What are some common misconceptions about graphic design careers?

Design skills and design tools are two different things. The tools matter less than understanding the science behind design. If you know the rules of design, then you can use whatever tools you want. But knowing how to open software doesn't mean you understand visual hierarchy, user eye flows, spacing, typography, visual grids, or any of the other "tricks" successful designers know and use.

NO! CANVA basics don’t make you a graphic designer! If you can throw two terms like layout and colour does not mean you have made it! Okay bye!

This may upset a few Canva ‘designers’. Canva is a great tool for creating graphics but it does not make you a graphic designer. Learn about design and the go back to Canva and use it as a tool within your business. It’s the same with any other design product/tool such as Squarespace, InDesign, Illustrator and Photoshop etc. Learn about how to be a graphic designer then use the many tools for the relevant project.

Just like not everyone can become a chef with a recipe, graphic design needs more than software knowledge. It's an intricate blend of art and communication, with a dash of psychology thrown in. Ever tried designing a poster and couldn't get the colors just right? That's color theory for you!

Think graphic design is just logos? Try designing a user-friendly app interface or an engaging animation. From book covers to game graphics, design is everywhere. Ever admired a sleek website? That's the work of a graphic designer too!

So many of them out there think that Graphic Design is about only hard skills they underestimate the soft skills over it, and the biggest mistake they done in their career is avoiding sketching and lay-outing practice.

Graphic design spans far beyond logos and posters. It shapes websites, apps, packaging, and more. It's about visual storytelling, creating immersive user experiences, and making every visual element meaningful. The canvas is boundless.

I mean, yes, graphic design includes a huge part - designing posters, creatives and logos, but that's not all there is to "DESIGN" when we talk about it in a real sense. "Design" is an umbrella term under which web design, UI/UX design, motion graphic designs and even "graphic design" comes. So, it's not wrong to say that graphic design and poster design are synonymous; it's just about the niche that you are picking.

Yes, today I believe that graphic design is well beyond just logos and posters. Well beyond. However, when originally applying to post-secondary institutions (two decades ago), I remember presenting my fine art portfolio in front of a very stuffy panel of professors, who clearly were focused on how well I could design a logo/poster in a computer application vs the creative fine artist in front of them. Needless to say, I was denied from that program and I attended another one for...yep, Fine Art. In work experiences, both have been utilized; I think it's exciting what the evolution of the virtual world has opened up for graphic designers, but I would suggest that they also practice other art to expand themselves as they are true artists.

Sure, graphic design might not make you a millionaire overnight. But with skill development and portfolio expansion, it can be both stable and rewarding.

I think art careers in general can be low paying and that often times goes along with the artist's perception of their value. Some people follow a formula to find their value, what to charge. If you are great then charge more and when someone askes you why?? Because I am worth every penny!

You can have a very lucrative, stable career in design by doing these things: 1. Gain experience. Work at different kinds of agencies, work in-house, freelance, do pro bono work for non-profits. 2. Build relationships and do good work. These two combined are rocket fuel for any design career. 3. Never stop learning. The field is ever-changing – there are constantly new opportunities on the horizon. But only if you have a growth mindset. 4. Learn the language of business and how to tie your work to revenue. This alone will set you apart from many creatives and will increase your value proposition.

Nothing's gonna make you rich if you're not willing to do it for a significant period of time consistently. Talking about instability, in today's informative world one needs to keep on adapting to new ways and processes to stay relevant. In today's world, a graphic designer who doesn't use AI will definitely be paid less and have a huge gap with the designers who know how to utilize AI in their process.

Graphic design is very broad, designers must find their niche and what skills they are good at after getting the education, expand their communication skills and get right with their portfolios.

Graphic design isn't a lonely cubicle affair! Sure, it involves focused solo work, but it's far from boring. Designers are like creative social butterflies, buzzing with collaboration. They mingle with clients, colleagues, and other pros, sharing ideas and feedback. Plus, the work itself is a wild ride of variety. Designers jump from branding to websites to marketing materials – it's a visual adventure that keeps the creative juices flowing. So, graphic design is no snooze-fest; it's a dynamic, colorful, and social journey in itself!

Designing isn't a lonely game of solitaire. It's more like a team sport with constant collaboration. That amazing ad campaign you liked? It was likely brainstormed with marketers, developers, and other creatives.

Contrary to popular belief, graphic design is far from solitary or dull. It thrives on collaboration and creativity. Designers work closely with clients, marketing teams, and developers, infusing vitality into projects. Each day presents fresh challenges, ensuring a dynamic and engaging career. So, bid farewell to the misconception of a solitary profession; graphic design is a vibrant team effort.

If you're happy not learning something new everyday and you've lost all sense of curiosity in the field of your work - in this case Graphic designing, then YES, it's is a solitary and boring career:)

how can anything that is absolutely everywhere you live and breath be boring and solitary, its impossible. Yes an individual does the work either on there own or in collaboration with others, but ultimately as it an idea progresses it starts to involve others, even the intial inspiration may come from someone or something

Telling a designer they can do it all is like saying a baker can also be a sushi chef. Designers often have niches – some excel in typography while others rock animations. Found a quirky brand logo? Probably a designer's unique style shining through.

Asking a designer to do all tasks is like asking a dental surgeon to do a heart transplant honestly. Yes everyone knows basics but when it comes to hiring a designer keep in mind that they are expert in one thing, yes they may do all but it will be average or not even good at all

Due to the fact that it is everywhere, in almost everything we do and see, it will never be a one size fits all career, some one may be good at motor sport graphics while someone might be good at signs or food packagin or billboard advertisments, its everywhere

That's true of some people and very true of some client expectations. It is however, up to the designer to establish who and what they are, what they are comfortable doing and what value they bring to a project. Remember, it is a business first. You have clients that pay you for a level of work that is satisfying to their customers... first and foremost. You can't do everything well, no one can, so remain open to having limitations and open to leaving other skills to people who simply do them better than you can. Talent rubs off as does having a healthy attitude that is centred on your client's final product.

Graphic design isn't a 'one-size-fits-all' profession, contrary to popular belief. Designers aren't expected to master every aspect, nor are they confined to do so. Instead, they possess unique styles, strengths, and specialties, allowing for diverse approaches. Every designer has distinct preferences and goals, leading them to explore varied niches or specialize in specific areas. This flexibility enables designers to carve their paths—focusing on specific domains or experimenting across different realms within graphic design. It's a profession characterized by its adaptability and diversity, not defined by rigid expectations or uniformity.

Design can be fun, but it's not always rainbows. It has its days of client revisions, feedback loops, and the infamous creative block. Remember the last time an app update looked off? Behind it was probably a designer working overtime to fix it!

Graphic design isn't always the glamorous, fun endeavor often portrayed. While it offers satisfaction, it's not immune to stress or frustration. Dealing with demanding clients, tight deadlines, critique, technical glitches, or creative blocks can make it challenging. The profession demands exhaustive efforts, long hours, and constant revisions, making it more than a walk in the park. It's serious, demanding work that requires resilience and a willingness to navigate through the complexities and pressures inherent in the field.

While glamorous in its own way, graphic design isn't always glitz and glamour. It demands hard work, precision, and constant adaptation. It's a fulfilling, creative journey, but it's not all play—it's serious craft and dedication.

any career is what you make of it, there will always be ups and downs, there is a saying " DO WHAT YOU LOVE, LOVE WHAT YOU DO AND YOU WILL NEVER WORK A DAY IN YOUR LIFE" to be good or great at what you do you have to enjoy what you do.

Graphic designers will have occasionally glamorous and fun clients they can tout. Or, perhaps, they finish a project that everyone is gushing about. More likely, a graphic designer will work hard at listening to clients, doing work reliably and on-time, and discover a that a good reputation isn't far behind. Maybe they'll be feted at an event for something they've done. Even better, a glamorous and fun client will call and say, "I've seen your work and heard good things about you. Can we meet?"

What I have seen a lot among graphic design professionals is believing that they are an artist, the work they are doing is their art, and the client and his demands are an obstacle in their way to produce said great art. Actually, when you become a designer you are a problem-solver who brings delight - you try to understand what the problem is, diagnose it in the right way, and provide the best solution you are capable of for a visual/communications problem. Working together with the client brings the best possible results as they are a specialist in their business and the designer is the expert on how to communicate whatever they have to say best. If you want to be an artist - be an artist, but then don't work with clients.

It’s really important if you are working in graphic design for temporary or permanent design activations that you educate yourself on substrates and every material that could be considered for the application needed. If you aren’t knowledgeable about this, I highly recommend you reach out to a professional signage company that has an extensive portfolio to ask if they can help you learn about all of the most current materials your designs can be applied on. It’s equally important to understand this process when building a budget for an activation to ensure your creative vision is aligned with the costs of those materials before you pitch a design to a client or your team.

Misconceptions about graphic design abound. It's not just about making things pretty; it's problem-solving through visuals. A common belief is that you must be a natural artist, but skills can be learned and refined. Additionally, it's not limited to print; digital design is equally crucial. Lastly, freelancing isn't the only path; in-house and agency roles offer diverse opportunities.

Graphic design connects spaces, logic and dreams into a visual landscape. The designer has to be able to dream, learn logic and connect the spaces. Forget one of these and the design will fail to connect.

Another myth is that you need a university degree to become a graphic designer or a creative in general. You don't. You need a love for visual elements, pro-activeness and a desire to learn. There are plenty of fabulous self-taught designers out there.