In Canada, becoming a graphic designer has never been easier. And, no, a standard degree in graphic design is not required to work as one. However, regardless of your educational background, working as a graphics designer requires extensive knowledge of and proficiency with graphic design tools.
This article will discuss the seven steps required to become a graphic designer in Canada and the fascinating work that graphic designers do. Let’s get going!
Who are designers of graphics?
You might have an image in your head of a graphic designer. But put aside the stereotypes and clichés of the coffee-drinking, bespectacled, hoodie-wearing character you envision. Simply put, graphic designers are storytellers of images. Therefore, a graphic designer is a visual communicator who develops concepts that captivate, educate, and engage audiences through drawing or the use of specialized software.
On average, graphic designers in Canada earn $46,971 per year. However, the average annual salary for experienced graphic designers is up to $60,496.
What are graphic designers’ duties?
Now that you have a better idea of who graphic designers are, you probably have an interest in the specific responsibilities that graphic designers have on a daily basis. To create images that are useful, meaningful, and practical, a graphics designer employs a variety of methods. Their work is mostly determined by what their customers or the company want. However, the following are examples of general designer responsibilities:
- creating a visual overlay for postings on social media.
- putting together visual materials to support a marketing campaign.
- formalizing a print advertisement’s layout.
- Retouching photographs for digital signage.
- giving customers advice on how to engage with the target audience.
- figuring out the best ways to show and communicate the client’s vision.
- Throughout the many phases of the project, collaboration with other team members in areas like marketing, sales, and business operations.
making changes to the final design that were suggested by the client.
Before designs are printed or published, they are checked for errors. - Keep up with the latest design trends and technologies.
Why go to Canada to become a graphic designer?
Since businesses in marketing, manufacturing, advertising, publishing, and other specialized fields constantly seek out skilled and talented designers, graphic designers are in high demand in Canada. Additionally, Alberta’s robust tourism, interactive digital media, and industrial sectors provide excellent career opportunities for graphic designers.
Toronto is another city with a lot of graphic design studios, advertising agencies, web service providers, and other organizations looking to hire designers. Other advantages of working as a graphic designer in Canada include the following:
- Graphic designers earn a respectable salary.
- As a graphic designer, you can work in the interior.
- You can work for yourself.
- There is a good work-life balance among graphic designers.
- You can work in a variety of settings; Your employment is not restricted to a single sector.
- Graphic designers have good job prospects, especially in Alberta, Toronto, and other places.
- Graphic designers will frequently be able to work remotely.
- Your creativity helps you bring your imagination to life, just like fashion designers do.
How to Get a Job as a Graphic Designer in Canada
#1. Learn the principles of graphic design.
The fundamentals of graphic design must be thoroughly understood by every potential graphic designer. Good design necessitates extensive preparation and the ability to apply design theory and concepts. Graphic designers must take into account lines, color, texture, shape, typography, harmony, and other elements to create something spectacular. Design is influenced by each of these factors, as well as how an audience feels.
#2. Take a graphic design class.
Through projects and assignments, a graphic design course will teach you design principles and help you improve your skills. In addition, the training will introduce you to mentors and coworkers who will be of tremendous assistance as you broaden your network. There are a number of learning options, from traditional academic courses to more adaptable online courses. You need to pick one that works best for you.
#3. Learn about important tools for graphic design.
To produce a captivating project, graphic designers use a variety of tools and software. Most graphic designers use the Adobe Creative Suite. The remaining ones include: CorelDraw, GIMP, Gravit Designer, Adobe Photoshop/Illustrator/InDesign, Sketch, Lunacy, Inkscape, Mega Creator, Affinity Designer, etc.
These are only the most well-liked. Graphic designers have access to an abundance of additional tools. You’ll find the perfect one, whether you’re on a budget or not.
#4. Develop your skills by working on your projects.
Now that you have started a course and are familiar with some graphic design tools, it is time to practice. The best way to learn new skills and become an expert is to work on your design projects. It is possible to create fake logos and ads for real or imagined businesses. You could also try to improve a company’s existing design. This is a great way to identify and design for specific audiences. You could also work as a volunteer or intern at a local business or non-profit to expand your knowledge and experience.
#5. Create a stunning portfolio.
Whether you want to work full-time or freelance as a graphic designer, you must have a portfolio. You can use a portfolio to get an interview, apply for jobs, and be hired to do graphic design work for a variety of clients. Your portfolio might include copies of awards and design journals where your work has been published, personal and professional projects, and letters of recommendation from previous partners. Your portfolio needs to be of the highest quality because it will be the first thing that potential employers or clients see. It also needs to be unique enough to show your preferences and expertise in design.
#6. Select a specialization area.
Graphic designers typically choose one of two routes: A generalist is someone who is familiar with a lot of different design work, while a specialist is someone who focuses on one area. Many designers choose to specialize because they want to spend more time honing their skills and prefer one type of work over another. Some people choose to specialize because it is more profitable or allows them to reach a wider range of customers.
Some well-liked specializations include:
Logo Design and Brand Identity
Design of the environment.
Design for the layout and print
Design for Marketing and Advertising
Designing packaging.
Design of User Interfaces.
Mobile and web design.
Design for Publishing
Motion graphics and animation.
#7. Learn the basics of business.
Your company’s success or failure will depend on your ability to make sound business decisions. As a graphic designer, you should know how to make a business contract, figure out the cost of services, work with customers to meet deadlines, and take care of marketing projects.
In Canada, you need technical skills to be a graphic designer.
If you want to stand out from other graphic designers on the job market as an aspiring graphic designer, you need the right set of graphic design skills. In Canada, the most frequently required technical skills for graphic designers are as follows:
Principles of design
The Creative Cloud by Adobe®
Ideation.
Design for UI/UX.
Technologies like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript
Typography.
Branding.
Print design and project management.
Design of images.
Materials for marketing.
Illustration.
For graphic designers, soft skills.
Even if you have exceptional technical skills, it will be difficult for you to succeed in the design industry if you lack the soft skills that businesses require. You can communicate effectively, work with others, and build strong relationships with clients and coworkers thanks to these skills. As a result, some of them are as follows:
emotional maturity.
Creativity.
Management of time.
Storytelling.
ability to communicate.
Strategy.
Problem-solving.
Questions Most Frequently Asked
I don’t have to have a degree to become a graphic designer.
Yes, you don’t need a degree to become a graphic designer. As a result, acquiring formal design training will significantly increase your chances of finding employment in the field.
Can I independently learn graphic design?
Yes, but it isn’t as simple as it seems. However, if you want to become a successful designer, you can learn the design principles, methods, and software through online classes and tutorials.
In Canada, how long does it take to become a graphic designer?
A three- or four-year program in graphic arts or visual communications is recommended by the Society of Graphic Designers of Canada.
Conclusion.
You probably already know, after reading about how to become a graphic designer in Canada, that this creative profession has a lot going for it. This is a good career choice if you enjoy design, and Canada is a great place to practice it.
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