When you think about graphic design, what do you imagine?
Is it an intense, fast-paced world filled with sketching pencils, coffee pots, and sleepless nights? A tech-heavy profession that requires the use of Photoshop?
Or an artistic field that can never be mastered unless you’re Rob Janoff, who designed the iconic Apple logo, or Carolyn Davidson, who did Nike’s?
Graphic design is one of the most misunderstood creative industries.
But though there are many myths about the industry, don't let them stop you from designing and getting your message out into the world!
It's time to clear up some myths about what graphic designers do, so let’s dive right in.
Below, we list and debunk nine common graphic design myths that might kill your chance to succeed in your industry.
Myth 1: A degree is necessary
There are plenty of people out there who have yet to enter the graphic design industry without a formal education in the field.
This doesn’t mean they were not qualified to work in it, but rather that they learned on their own time and became successful through self-teaching.
Graphic design is easily one of the most accessible professions concerning learning about and entering into it.
Top programs offer many courses at very reasonable prices online, giving you an edge over those who don’t know anything about graphic design or Photoshop.
Just because someone hasn't gone this route doesn’t mean they aren’t competent enough.
After all, it’s not your diploma that employers and clients will look at, but your portfolio.
Myth 2: Graphic designers are only needed if there is something for them to design
One of the most common reasons people think that becoming a graphic designer would be easy is because they don’t understand what graphic designers do daily.
Whenever something needs to be designed, designers always need help, from conceptualizing to completing the design solution.
Graphic designers work closely with the marketing team so they’re in the loop regarding the marketing goals and how their designs can achieve them.
Although some of their time is still spent creating the actual designs, graphic designers devote part of their day to checking how their designs look on different media like computers, tablets, mobile phones, and print materials.
Myth 3: Graphic designers only do logos, websites, and posters
Some design projects focus on creating one of these three items, but many other design works may come your way.
Many companies will need everything from business cards to their entire set of branding materials like box shots, mockups, and magazine covers - depending on the company's size or size.
These items are essential because they help brands connect with their audiences on a deeper level than just logos and websites can provide.
All of these things work together towards the goal of branding the company, which means that designers need to be good at these things to succeed.
Myth 4: Graphic designers are artists; therefore, they make up their own rules
Many people think graphic design is exclusively an art form because it’s assumed that you can do whatever you want.
However, just like any other profession, there are some guidelines to follow when designing something new, even if they are only sometimes enforced.
You must understand how certain design features affect the user experience and how your message is interpreted.
Because graphic design is communication, and the end goal is understanding.
So while it is not a crime to color outside the lines, you must consider your audience and if your design effectively communicates your message.
Myth 5: There are no actual set rules in graphic design
Every job has its own specific set of instructions designed to ensure high-quality project results.
Yes, even graphic designers follow these guides to create compelling designs no matter what type they produce!
Whether creating a logo or designing an entire website, certain principles come into play when working on layouts.
For example, grids (lines) can be used to accurately ensure elements like photos or text align, regardless of the screen size.
And when it comes to typography, rules like “the x-height must be equal to the body text” are there for a reason.
Myth 6: The more colors you use in a design, the better
There's nothing wrong with using dye. Colors give life and dimension to your design.
But remember that less is always more. While it may seem more accessible to your eyes if you used every color in the rainbow, this doesn’t mean your client or customer will see things from your perspective and appreciate your work.
Good graphic design often involves creating something minimalistic and simplistic while focusing on an important message or image.
But if you add some color to your graphic design (and there’s nothing wrong with this!), try not to overwhelm the eyes with too much!
Myth 7: Graphic designers are just copycats
Copycatting other people's work is never okay.
When working on projects for clients, you're expected to take the initiative and develop original ideas that will help drive their brand forward.
If you’re using someone else’s idea without giving them credit or receiving payment, you could be in hot water (not hot enough to make tea).
Don’t be shy about taking inspiration from others.
But make sure that it doesn't affect your relationship with them negatively.
Always ask for permission before utilizing other people's designs!
Myth 8: You should constantly use the latest trends
The old saying "if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it" applies here.
Even though the latest trend in social media is to use emojis, your client may want you to include them on their business cards or website.
In some cases, clients will ask for trendy designs, but at other times they'll take a more timeless approach (so that the design will last longer).
If your client wants something specific, create it how they'd like. After all, they have the final say—not YOU.
Otherwise, keep up with trends only when working on personal projects!
Myth 9: You need to learn Photoshop or another tool before you can be a graphic designer
Photoshop is one of the most popular software in the graphic design industry.
However, designers should consider other choices when considering which tool they will use to create graphics.
A lot of graphic designers can work without any software at all. There has been a recent trend where the use of pencil and paper is coming back in generating original designs.
There are many alternatives available, and one is ClickDesigns. It’s a point-and-click design software with everything you need to create stunning designs.
As long as your creativity is there, you should never feel limited by the tools you have access to.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve read this far, I hope it made sense and helped clarify the myths surrounding graphic design.
As you'll see in my future posts, graphic design is just one part of the creative process of branding (which is much bigger than logos).
But if you like designing websites, social media graphics, and other marketing materials, check back soon for related tips.
You also need to check out ClickDesigns, the design tool for page builders that requires no technical or creative skills or experience.
I’ve had a test run with it, giving pro graphic designers a run for their money.
All the graphics here are made inside ClickDesigns!
And until next time—keep doing what you love because there's nothing better than living preppily.
That’s all for now, friend.
Take care, and have a wonderful week!
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