A person who has the communication skills to accurately grasp the abstract requests of the client, the client, such as "make it simple" or "make it stand out," and the flexibility to propose ideas that meet the client's needs. A person who is able to keep to a set schedule because there is a set schedule.

The term "graphic" refers to visually appealing expressions such as paintings, photographs, movies, and games. Graphic designers are mainly responsible for the design of printed matter, such as product packages, posters, and advertisements in newspapers and magazines. This is an important job because it influences the image of a product, which in turn affects sales. The first step in the workflow is to receive the client's request and confirm the direction of the design. Next, we combine photos, illustrations, text, and other materials to create a tasteful design while considering overall color tones and the size and typeface of the text to be used. Even after the design work is completed, there are times when revisions are made in accordance with the client's wishes. Once the client gives the OK, we deliver the design data to the publisher or advertising agency to complete the work. Sometimes I work alone, sometimes I collaborate with a copywriter who comes up with the wording and draft of the advertisement, an illustrator who draws the illustrations, and a photographer who takes the pictures. If they are experienced and competent, they may be assigned the role of art director to organize them.

Advertising production companies and design firms generally receive work from advertising agencies, while editorial production companies receive work from publishing companies. These companies require immediate ability, so they want to learn the work as soon as possible. Therefore, it is common for aspiring graphic designers to attend a design-related university or vocational school to learn the basics of design. Although it is not a prerequisite, it is advantageous for employment.

About 30 years ago, graphic designers did everything by hand: drawing lines on paper using a pen and ruler, gluing letters called "photo-typesetting" to a backing paper with adhesive, and writing a tentative picture of what size the photo or illustration should be. Today, however, all of this can be handled by a computer. In fact, computers are indispensable for today's graphic design. In particular, most graphic designers use software from Adobe. If you want to become a graphic designer, you should master the use of such software.

While there are no absolute qualifications or exams required to become a graphic designer, there are several private certification exams that certify skills in using graphic software. The Illustrator Creator Proficiency Test, which is sponsored by the Certify Software Proficiency Certification Board, measures the ability to use Adobe's Illustrator to create and lay out illustrations and graphics, and the Photoshop Proficiency Test measures the ability to use Adobe's Photoshop to process images. Photoshop Creator Proficiency Test, which measures the ability of Adobe's Photoshop to process images. The DTP Expert Certification Test, sponsored by the Japan Printing Technology Association, certifies the knowledge required to print data created on a computer. Although none of these exams are required, they will prove your skills and will give you an advantage in finding a job.

Graphic design is everywhere in our daily lives, including the logo designs of companies and product names shown in TV commercials. Magazines and books are another example. However, graphic designers who are experts in making the design of magazines easy to read are called editorial designers. Graphic designers who specialize in book binding are book designers. In addition, graphic designers are mainly responsible for the design of printed matter, but they may also work on the design of Internet web pages. In this case, they become web designers. Currently, the Internet market is expanding, and work in Web design and Internet advertising is increasing. In the future, it will be necessary to hone one's web-based design skills as well as one's paper print skills.

If you work for a design office or advertising company, your annual income will vary depending on the company, but will range from 3.8 to 6.2 million yen. If you become independent and freelance, you can earn a higher income depending on your ability.

Depending on the company, basically two days off a week. However, when deadlines are close, there are times when they work on their days off. The same is true for freelancers. Sometimes you have to work all night, so you cannot be sure of getting weekends off.

Design firms, advertising production companies, editorial production companies, advertising agencies, publishing companies, printing companies, etc.

It's a chart that shows at a glance the main routes to getting a job as a graphic designer!