We recently caught up with our partners, Browndog Agency, to get some top tips on securing a career in Graphic Design. Here’s what they said…

At Browndog Agency, we are a fully-integrated digital marketing agency, specialising in brand strategy, design, digital, copywriting and more. Our aim is to help businesses nurture their relationship with their clients and customers, developing compelling ways of communicating with them, and building effective communications with a focus on measurable results.

One key area of this work is graphic design. Our design team are well-versed in a range of applications including website design, branding, packaging, print and publications, signage and more, working with a diverse array of clients from a wide range of sectors to effectively market their businesses.

Many of our graphic designers began their design career journey at college or university, studying a course that focused on core lessons surrounding graphic design and media. One of our designers has reflected back on her time at university to share the invaluable lessons she learned that gave her the foundation for her successful career as a graphic designer.  

Valuable lessons from studying Graphic Design

“Studying graphic design allowed me to explore my creativity through a variety of focused areas including logo design, brand identity, poster design, packaging and animation. By exploring these areas, I was able to gain a deeper understanding of the processes that go into creating and designing each aspect of a brand’s collateral, whether that be their logo, an advertisement or product packaging. 

Graphic design differs from art in that it requires specific guidelines to achieve the best results. For example, understanding the importance of white space, hierarchy balance and composition is essential in creating effective designs.

My education also covered both print and digital. Understanding the difference between the two – such as how colours can appear differently on screen versus in print – is crucial to maintaining a brand’s consistency.

I also gained a strong understanding of the purpose behind graphic design. What message am I trying to deliver? What does my intended audience need to know? What is the product for? All of these questions are important as your design needs to meet specific requirements in order to be effective. As a graphic designer you are essentially a storyteller, and learning about graphic design is learning how to creatively communicate that message without compromising it.”

Useful software and techniques

“Studying graphic design is not solely about the theory behind it, it also offers a hands-on experience with the software, tools and techniques used in the industry. I was given the opportunity to learn the Adobe Creative Suite including Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator etc, all with a dedicated tutor to guide me through each step.

Not only that, but I also explored traditional techniques that create unique work, such as screen-printing and Riso printing. I learned how to merge these techniques with digital programmes to create my own detailed outputs and develop my distinctive style.”

History and inspiration

“My education also included a thorough exploration of the history behind graphic design. Studying art and design movements of the past that have shaped and influenced the world of design today. Researching how graphic design has evolved over the years gives you an understanding of the rules of graphic design, which you can then challenge as you develop your own signature style with influences from past designers.

I had many chances to sit in on guest speakers and lectures which were a huge source of inspiration as you saw the work of industry professionals and learnt about their career journey into the creative industries.”

Opening doors into industry

“An amazing opportunity I was given through my graphic design course was the chance to go on industry placement. Placement years and work experience are a massive advantage for when you graduate so that you have some relevant experience on your CV or contacts already in industry. 

Placement highlighted the fast-paced environment of the industry, giving me such valuable experience working with client briefs. I also developed an understanding of the challenges working with brand management, aligning all design work with guidelines and meeting tight deadlines.

Placement demonstrated the industry experience outside of the design as well, highlighting the importance of colleague and client relationships, quoting and budgets, timesheets, and print processes.”

Final thoughts

“Studying a degree course in graphic design is an excellent entry point into the industry. Graphic design courses perfectly equip you with the relevant knowledge and experience to have a strong foundation, one which you can begin to develop and shape once you leave the classroom.”