From Pixels to progress: ‘Graphic design is a dynamic field with lucrative options’

The graphic design industry is on a constant rise. At present, the design industry is growing at 25 per cent and requires 62,000 designers for working in different sectors like graphic, communication, and packaging. According to the study done by the Department of Labour Statistics, Graphic designing is one of the growing fields in India.

One of the most well-known designers in the design industry is a graphic designer. The role is to understand and analyse what the client wants and to interpret it into visuals, images, text, and videos to convey their message. Graphic designers often make attractive logos, brochures, business cards, invitations, packaging, pamphlets, and more for different reasons like marketing, game development, product illustration, and websites to optimise the user experience.

Swati Atreya, Visiting Faculty, School of Design and Visual Arts (SDVA), Apeejay Stya University (ASU), graphic design is a dynamic field with numerous growth opportunities. “The most common career path for graduates is to work as a graphic designer. This role involves creating visual concepts, designing layouts, and producing various materials like logos, brochures, websites, advertisements, packaging, and more. Graphic designers can work in-house for companies, in design agencies, or as freelancers,” Atreya said and shared areas where students can work after graduating.

Areas where graphic designers can work

Digital media: With the rise in digital media and the Internet’s growth, graphic designers are increasingly in demand for creating digital content like websites, social media marketing, digital advertisements, and other digital media. This has created numerous job opportunities for graphic designers in the digital space.

Specialisation in niche areas: As graphic designers become more experienced, they may choose to specialise in a particular niche area like branding, packaging, typography, or user interface design. This specialisation provides opportunities for more complex projects, higher-paying jobs, and employment with specialised design firms.

Brand identity designer: They specialise in creating cohesive and impactful visual identities for companies and organisations. They work on developing logos, brand guidelines, typography, colour palettes, and other visual elements that represent a brand’s personality and values.

Packaging designers: They create visually appealing and functional packaging designs for products. They consider factors like branding, product protection, user experience, and marketing appeal to design packaging that stands out on store shelves and resonates with the target audience.

Motion graphic designer: This is one of the most demanding roles, a motion graphic designer creates animated visual elements like title sequences and motion graphics for videos, advertisements, or digital presentations. They combine graphic design with animation techniques to bring static visuals to life.

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School of Design & Visual Arts offers an industry-focused curriculum based on industry requirements, providing students with hands-on experience, practical knowledge, and technical skills that meet the needs of the industry

–Swati Atreya, Visiting Faculty, Apeejay Stya University-School of Design and Visual Arts

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Illustrator: A student with a passion for drawing and illustration can pursue a career as an Illustrator. Illustrators create artwork for books, magazines, advertisements, product packaging, and various other mediums. They often work in collaboration with writers, art directors, and designers to bring ideas to life through visual storytelling.

Freelancer or entrepreneur: After completing the course students may choose to work as freelancers or start their design studios or agencies. This gives them the flexibility to work on a variety of projects, collaborate with different clients, and have greater control over their work and creative direction.

“The field of graphic design is diverse, and as students gain experience and develop specialised skills, they can explore various niches and industries that align with their interests and goals,” Atreya said.

Advantages of studying graphic design

1.       Growing design industry: The design industry in the country has been experiencing significant growth in recent years. With the expansion of digital media, advertising, branding, and e-commerce sectors, there is a rising demand for skilled graphic designers in the country.

2.       Exposure to global design trends: While studying graphic design students will have the opportunity to interact with students and faculty from diverse backgrounds. This exposure to different perspectives can broaden their understanding of design and expose them to global design trends and practices.

3.       Internship and networking opportunities: The thriving design industry provides ample opportunities for internships and networking. Students can gain practical experience by working with design studios, advertising agencies, or digital media companies. These experiences can enhance skills, build a professional network, and increase chances of securing employment after graduation.

4.       Entrepreneurial opportunities: India has a thriving start-up ecosystem and a growing entrepreneurial culture. As graphic designers, students can leverage their skills to start their design studio or freelance business. The relatively lower cost of living and the availability of a vast market makes India an attractive destination for creative entrepreneurs.

5.       Quality design institutes: The country is home to several reputable design institutes and universities that offer specialised graphic design programmes including Apeejay Stya University.

Why study at ASU?

ASU is a centre for worldwide education that provides abundant chances for cutting-edge teaching-learning, creativity, and interdisciplinary research, Atreya said. “SDVA offers various career paths and growth opportunities for students through high-quality education in graphic design. The school offers an industry-focused curriculum based on industry requirements, providing students with hands-on experience, practical knowledge, and technical skills that meet the needs of the industry,” Atreya said.

The curriculum also emphasises professional development, entrepreneurship, and critical thinking, preparing students to succeed in a highly competitive field. “We have experienced faculty who provide valuable insights, mentorship, and guidance to students, helping them develop their skills, expertise, and creativity,” she added. Another advantage of pursuing this programme at ASU is that it has fully-equipped CAD labs, design studios, workshops and a library providing students with an optimal learning environment.

“This programme at ASU has various collaborations with leading design firms, advertising agencies, and graphic designers, helping students get exposure to the real world and gain practical insights. The institute also conducts industry visits, internships, and live projects in collaboration with industry partners, providing students with industry exposure and hands-on experience,” Atreya said in conclusion.