Graphic Design: Rising to the Challenge
- Date
- 01 October 2008
Technology has changed the working lives in many careers, in some cases, technology has simplified a task or in others, replaced the requirement with an automated system. A few careers have changed dramatically, not just changing the methodology, but expanding the range of possibilities and even generating totally new challenges. Graphic design is one of those careers. The design profession still demands the same two essential qualities, a brain with the benefit of creative vision and an eye that understands what works and what doesn't, but, now added to that, technology demands an intricate working ability to take that vision, and that creative sense, and, with clever software, turn the idea into reality through a computer. Software manufacturers bring suites of complimentary softwares together: to scan and manipulate the imagery; to help produce original pieces of art and to make really clever professional publishing even more creative. For computer buffs there are softwares based on code input to produce websites, for those with a greater leaning to design, less direct code input and more creativity fits the requirement much better. The sight of art studios with of neat rows of computers has given way to many artists and designers working from home bringing less travel costs and a little less pollution and congestion on the roads, buses and trains. 'Home' - the place to be - all the comforts, less aggravation, away from the company politics - something arty people prefer - so working from home has become a way of life for many artists and designers with the ability to manipulate the all encompassing, purpose built art studio machine, the AppleMac. Such work is compelling, artists are made from the stuff that makes them lock themselves away until the job is perfect, so working from home isn't too difficult for them. A mind for business is the key, to understand how to communicate; to network; to market the talents and to make a profit. Then to use all the skills of copy writing; creating benefit headlines; layout and design; typography; understanding colour; shape; image manipulation and all the technology that goes with it through production to get it to print, manufacture or the ever expanding World Wide Web. Never has such an industry been apparently so damaged by the world believing owning a computer makes the owner a designer, but never has the designer had such an increased opportunity to provide talents in a world that can never have enough professional creativity. Alan Reading is proprietor of Custom Marketing Resources, just starting its' fifteenth year, working from his home in Marden, producing creative branding, design, marketing, printing, web design and hosting. 01622 820 841. www.cmr-group.co.uk - provides downloads, and information for anyone in business, including the article in the new publication in Kent - Start Your Own Business, and Keeping Branding Contemporary - published in Kent Business and Thinking Business magazines.
