Graphic Designer Jobs in Nigeria (Page 16)

Who is a graphics designer?

A graphic designer creates visual concepts, using computer software or by hand, to communicate ideas that inspire, inform, or captivate consumers. They work in a variety of industries, including advertising, marketing, and publishing, and use their skills to create logos, brochures, websites, packaging, and other promotional materials. Graphic designers are responsible for creating visually appealing designs that communicate a specific message or concept to the intended audience. They must also have an understanding of the latest design trends and software, as well as an ability to work collaboratively with other designers and clients.

The role of a graphic designer is essential in the creation of a brand image and the promotion of a company's products or services. They are responsible for creating designs that are not only visually appealing but also effectively communicate the intended message. Graphic designers must have a keen eye for detail, excellent communication skills, and the ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines. They must also have a good understanding of colour theory, typography, and layout design to ensure that the final product is both aesthetically pleasing and functional.

What does a graphics designer do?

• Study design briefs and determine requirements

• Advise clients on strategies to engage target audiences

• Identify the best ways to illustrate and communicate clients’ vision while complying with design best practices

• Create designs using illustration, photo editing and layout software

• Select colors, images, typography and layout for communication materials, including websites, logos, signs, books, magazine covers, annual reports, advertisements, and social media posts

• Illustrating concepts by designing rough drafts of art arrangement, font size, and style, and submitting for approval

• Produce drafts for client review and make revisions based on feedback received

• Collaborate with clients, Art Directors, and creative team members such as marketing, sales, and business operations, throughout the various phases of a project to determine project scope and deliverables

• Use digital graphic design software to create graphic images and design layouts that communicate company messaging and achieve artistic or decorative effects, including a selection of colors, images, and fonts

• Communicate designs and concepts to clients or Art Directors before incorporating their recommended changes into revised designs

• Testing graphics across various media

• Amending designs based on client and stakeholder feedback

• Ensuring final graphics and layouts are visually appealing and on-brand

• Review final graphic designs for errors before publishing

• Keep up-to-date with the latest design trends, tools, and technologies

Skills needed for a graphics designer 

• Audience targeting helps to identify and analyse who the design is intended to appeal to and why. 

• Colour theory is a series of rules and guidelines to apply to the work to create aesthetically pleasing visuals. This involves choosing an appropriate colour palette for a project and understanding how people perceive colour in various situations.

• Communication skills help to communicate, actively listen, problem-solve, and understand what clients and stakeholders need when collaborating on a project. 

• Computer-aided design (CAD) software helps to create complex two- and three-dimensional designs. Some computer software programs used in graphic design include Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, Dreamweaver, Paintshop Pro, and Corel Graphics Suite.

• Computerised sketching gives creative flexibility that sketching and colouring by hand cannot offer. Sketching software also allows to implementation of changes to a design quickly.

• Layout helps to effectively manipulate the visual space of a print page or screen to attract readers or visitors.

• Typeface design helps to tell appropriate, pleasing, and easy-to-read stories using the right font and typeface categories.

• Website development gives the knowledge to design on various content management platforms. Although it may only sometimes be necessary, understanding multiple programming languages, such as HTML and CSS, can go far.

Common Roles for a Graphics Designer 

1. Creative Director

2. Art Director

3. Art Production Manager

4. Package Designer

5. Brand Identity Developer

6. Visual Image Developer

7. Visual Journalist

8. Broadcast Designer

9. Logo Designer

10. Interface Designer

11. Web Designer

12. Multimedia Developer Content Developer