Graphic design is everywhere, from your favourite apps to your favourite breakfast cereal. In order to become a graphic designer, it is essential you have the skills needed to stand out from the crowd for this in-demand and ever evolving industry.
Most graphic design jobs require a tertiary degree at a minimum, but more than that – they look for someone who is creative, innovative, technically skilled but also open to pushing boundaries. So if you choose to study graphic design, it is essential you find a degree that will help you be industry ready by the time you graduate.
Understand what skills graphic designers need
If you are ready to study graphic design and are looking for the right degree, it helps to have a sound understanding of the skills graphic designers need.
Graphic designer’s must possess a blend of creative and technical skills. A great graphic designer will have excellent skills in being able to ‘rethink’ an approach to project problems. This allows them to develop radical ideas into rich project outcomes which reshape how we think, live and enjoy our lives.
Exceptional attention to detail, a creative vision and time management skills are also vital skills for graphic designers. Graphic design projects can often be extensive with varying tools and skills required to complete a job. They engage in an agile work process, allowing them to shift and change their work practices to ensure unforeseen project issues are dealt with when they arise while still adhering to strict project deadlines.
When you study graphic design at Murdoch, you will be given access to world-class-facilities and use industry-specific software. Your studies will revolve around real client projects so you can build a portfolio of digital, print and communications design, ready to show future employers.
Understand what tools graphic designers use
Graphic designers use a magnitude of tools including graphic design applications. A well-known application is Adobe Creative Cloud, an industry standard software for design professionals. It allows designers to create on-trend visuals and utilise their imagination to draft up new designs and ideas.
Adobe Creative Cloud has a full suite of applications for graphic designers to use. Some commonly known applications include Adobe Photoshop, for creating and manipulating raster graphics; Adobe Premiere Pro, a timeline-based video editing app; and Adobe InDesign, used to create posters, flyers brochures and eBooks.
And with software comes hardware. Essential hardware useful to a graphic designers include fully equipped laptops or desktop computers, photography and videography equipment, and storage equipment. These are all tools you will have access to when you study graphic design at Murdoch.
Graphic designers tend to keep up-to-date with technologies to ensure their designs are inspiring, informative and captivating for the audiences they are trying to engage.
Studying a degree in graphic design at Murdoch
At Murdoch, our graphic design degree is taught by industry professionals who have worked for Disney, Pixar and Interzone Games, so when you graduate, you will have the skills and knowledge suitable for a career in graphic design.
Studying a degree in graphic design will open you up to real organisations. You will get the opportunity to work and complete internships through our Work Integrated Learning program. Through your studies, you will also have access to studio spaces decked out with all the latest design software and hardware like 3D printers to help bring your print and digital designs to life.
You could also get the opportunity to travel abroad while you study and take part in special programs and internships within the creative or media industry. You could also study another major and graduate with two specialisations, further enhancing your career options.