With so many job choices available in the field of Graphic Design, how do students and recent graduates choose a direction? Many are inspired by well-known creators within the industry such as award-winning modern artist, Paula Scher, and legendary designer Massimo Vignelli. These superstars of the Graphic Design world have made a distinctive mark on the industry, in many ways redefined what it is to be a Graphic Designer, and they both got their start with a degree in higher education.
For many students of Graphic Design in St. Louis, the decision on how best to use their degree can be daunting. But the field is rich with opportunities to hone creative skills, advance into leadership, and maybe even make a lasting mark on the industry like Scher and Vignelli. Siba’s Graphic Design Department Chair, Susan Stuart, shares five jobs that are in-demand right now.
Front End Web Developer
With a near-endless need for well-designed and conceived websites, a talented graphic artist can easily apply his/her/their skills as a front end web designer. Professionals in this role are often described as the “interior designers of a home built by back-end development.” They’re responsible for the layout of a site as well as how the user engages with it. Functionality is a key component of this position. Professionals need to have a thorough understanding of web-based languages including HTML, CSS, and Javascript. They should also be familiar frameworks like Bootstrap, Foundation, and EmberJS.
UX/UI Designer
UX is short for “user experience,” and UI refers to “user interface.” While these roles are not exclusive to web design, in cases relating to website development they often work alongside front end web developers on the product development team. UX/UI Designers conduct research, build wireframes, develop flow for users, design mock-ups, and create visuals. This is done within the company’s branding and style guide to ensure a cohesive, user-friendly, visually appealing end product. UX/UI designers are considered user advocates who continuously ensure that the end product meets the needs of consumers.
Art Director Prepare to be in the driver’s seat! This role usually comes after extensive experience working in the world of design. Art directors (in the field of Graphic Design) are responsible for leading a team of designers and overseeing the visual direction of a project or campaign. They work on a variety of projects such as branding, packaging, advertising, and digital designs. They collaborate with clients and stakeholders to understand their needs and goals, and develop a concept and visual style that aligns with their brand and target audience. Art directors in graphic design have a strong understanding of design principles, typography, layout, and color theory, and are skilled in using software such as Adobe Creative Suite. They are responsible for guiding the design process from concept to final production, ensuring that the design meets the client’s objectives, and is visually appealing, effective and innovative.
Motion Designer/Interactive Media Designer
Motion designers and interactive media designers are professionals who create digital animations, graphics and interactive media for a wide range of industries including film, television, advertising, video games, and web design. Motion designers use software such as Adobe After Effects and Cinema 4D to create 2D and 3D animations, while interactive media designers use tools such as Unity and Unreal Engine to create interactive experiences. They often work closely with creative directors and other designers to develop storyboards and visual concepts, and may be involved in the entire production process from pre-production to post-production. They are responsible for bringing a brand’s message to life in a dynamic and engaging way by creating engaging digital experiences that are interactive and visually compelling.
Graphic Designer
Of course we can’t forget our program’s namesake! Graphic designers are professionals who use visual elements such as typography, imagery, and color to communicate ideas and create effective designs for various media including print, digital and web. They are responsible for creating designs for a wide range of materials such as brochures, billboards, packaging, websites, and social media posts. They work closely with clients and other members of a creative team to understand the goals and objectives of a project, and then use their skills in design software such as Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop to create visually appealing and on-brand designs that resonate with the target audience. Graphic designers play a crucial role in helping businesses and organizations to stand out and communicate their messages effectively, which is why they are often considered an essential part of a company’s marketing strategy.
While these Graphic Design careers are in-demand, we at Siba have seen alumni use their degrees to find jobs which are as diverse as the unique skillsets of the individual. Siba’s Portfolio classes, which help students polish their body of work and meet with employers in the St. Louis area, have a significant impact on their career trajectories. We hope to see our graduates continue to make their mark on the Graphic Design world – and maybe join the ranks of Scher and Vignelli one day!
