Graphic design is the branch of design aimed at the visual communication of messages, ideas or data through the creation and combination of symbols, images and text. It establishes a composition, style and colour range that must correspond to the identity and values of each project and makes use of graphic resources such as typography, photography or illustration in order to inform, communicate or attract people.

This occupation can be practiced in many sectors since the products and activities that require a graphic design professional are very diverse. These products and activities include books, magazines, posters, product packaging, web pages, mobile applications, video games, advertising, events, exhibitions or the definition of any visual brand to define the corporate or institutional communication of a project or entity. Some of the most common jobs are advertising and/or branding agencies, design studios, publishing houses and periodicals (such as newspapers or magazines), printing, television studios, packaging industry and design departments of large companies and organizations.

Graphic designers can develop some specializations in order to more specifically address some segments of the labour market, such as advertising, educational material, packaging, audiovisual content, interfaces and digital experiences (UI/UX), branding.

• Analyse the graphic project or product, considering the image of the company and the market.
  This analysis is based on a briefing or document specifying the communication objectives and design requirements, the positioning of the product and the company, public's profile and the most direct competition.
  Consider the different types of graphic resolution in terms of styles or trends, which may be the result of studies carried out jointly with the company or external consultancies.
• Conceptualize the ideal visual characteristics based on the previous requirements.
  Select different motifs, images, effects, colours and fonts in order to prepare a first conceptualization of the initial compositions that will configure the proposals or the preliminary project.
  The materials used for the presentation are usually presented in the form of mood boards or mock-ups, in short, enough material to communicate and contrast the definition of creative ideas with the client's imaginary.
• Design the proposal.
  Once the most appropriate graphic proposal is validated, develop the design and make the final version. For the technical realization of the project, place the images, draw the shapes, model the texts, apply the colours, create the effects, etc.
• Supervise the pre-production and final production of the design.
  Carry out tests of the final design and supervise the preparation of this material for production: the master copies for printing, the final layout of the publication or audiovisual product, or the production of the virtual element. For example, in the case of a printed advertisement, they will replace the photographic images suggested in the preliminary plans with high resolution images and indicate the colours, the appropriate profile and shaded areas for printing, as well as the indentations of the announcement's measurements.
  Make any possible adaptation or modification that may appear.

Regulated training and graduates

• Certificat de Professionalitat de la Família Arts Gràfiques: Disseny de productes gràfics (Nivell 3)
• Certificat de Professionalitat de la Família Arts Gràfiques: Disseny estructural d'envasos i embalatges de paper, cartró i altres suports gràfics (Nivell 3)
• Professional Training Course(s) in the field of Graphic Arts - Advanced Level: Design and publication of printed and multimedia
• Professional Training Course(s) in the field of Plastic Arts and Design - Advanced Level in Graphic Communication and audiovisual: Advertising graphics
• Grau: Enginyeria de disseny industrial i desenvolupament del producte
• Grau: Disseny
• Grau: Disseny i creació digitals
• Grau: Disseny, Animació i Art Digital
• Grau: Belles arts
• Grau: Arts i disseny
• Grau: Audiovisual i multimèdia
• Grau: Comunicació audiovisual
• Grau: Comunicació cultural
• Grau: Comunicació i industries culturals
• Grau: Mitjans audiovisuals
• Grau: Multimèdia
• Grau: Publicitat i relacions públiques
• Grau: Publicitat, màrqueting i relacions públiques

Complementary training

For people with more artistic than design training, specialization courses in graphic design are a must.
It is necessary to master computer tools for the realization of graphic projects.

Other specific skills

Communication: Level 2

Creativity: Level 3

Customer orientation: Level 2

Conceptual thought: Level 2

Concern for order and quality: Level 2

New technologies

People who show an interest in this field are motivated by the development and advanced use of new technologies in any of their applications (software, hardware, telecommunications) from an innovative perspective and in accordance with the continuous updates of technologies, programmes and equipment that appear on the market. The design, installation, management and maintenance of computer systems and new technologies are activities specific to this field.

Artistic

People who show an interest in the artistic field enjoy expressing ideas and feelings through the language of art A creative spirit and the motivation to convey concepts or emotions are inherent to this interest. This field includes all the activities that are oriented towards creating artistic products in their various forms: works that are musical, cinematographic or visual in nature, as well as dance and related arts.

Design

People who show an interest in the field of design enjoy creating forms, styles and effects that improve the aesthetics, features or user-friendliness of products and spaces. This field of interest includes all the activities related to fashion and accessories design (clothes, jewellery) and interior design (furniture, window dressing). Creativity and knowledge of new trends are key in the carrying out of these activities in the professional world.

Advertising creative

Art director

Online advertising expert

Desktop publisher

Infographics designer

• Work hours

  It is usually full-time.

• Salary

  Between 16,825 and 22,800 euros gross per year depending on experience and personal skills. The average salary is around 19,586 euros gross per year.
  
  Reference source: Study "Observatorio de empleos y salarios del Mercado de Trabajo Actual. Barcelona Activa", elaborated by ICSA Group. April 2015.

• Other features

  Nowadays many graphic designers have reoriented their professional career to focus on user interface (UI) and user experience (UX) design for digital products.

• Professional category

  Technician

• Human resources and equipment

  Hardware equipped with design programs.

• Initial investments

  Approximately 5,000 euros which would include the (usually) Mac computer, the and software and the printer.