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Graphic designers combine practical knowledge with artistic ability to turn abstract ideas into formal designs. Many designers usually specialize in a particular area of design -- such as publications, logos, signage, or movie or TV credits -- whereas others work in more than one area.

Graphic designers use a variety of print, electronic, and film media to create designs that meet clients' commercial needs. Using computer software, they develop the overall layout and design of magazines, newspapers, journals, corporate reports, and other publications. They also may produce promotional displays and marketing brochures for products and services, design distinctive company logos for products and businesses, and develop signs and signage systems -- called environmental graphics -- for business and government. An increasing number of graphic designers develop material to appear on Internet home pages. Graphic designers also produce the credits that appear before and after television programs and movies.

The first step in developing a new design or altering an existing one is to determine the needs of the client, the ultimate function for which the design is intended, and its appeal to customers. When creating a design, designers often begin by researching the desired design characteristics, such as size, shape, weight, color, materials used, cost, ease of use, etc.

Designers then prepare sketches -- by hand or with the aid of a computer -- to illustrate the vision for the design. After consulting with the client, an art or design director, or a development team, designers create detailed designs using drawings, a structural model, computer simulations, or a full-scale prototype. Many designers increasingly are using computer graphic design tools to create and better visualize the final product. Computer models allow greater ease and flexibility in exploring a greater number of design alternatives, thus reducing design costs and cutting the time it takes to deliver a product to market.

Designers may sometimes fulfill the role of art director. Art directors develop design concepts, and supervise workers who carry out those designs. They decide how best to present the information visually, decide which photographs or artwork to use, and oversee the layout design and production of the printed material. This involves reviewing the work of others involved in the project. In addition to providing graphic design services, they will identify other services needed to complete a project. They might obtain those services -- a printing company, a photographer, a copywriter, an illustrator, or other suppliers -- for their client, or can work with the client's preferred vendors.

** Primary source of this description of graphic design services:

Bureau of Labor Statistics' Occupational Outlook Handbook. Respected source on job statistics and job opportunities. Spans 250+ occupations, encompassing nearly 90 percent of US jobs.
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