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The principal roles of a graphic designer (or graphic artist) are to: 1) plan; 2) analyze; and 3) design a visual answer to a communication problem.

Clients rely on graphic designers to parlay a persuasive message; it can either be print, film or some form of electronic media using various different methods. The methods that graphic designers use to convey this message is through: 1) type; 2) photography; 3) animation; 4) illustration; 5) color; and 6) certain print and layout methods.

The graphic designer develops the overall layout and design of magazines, journals, newspapers, corporate brochures or reports, as well as many publications you see today. Some graphic designers also design promotional displays, marketing brochures, packaging, or logos for products and businesses. Some graphic designers produce the credits you see at the beginning and end of movies and television programs.

Today, we have an increasing number of graphic designers who specialize in digital media, which include designing web pages for the Internet, interactive media and multimedia schemes.

As a graphic designer, you have plenty of options and many different ways to use your talents and skills.

Designing any print or digital work is easy. The first step is to determine what the client actually needs. You will need to know what message the client wants to convey so you can portray the message in a way that appeals to the customer or user of the product or service.

When developing a design for your client, you need to look at different factors to plan and execute the design so it smacks the target audience right in the face. Take these following factors into consideration:

1. Cognitive
2. Cultural
3. Physical
4. Social

To produce a piece of work which will do everything that the client requires, you need relevant information regarding the project; and you need to meet with the client, as well as meet with their own creative or art directors (if the company has them). Usually the client will research their target audience and subject matter and relay this information to you.

If you want to excel in the world of graphic design, you need to identify the needs of your clients' consumers. You will discover much of your work will focus on creating a communication strategy for your client, as well as actually doing the designing and layout work.

Many graphic designers -- to produce a design for their client -- will either produce sketches or layouts through a computer or by hand. When creating a design for your client, look at various elements to produce something that the client will like and cause a reaction from their target audience. Use these elements in your design to produce the best effect:

1. Colors

2. Sound (if required)

3. Artwork

4. Photography

5. Animation (if required)

6. The style of type (font) they will use

7. The size of fonts and elements, as well as how different elements look together or separately on the page, or on the screen.

8. You also may design graphs or charts produced from data provided by the client.

In many cases, a you may need to consult with copywriters to determine the type of text you will use to accompany the visual part of the design. Once you have brought these elements together and you are satisfied with the end result, then you can present the mock-up to your client for final approval.

If you work for either a printing or publishing company, your other job function may include working with the printer to choose the type of ink and paper. Plus, the client may rely on you to review the design to check for any errors prior to publishing.

Many graphic designers today use a wide range of high-end graphics and layout software to produce designs. Certainly, when you design web pages or other interactive media, you will use computer animation and programming software to develop and produce a design for your clients.

Using such software programs is easy to use and provide a lot more flexibility. This added flexibility allows you to explore more alternatives for your designs. It helps to reduce the amount of time it actually takes to produce and present the completed design.

Finally, not only does graphic design software saves time, but it also cuts costs associated with producing designs using the more traditional methods.