Graphic design usually involves working with a computer and it means that the person is working with almost any kind of image in order to create something artistic, which will be published in a brochure or will be used in advertising. The graphic designer has to make sure that the result of his work will make an impact, thus remaining in the memory of the viewers. At times, they do more than just mingling around with the pictures, they even do some web design, illustrations, user interfaces, teaching, however these jobs are meant for other specialists.
To qualify as a graphic designer, the diploma is not mandatory, but more the experience and the talent you have in the field. The talent one has is shown with a portfolio at the interview, but if you send a resume by email you could also send two or three of your best works, for higher chances. If you really want to impress, then having some training or a diploma as a graphic designer should do the job. You should know there are lots of institutions which hold such classes, especially if you are done with school and do not want to go back.
As an important rule (or worth to remember), best graphic designers will know how to use more graphic tools, not just one or two. They will know the most popular ones (like the Adobe Photoshop) and will also learn how to use others, not so popular.
There are many jobs involving the creation spectrum:
Creative Director: is leading the team that creates the artwork to be used in ads or on the products. To become one, you need to be promoted from the position of an art director or copywriter. The team has many members who have to produce the ideas of the creative director in order to satisfy the client.
Art Director: they need to make sure that the rest of the staff is completing the tasks on time, according to the needs of the clients. They make the decisions about what visual elements, like models, colors, etc, are to be used in the projects. Click Art Director Salary in various states of America to know the remuneration of an Art Director in US.
Art Production Manager: is also known as traffic manger; they oversee the production itself of the art with the purpose of improving the efficiency and the effectiveness of the costs. Many times the creative or the art director takes on this role, mostly when the concern is not about the production costs.
Other jobs or careers one can consider in this area are: illustrator, logo designer, more "types" of developers: brand identity, visual image, multimedia, content; visual journalist, layout artist, web designer, interface designer, package designer.
With so many possibilities it is almost impossible for someone with an artistic mind not to find a job. You have to know that these career options are some that will be more and more sought for, and will pay better and better. Artistic talent isn't enough to get hired as a graphic designer you also need to improve yourself by doing lots of research and by using the latest products released on the market which are related to your profession, especially in the IT sector.