Graphic Design Technology 40
Graphic Design Technology comprises many different skills and disciplines in the production of graphic design and output. The diversity of the skills required in the industry are very broad: it is common for people working in this field to be specialists in a particular aspect. As a result, a team may cover the Graphic Design Technology process, with each member of the team having their own strengths, specialities and roles.
Graphic Design Technology involves working with external and internal clients to create solutions to their needs; it may also include the printing or online publication production. People working in this industry often work closely with their clients and must be strong communicators so that they can achieve the client’s objectives successfully. They require strong interactive, research, design and technical skills. In order to have these they need to understand the target audience, markets, trends and cultural differences and what the client wants. They must be able to work in either formal or informal teams, or stand-alone.
After completing the research and planning stage, a project is interpreted to form a design in appropriate industry specific software. The design must be set up with the correct technical specifications for output or online publication. It is essential that practitioners understand all phases of the procedure including the constraints of the specified printing process. These skills also apply to re-designing or updating a design.
There are various employment opportunities within the industry. This can include becoming a freelancer, business owner, or being employed by an advertising firm, a design firm, a printing company or a company with a design department. Practitioners may have a broad role, or specialize as a graphic designer, graphic artist, prepress operator, typographer, typesetter, type designer, image manipulation specialist, illustrator, art director, production manager, digital printer, information designer, publisher or packaging specialist
Required skills
Creativity, knowledge of typography and page layout, attention to detail, ability to meet deadlines, knowledge of the production process and of the computer softwares (Adobe Suite, etc.), capacity to meet deadlines and work under pressure.
Career info
Graphic Design Technology comprises many different skills and disciplines in the production of print and/or online publications and products. Individuals in this field are highly creative and client focused, with the ability to listen and communicate well.
Generally, projects include the following stages: research, planning and idea generation, designing and creating the final product, and applying the technical specifications for the intended output media. The practitioner will need to have a solid grasp of the specified printing and production processes.
There are many pathways for an individual with skills in graphic design technology, leading to work in advertising firms, a printing company or a corporate design department. Should one choose to specialize, they can take on the role of graphic designer/artist, illustrator, typographer or typesetter, prepress operator, digital printer, packaging specialist, and many more.
At the Competition
The Competitor is judged on:
- Editorial design and new media
- Packaging design
- Corporate and information design
- Advertising and display design
They will also be judged on:
- Development of ideas
- Understanding their target market
- Design consistency
- Creation of the layout
- Creation of specific elements of design
- Technical production of the layout
- Print and saving/archiving work