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Qualities of a Good Graphic Artist

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A good graphic artist brings together a mix of technical skill, creativity, and personal qualities that allow them to turn ideas into compelling visuals. Here are some key qualities:

Old Perfect NW Airlines Logo

🎨 Creative Vision

  • Strong imagination and the ability to think outside the box.
  • Can visualize concepts and communicate abstract ideas visually.
  • Knows how to evoke emotion or tell a story through design.

👁️ Attention to Detail

  • Notices alignment, spacing, color balance, and other small but important elements.
  • Precision matters—a clean, polished design makes a big difference.

🛠️ Technical Skills

  • Proficiency in design software like Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, or Figma.
  • Understanding of:
  • Familiarity with digital formats, print specs, and web design standards.

🧠 Problem-Solving Ability

  • Can translate complex ideas into simple, visual messages.
  • Finds creative solutions when faced with limitations like tight deadlines, unclear briefs, or limited resources.

🗣️ Communication Skills

  • Understands what clients or collaborators want and can explain design choices clearly.
  • Takes feedback well and uses it to improve the final result.

🔁 Adaptability

  • Can work in different styles or adjust to a brand’s identity.
  • Willing to learn new tools and trends to stay relevant.

📅 Time Management

  • Can prioritize tasks and meet deadlines.
  • Balances creativity with productivity, especially on fast-paced projects.

🤝 Collaboration & Openness

  • Works well with clients, marketers, developers, or other designers.
  • Accepts critique constructively and contributes positively to group efforts.

🧠 Understanding of Visual Hierarchy and UX

  • Designs for the user/viewer—not just for aesthetic appeal.
  • Knows how to guide the viewer’s eye and create intuitive, functional layouts.

Fully Online Degree Programs (Bachelor’s or Master’s)

Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD eLearning)

  • Degrees offered: BFA, MA, and MFA in Graphic Design.
  • Well-respected and designed for creatives who want a full academic experience.
  • Includes interactive critiques, studio work, and portfolio development.
  • Website: scad.edu/elearning

Liberty University Online

  • Degree offered: BS in Graphic Design.
  • Affordable, Christian-based school with a flexible schedule.
  • Focuses on technical and conceptual design skills.

Arizona State University (ASU Online)

  • Degree offered: Bachelor of Science in Graphic Information Technology.
  • Combines design with development and UX/UI concepts.
  • Good choice if you’re interested in both design and digital publishing/web.

Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU)

  • Degree offered: BA in Graphic Design (with or without a concentration in Web Design).
  • Very accessible and affordable, especially for working adults.

SEE IF YOU CAN DETERMINE THE REQUIRED COURSES FOR A GRAPHIC ARTS DEGREE AND THEN LOOK THROUGH THE SYLLABI (the roadmap for a course, the books, resources and course requirements). This can give you a clearer idea of what kind of skills and info you need to learn while earning the degree and will give you a “jump start” of acquiring those skills ahead of others.

If you can’t find a current syllabus for a course, then search the web for a “syllabus for COURSEID at INSTITUTIONNAME” and put the course ID where the word “COURSEID” is located. Someone who has already taken the course may post the syllabus they used online and this can give you a better idea of what is required in the course.

Magazine Graphic Artist

A Magazine Graphic Artist creates the visual layouts and designs for a magazine’s content, including articles, advertisements, and overall branding. These designers use software or hand-drawn methods to develop visual concepts and layouts. To become a magazine designer, a bachelor’s degree in graphic design, marketing, journalism, or a related field is often required, and experience through internships can be beneficial. 

How to Become a Magazine Designer

  1. Education: A bachelor’s degree in graphic design, communications, or a related field is often a requirement, or employers may consider applicants with several years of relevant experience in graphic design or layout design. 
  2. Gain Experience: Internships, entry-level positions as an art assistant or junior designer, and freelance work are valuable for building experience and refining your skills. 
  3. Develop Design Skills: Familiarize yourself with core design principles, including color theory, typography, layout, and image editing. 
  4. Master Design Software: Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator) is essential for creating magazine layouts. 
  5. Build a Portfolio: A well-curated portfolio is your strongest asset when applying for jobs. Showcase your best work, demonstrating your design skills and ability to create visually appealing and effective layouts. 
  6. Network and Connect: Attend industry events, connect with other designers online, and build relationships with professionals in the field. 
  7. Stay Updated: Graphic design is constantly evolving, so stay informed about the latest trends and technologies in the industry. 
  8. Apply for Jobs: Search for magazine designer positions online and tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant skills and experience. 
  9. Consider Further Education: A master’s degree can enhance your career prospects and potentially lead to higher earning potential. 
  10. Freelance Opportunities: Consider freelancing to build your portfolio and gain experience before seeking a full-time position. 

A Cartoonist

If you have the talent, a cartoonist is a great way to speak truth to your audience. The above cartoon gives the reason why North Carolina is losing a lot of teachers. If out of 50 States, you are 43rd in paying your teachers, why shouldn’t they go somewhere else to teach?

Book Illustrator / Book Cover Creator

ASK ABOUT “STUDENT PRICING” ON ALL APPS THAT YOU ARE LOOKING TO BUY! OFTEN YOU MAY ONLY PAY 1/3 OF THE NORMAL PRICE BECAUSE YOU ARE A STUDENT. ALSO, SEE IF YOU CAN BUY THE “SUITE” OF APPLICATIONS, NOT JUST ONE AT A TIME.

Design Software & Tools

FONTS

A Trip to Michael’s for Ideas

A physical place to get ideas for a graphic artist. Colors, cloth design, related characters and ways to express themes.

Check out “Space Mug” for an idea of how an artist can change their focus, or if they marry a fellow artist, can be influenced by their spouse in their creative endeavors. I bought my mug about the time that the artist was changing her artistic focus, and now 8 years later, she recalls little about when she was making artistic mugs.

To make a living as a graphic artist, focused on a specific (niche) form of art, you probably will have to perform a more “mundane” daily work as a graphic artist. You do the boring stuff in order to be able to feed yourself, clothe yourself and house yourself, all the while honing the art that you really enjoy doing.

Something like a performance artist (TV or movie star) you work 15 years serving tables as a waiter or waitress to be “suddenly discovered” and become a star.