Graphic Design is an interesting enigma. As a graphic designer I get asked all the time, “So what is it that you do?” There is the obvious answers like: “I’m a visual communicator,” or even a lot of times people just think you are an artist. I like to think of myself as a problem solver.

Often times we are approached to convey a message using text, images or a combination of the two. Solving the problem means that we conveyed a clear, concise message to the viewer in as little time as possible. The timing is critical because you can lose the viewer in a matter of seconds considering the popularity of social media.

Portraying a clear concise message is also a major factor. I do not know how many times I have come up with a design and had someone look at it and either get something totally different out of it, or point out an aspect that may not be perceived in the best light. When composing a design there are a lot of factors that need to be considered, where certain demographics may look at things in a completely different light than you would.

Another curious point about graphic design is that it is completely subjective. A designer can come up with a design that they feel really happy and proud of, send it off to the client for them to view and they can come back and say they hate it. As a designer you try to show the client why it would work well for their business but ultimately it is up to them. Everyone has their own personal taste, and going back to social media, people can be very blunt about things, so you learn to grow a pretty thick skin.

Ultimately solving the problem consists of conveying a clear message, in the quickest amount of time possible, all while making it aesthetically pleasing, and keeping your client happy. It is quite the problem to solve, and while there are not a lot of pieces, it can prove to be a very difficult puzzle to put together. When the puzzle is finally completed it can be very satisfying picture to look at.

-Brandon Sugihara

Lead Designer