Graphic designers nowadays require not only creative abilities, but also some understanding of other graphic design-related areas such as computer graphic design.
During the 80’s, the advent of desktop publishing and of design software such as Adobe Illustrator and Macromedia Fireworks, put the power and versatility of the computer at graphic designers’ fingertips. Designers for the first time were easily able to manipulate images and create 3D images using the computer. Computers are now considered to be an indispensable tool in the graphic design industry, though some traditional graphic designers may still prefer to use manual and traditional tools for their creative endeavors.
With modern graphic design concepts and methodologies always changing, graphic designers need to continually advance their knowledge of different graphic design techniques, innovations and graphic design software packages. At present, the basic instructions in graphic designing cannot guarantee for a competitive product anymore without the use of high technology, so that the demand for highly skilled graphic designers is higher than ever.
To become a computer graphic designer, the basic requirements include good creative abilities, good computers skills, and good communication skills.
Computer aided graphic design helps graphic designers complete their tasks faster and easier. They can effortlessly translate ideas into visual imagery, save it onto their computers and edit it whenever alterations are necessary.
There are great many benefits if you undergo computer aided graphic design training geared towards arming you with a wider range of cutting edge graphic design skills. Having computer design training also means a greater choice of employment. Computer graphic design skills are in great demand in such sectors as:
1. Advertising agencies – You can use your newly acquired graphic design skills to design appealing and eye-catching advertisements for different media.
2. Web design companies – Help design appealing web pages.
3. Design studios – Apply your design skills to photo editing such as editing the contrast and the brightness of colors on the photos.
4. Publishing houses – Perform layout design and editing tasks. Publications usually follow a distribution schedule; so make sure you are able to meet deadlines.
5. Corporate advertising departments – Design professional corporate ads.
6. TV and film companies – out of all the other jobs, this is where a graphic designer is most suited as it requires a comprehensive application of the designer’s skill and ability, especially if working on animation films.
Computer graphic design training will open new doors for you into a world of greater opportunities but there still is something to be said about hand made design.

Pseudorant 6:29 pm on May 11, 2008 Permalink
I tend to look at all fields of work involving computers as though they were medical professions. It is always necessary to learn the latest and greatest ways of doing things or else you are at a disadvantage.
I have worked in fields with traditional graphic design in the past, but all the jobs that have required me to use these skills in the past few years have been on computers. Now a days I can’t see going back to the traditional design methods because computers are so much more efficient.
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Dot Design 11:14 am on June 8, 2008 Permalink
Computers certainly are important to our industry but we can’t under estimate the value of sketching, doodling and original thought. The most important thing is the message you communicate and how effective and memorable it is. I have seen many portfolio’s were the designer can obviously use the design packages very well but about the actual work is a muddled mess with just a latest trend applied. there needs to be a balance but keeping up to date is certainly important.
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Ryan 3:11 pm on June 8, 2008 Permalink
@ dot design I agree, If someone asks me to “make it glossy” one more time i may revolt! great blog by the way
Dot Design 11:46 am on June 25, 2008 Permalink
thanks Ryan, yours is pretty good too. In the past I’ve been asked to “make it good” which is abit worrying as I like to think I always produce good work, but I’m sure I’ll be asked to “make it glossy” sooner or later!