Graphic Designing

Aarti Uppal | Owner | Easel Ideas

What is Graphic Designing?

Graphic Designing is a great Career option. Understanding Why one wants to choose a Career in Graphic Designing is phenomenally more important than figuring out How to get into Graphic Designing. The internet is a great source of information on Graphic Designing, but it is second best to learning about the same from a real professional.

Owner Aarti Uppal invested 18 years & 6 months in Graphic Designing. Owner Aarti Uppal outlines Graphic Designing as:

Graphic design is the process of visual communication and problem-solving using one or more of typography, photography and illustration. Graphic designers create and combine symbols, images and text to form visual representations of ideas and messages. Uses of graphic design include corporate design (logos and branding), editorial design (magazines, newspapers and books), way finding or environmental design, advertising, web design, communication design, product packaging and signage.

How Owner Aarti Uppal got into Graphic Designing?

After doing my schooling, I did my BFA from Govt College of Arts, Chandigarh and MA from Punjab University. Thereafter, I worked as a Graphic Designer for Cosmopolitan Magazine and The Studio. I was always passionate about art and started my own design studio named Easel Ideas in 2002.

Owner Aarti Uppal's Talk on Graphic Designing

Exploring a Career in Graphic Design: Insights from Aarti Upal Graphic design is a vibrant and dynamic profession that blends creativity with technology to create visual solutions for communication. Aarti Upal, a seasoned graphic designer, has traversed a unique path from her roots in science to becoming a coveted professional in the design world. This article delves into the facets of her career, exploring what graphic design is, the necessary education and skills, along with its challenges and rewards. Through Aarti's journey, we gain insight into what it truly means to be a graphic designer today. What Is Graphic Designing Defining Graphic Design At its core, graphic design is the art of visual communication that encompasses various elements, including logos, brochures, packaging, and more. Graphic designers employ visual elements to convey messages and create identities for brands and products. According to Aarti, the essence of graphic design can be seen in everything we interact with visually. Whether it's the cover of a magazine or the layout of a website, graphic design plays a pivotal role in attracting attention and driving engagement. Categories of Graphic Design Graphic design can be categorized into several areas such as branding, publishing design, and personal design. Branding involves crafting visual identities that resonate with audiences, making color selection and typography crucial components. Aarti highlights how a designer must understand these elements to effectively deliver client requirements. For example, a logo for a tech startup may differ immensely from a logo aimed at attracting vintage lovers, thus requiring distinct approaches to design. Education Foundations of Design An educational background in design is vital for aspiring graphic designers. Aarti began her journey at the Government College of Arts in Chandigarh, where she studied photography, printmaking, and painting—essential skills that laid the groundwork for her graphic design career. Understanding composition and layout early on allowed her to develop a keen eye for design, making her a versatile designer. Colour Psychology Color psychology is another crucial aspect where designers learn how different colors affect human emotions and behaviors. Aarti explains that certain colors are strategically used in branding to evoke specific feelings; for example, red and yellow are often favored by fast-food brands for their ability to stimulate appetite and urgency. Knowledge of color psychology enables designers to make informed choices that enhance the effectiveness of their designs. Typography Typography, the art of arranging type, is fundamental to good graphic design. Selecting the right fonts can significantly affect readability and the overall impact of a design. Aarti emphasizes that understanding and creating custom fonts can elevate a design and establish a unique brand identity, noting famous examples like Coca-Cola, which has a distinctive typeface recognized worldwide. Latest Technology Staying updated with the latest design technologies is critical in a field where innovation is constant. Aarti advises aspiring designers to remain informed about advanced design software and evolving trends. With the shift towards digital media, graphic designers must adapt and learn new tools to remain relevant and cater to a diverse client base. Printing Processes Understanding printing processes is essential as it ensures the final product meets quality standards. Aarti recounts an early mistake when she created a design in the wrong color format, leading to disappointing results. This highlights the importance of comprehending printing technology to bring ideas to fruition correctly. Skills Creativity Creativity is the cornerstone of graphic design. Aarti notes that while some individuals possess natural creative talents, anyone can enhance their creativity through exploration and experimentation. Engaging with different design styles and techniques fosters innovative thinking, allowing designers to create compelling work. Drawing A solid foundation in drawing is another critical skill for graphic designers. Drawing enhances one's ability to visualize concepts and communicate ideas clearly. Aarti stresses that those who develop their drawing skills move more seamlessly from paper to digital designs, enriching their creative arsenal. Communication Effective communication with clients and team members is crucial in graphic design. Aarti points out that understanding client needs and conveying ideas can be challenging yet rewarding. Designers who excel at communication can better deliver clients' visions without compromising timelines or quality. Visualization Being able to visualize concepts is an essential part of a designer's job. Aarti explains that visualization involves sketching ideas before developing them digitally, ensuring that the designer and client share the same vision. This process facilitates smoother collaboration and reduces misunderstandings. Time Management Time management significantly impacts a designer's workflow, especially when juggling multiple projects. Aarti highlights the need for realistic deadlines that account for unforeseen circumstances, finding that setting clear timeframes not only enhances efficiency but also strengthens client relationships. Team Management Strong team management skills are necessary for those working in collaborative environments. Aarti emphasizes the importance of building rapport with team members and vendors, as successful projects often depend on effective teamwork and coordination. Positives Not Monotonous One of the most appealing aspects of graphic design is the variety of work encountered daily. Aarti thrives on the fact that no two projects are alike, emphasizing that versatility keeps her engaged and inspired within her profession. Your Own Boss The freedom and flexibility of being self-employed or a freelance graphic designer allow for a personalized work schedule. Aarti relishes the autonomy of controlling her work hours, which offers her a greater work-life balance. This flexibility was especially valuable during personal challenges, allowing her to prioritize important family matters. Networking Graphic designers often network with a diverse array of clients and industries, which fosters personal and professional growth. Aarti's varied clientele—from publishers to startups—has enhanced her experience and creative insights, proving that collaboration enriches her perspective. Monetary Benefit A career in graphic design can be financially rewarding. Aarti notes that talented designers with strong portfolios can command higher fees as they progress in their careers, reflecting years of dedication and skill development. Challenges Payment Schedule Despite the attractive monetary potential, graphic designers often encounter unpredictable payment schedules. Aarti advises new designers to diversify their project types for a steady income and underscores the importance of managing expectations with clients regarding payment timelines. High Competition The growing interest in graphic design means increased competition. As more individuals enter the field, standing out requires exceptional work ethic and quality output. Aarti encourages emerging designers to continually hone their skills and maintain a distinctive personal style to differentiate themselves. Ever Changing Technology The rapid pace of technological advancement presents another challenge for graphic designers. Professionals must proactively seek knowledge and training to keep up with current trends, tools, and processes, or risk falling behind in a fickle market. Client Handling Handling client expectations can be challenging, particularly when communication barriers lead to misinterpretations. Aarti stresses that understanding client psychology and effectively navigating negotiations is essential for successful project outcomes. Physical Fitness The sedentary nature of graphic design can lead to physical health challenges. Aarti emphasizes the importance of incorporating exercise and maintaining well-being to ensure long-term success in the industry. A Day In The Life Of A Graphic Designer Aarti’s typical day begins with morning exercises and breakfast, followed by a work schedule that often shifts depending on her needs. She starts her work around 10:30 AM, prioritizing client calls and emails before diving into her design projects. Aarti makes it a habit to include research and self-driven projects within her workflow, ensuring she stays informed and inspired. Breaks are essential; she often uses them to recharge or connect with others before returning to her design work. Aarti concludes her day around 6 PM, allowing time for personal activities and socializing, reaffirming that flexibility is a significant advantage of her profession. Conclusion Graphic design is not merely a career; it is a creative journey filled with exploration, growth, and self-expression. Through Aarti Upal's experiences, we observe that while this field presents its share of challenges, the rewards—both personal and professional—are profound. For those driven by creativity and innovation, graphic design offers an exciting and fulfilling career path worth pursuing. As Aarti aptly puts it, when you see your designs come to life, the satisfaction is unparalleled, making every effort worthwhile.

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How to get into

Graphic Designing?

If you are want to get into Graphic Designing, start by investing in a Career Plan.

The 14 hour process, guided by a LifePage Career Advisor, will help you introspect and check whether your interest in Graphic Designing is merely an infatuation or is it truly something you wish to do for the rest of your life.

Next, your Career Advisor will help you document how you can get into Graphic Designing, what education and skills you need to succeed in Graphic Designing, and what positives and challenges you will face in Graphic Designing.

Finally, you will get a Career Plan stating which Courses, Certifications, Trainings and other Items you need to do in the next 7 years to become world’s best in Graphic Designing.

LifePage Career Plan

14 hour personalized guidance program

Your LifePage Career Advisor facilitates your guided introspection so that you systematically explore various Career options to arrive at a well thought out Career choice.

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Links for this Talk

Owner Aarti Uppal's LifePage:

[LifePage]
https://www.lifepage.in/page/aartiuppal

LifePage Career Talk on Graphic Designing

[Career]
https://www.lifepage.in/careers/graphic-designing-2

[Full Talk]
https://lifepage.app.link/20171120-0006

[Trailer]
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PUWq_nWhgAY

(Graphic Designing, Aari Uppal, Easel Ideas, Animation, Designing, Illustration, Multimedia, Graphic Artist, Web Designing)