience designer
The position fabricates processes, products, and services to make them seamless for users. It involves gathering the user experience, interpreting the feedback, and revising the products for better usability and other quality parameters.
- User interface designer
The user interface is a subset of user experience and applies to digital tools and applications. The position involves designing and improvising the elements of screens and web pages.
- Multimedia artists of animators
The primary role of an animator is to design complex graphics and animations using computer programs.
- Art directors
They devise and develop a visual style and content in magazines, newspapers, product packaging, and movie and television productions to meet the objectives, such as marketing.
- Product developer
It involves collaborating with the technical product development team, performing industry research, creating illustrations, presenting the product to employers or stakeholders, and contributing to the development process.
The career opportunities extend into other roles across various industries as follows.
- Animation designer
- Marketing specialist
- Interior designer
- 3D designer
- Automobile designer
- Textiles designer
- Digital designer
- creative director
- Fashion designer
Summing up
Graphic designing has a bright future with ample career paths across various industries. The data from the surveys and studies support the forecast of increasing job opportunities. Regardless of educational background, candidates from different professions and streams can take courses to acquire technical skills and knowledge of graphics design and pursue a career in the industry.
