Why you should never become a Graphic Designer.

Yesterday, in an argument between a few young men who boasted of being good designers one chipped in, "Once you say you are a Graphic designer in Ghana your reputation drops from 100% to 0%" (I don't know how true that is though). They laughed him off and made more comments about how not to base your judgement on regional beliefs.

Sadly, the young man is right in a way.

Hold your horses, I am eager to clear the confusion as much as you want me to.

Ride with me...

I have heard many people market the luxury and prospects surrounding the design industry. The generous use of colours, combination of lines, shapes principles and elements and even creating things that have never been imagined before. In itself, there is nothing wrong with understanding these because they embody the formula of everything that has ever been created. Art is beauty, design is purposeful in its function.

Getting into the design world is like a cold shower of ease and expression for which many have glided into the industry fully invested in just the expressive aspect and use of the latest tools. Some have bought the story that graphic design is a tech skill, and they begin to dream of gaining ground in tech. Here is the question they are not asking.

"Where is the growth pathway in this career?"

"How do I navigate the business side of the industry?"

"Are there unexplored niches that could give me the edge in the densely saturated world of design?" etc

"Graphic design is just one part of the overall marketing strategy," says Jessica Hische, a renowned graphic designer and author. "To really make an impact, you need to understand how your design fits into the bigger picture."

To answer a few of these questions.

1. Graphic design is not a Tech skill, it's a digital skill.
2. Graphic designers are housed in the Marketing department of every company/organization.
3. Your best work will be grossly subjected to the scrutiny of those who have little or no idea of the design process.
4. Your growth path depends on how much you are willing to learn and improve till you decide to establish a business around your skill.
5. Anyone with mastery of the generative AI can take your job.

Don't forget I have been a graphic designer for many years working both as a freelancer and as a part of several organizations. I enjoy the fulfilment of seeing my projects delivered and displayed in different forms and platforms. I have taught and am still teaching design and creativity enthusiasts the skill. I always and always will emphasize the fact that all forms of skills are needed to become a business or else you will keep being a tool in someone else's business growth.

I am a sucker for leadership and growth, I wake up every day to see other women especially mothers take themselves from a point of dependence to successfully build a business from her comfort zone.

Back to our conversation...

As a graphic designer, you may feel like you've reached a plateau in your career because clients aren't coming as before. The pricing is becoming ridiculous. No doubt, you're skilled at creating visually appealing designs, but you're not sure how to take your career to the next level. However, it's important to remember that graphic design is just one aspect of the marketing department, and there are many other skills you can develop to expand your career horizons.

One way to expand your skills is to learn about other areas of marketing, such as copywriting, social media management, and project management. This will not only make you a more valuable asset to your company, but it will also give you a deeper understanding of how your design work fits into the overall marketing strategy.

"Designers who can think strategically and understand the business goals of their clients are the ones who will succeed in the long term," says Debbie Millman, a designer and author.

Another way to expand your skills is to learn about technology and coding. In today's digital landscape, designers need to be able to create designs that are not only visually appealing but also functional and user-friendly.

"Designers who can code are in high demand," says Chris Do, a designer and entrepreneur. "It's no longer enough to just be a good designer - you need to be able to bring your designs to life."

In addition to expanding your skills, it's also important to stay up-to-date with industry trends and best practices. This can be done by attending conferences, workshops, and online courses.

"The design industry is constantly evolving, and it's important to stay ahead of the curve," says Sean Adams, a designer and educator. "By continuously learning and growing, you can stay ahead of the competition and achieve your career goals."

In conclusion, while graphic design is an important skill, it's not the only skill you need to succeed in the marketing department. By expanding your skills, staying up-to-date with industry trends, and continuously learning and growing, you can take your career to the next level and achieve your goals.

Here are some quotes from renowned graphic designers and successful business owners that you could further help our understanding of the subject matter:

- "Graphic design is just one part of the overall marketing strategy. To really make an impact, you need to understand how your design fits into the bigger picture." - Jessica Hische

- "Designers who can think strategically and understand the business goals of their clients are the ones who will succeed in the long term." - Debbie Millman

- "Designers who can code are in high demand. It's no longer enough to just be a good designer - you need to be able to bring your designs to life." - Chris Do

- "The design industry is constantly evolving, and it's important to stay ahead of the curve. By continuously learning and growing, you can stay ahead of the competition and achieve your career goals." - Sean Adams

I hope this helps you to decide today what you hope to achieve as a Graphic designer. In case you are that women who believe in growth and leadership in the Tech and digital industry register for the Sh'Innovates Africa Virtual Conference 2024 and learn how these successful women are breaking records in their Tech careers.

I'm Frances Aborigho and I'm a speaker, trainer, coach, and founder of SH'EMERGE who gets excited about helping women especially young mums enjoy the benefits of working and being part of their child's developmental milestones. I share information about Designs, Coaching, Women in Tech, Careers and parenting.

#graphicdesign #womenintechnology #careergrowth #remotejobs