As appealing a path graphic design studies may seem, there is more than meets the eye. The finished design may be rewarding, but the design process is much more complex than many high school leavers think.

From your textbooks and magazines to billboards and the packaging on your breakfast cereal, graphic design is very much a part of our lives. In a nutshell, graphic design aims to communicate a message to its intended target audience. Being a student in this field will involve developing soft skills as much as concepts and software applications. Read on to discover the life of a graphic design student.

Technical Skills
As a student in graphic design, you would explore the fundamental aspects of the industry early in your studies. Theoretical subjects such as art history, design concepts and principles, and typography will build your knowledge, while you develop techniques in more hands-on classes like drawing skills,digital imaging and photography. You will learn how to use the programmes of the industry, such as Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop, as well as CAD programmes such as 3DMax. As you progress into the later years of your studies, you will specialise in one of various fields, such as packaging, animation, web design and branding and advertising. While knowledge and technical skills are important, graphic designers need soft skills as well.
Learning by Solving
Besides concepts and principles of design,it is very important for a graphic designer todevelop good communication, management and problem solving skills. This is where design school sets itself apart from other fields of studies. Throughout your career as a graphic designer, much of your work will involve dealing ith clients, managing expectations and feedback, solving design problems creatively and presenting these solutions. To develop your skills to become
a well-rounded designer, you will be given projects with varying difficulties, and deadlines to adhere to. Throughout the process, there will be constant feedback and communication, providing real-world simulations that will allow you to gauge your progress. Your final degree year will usually involve an independent project, which will require you to apply all these skills and more to pass!

Building Your Portfolio
In the highly competitive world of graphic design, potential employers don't just look at accreditations. They want to see your portfolio of design work that you've completed to obtain a better gauge of your capabilities. While this can present a problem for fresh graduates in other fields, courses in graphic design typically prepare students in this aspect. Throughout your course, as you undertake compulsory internships and practice projects, your portfolio is being built
simultaneously. Whether you choose to seek employment or go straight to the clients as a freelancer, your portfolio is essential.

Life After Graduation
It is very common for graphic designers in advertising agencies to start their mornings late and work into the early hours of the morning to meet strict, never-ending deadlines. However, one perk of the job is that your employment opportunities are plenty. You can find work in design studios, publishing houses, and media agencies or as in-house designers for practically any company that has a marketing department. You can also choose to be self-employed if you prefer a more flexible schedule. While the opportunities are plentiful, remember that design evolves rapidly, so keep learning!