3 answers
4
Questions
Updated
1633 views
How could you determine a graphic designer's work?
How could you determine a graphic designer's work?
3 answers
Updated
Jamie’s Answer
Hello,
Here are the things I pay attention to when evaluating a graphic designer's work:
• Attention to detail as the foundation and includes consistent margins and spacing, type treatments (hierarchy) and color application.
• Advanced knowledge of typography including the application of kerning, leading and overall hierarchy
• Expert understanding of color theory across digital (presentation, video, web) and traditional platforms (offset print)
• Understanding of form, balance and white space
• High-level ability to curate on-message and impactful photography
• Expert use of Creative Cloud applications, file formats and resolution to create the work
Good luck!
Here are the things I pay attention to when evaluating a graphic designer's work:
• Attention to detail as the foundation and includes consistent margins and spacing, type treatments (hierarchy) and color application.
• Advanced knowledge of typography including the application of kerning, leading and overall hierarchy
• Expert understanding of color theory across digital (presentation, video, web) and traditional platforms (offset print)
• Understanding of form, balance and white space
• High-level ability to curate on-message and impactful photography
• Expert use of Creative Cloud applications, file formats and resolution to create the work
Good luck!
Updated
Derick’s Answer
If I understand your question correctly, you're interested in learning how to evaluate the quality of a graphic designer's work. Ultimately, there are lots of ways to do this, and it can be subjective. As a hiring manager for designers, there are a few things I look at when I review portfolios:
• Level of craft: generally I'm looking at core skills such as a sense of hierarchy, legibility of message, kerning of type, and color theory. Demonstrating foundational skills is essential.
• Problem-solving: Has the designer demonstrated a problem they've solved, such as how to position a brand for a certain demographic?
• Presentation: Presentation of the work is another form of graphic design: has the designer taken care to present their work by providing contextual mock-ups and/or alternative explorations?
And remember, your work doesn't have to be from a paid job. It could be a student project or a personal project if it demonstrates your skill.
Good luck!
• Level of craft: generally I'm looking at core skills such as a sense of hierarchy, legibility of message, kerning of type, and color theory. Demonstrating foundational skills is essential.
• Problem-solving: Has the designer demonstrated a problem they've solved, such as how to position a brand for a certain demographic?
• Presentation: Presentation of the work is another form of graphic design: has the designer taken care to present their work by providing contextual mock-ups and/or alternative explorations?
And remember, your work doesn't have to be from a paid job. It could be a student project or a personal project if it demonstrates your skill.
Good luck!
Updated
Amy’s Answer
This is such an important question. I agree 100% with the other answers regarding color theory, typography, and visual hierarchy - those are the table stakes.
However, as a Creative Services Manager who has hired many interns and designers at large companies, there is a "hidden" skill I look for that determines if a designer is truly professional: File Hygiene.
When I interview a designer, I don’t just look at the final image (the PDF or JPG). I often ask to see the working source files to see how the project was built. Here is why that "behind-the-scenes" work matters just as much as the pretty picture:
Team Effort: In a large company, we turn out products quickly. If you are out sick or move to a new project, another designer needs to be able to open your file and immediately understand how to edit it. If your layers are messy or unnamed, you slow the whole team down.
Proper Tool Usage: I look to see if the file is set up correctly. Are you using masks properly? Are the layers labeled clearly? Is the file size optimized?
Professional Organization: A beautiful portfolio piece loses its shine if the file behind it is a disaster. Showing that you are organized proves you are ready to work in a collaborative, fast-paced corporate environment.
Actionable Tip: Before you submit a portfolio, do a "Stranger Test." Open one of your old project files and ask yourself: "If a stranger opened this file right now without me explaining it, would they know exactly how to update the text or change a background color?" If the answer is no, clean up your layers and rename your groups!
However, as a Creative Services Manager who has hired many interns and designers at large companies, there is a "hidden" skill I look for that determines if a designer is truly professional: File Hygiene.
When I interview a designer, I don’t just look at the final image (the PDF or JPG). I often ask to see the working source files to see how the project was built. Here is why that "behind-the-scenes" work matters just as much as the pretty picture:
Team Effort: In a large company, we turn out products quickly. If you are out sick or move to a new project, another designer needs to be able to open your file and immediately understand how to edit it. If your layers are messy or unnamed, you slow the whole team down.
Proper Tool Usage: I look to see if the file is set up correctly. Are you using masks properly? Are the layers labeled clearly? Is the file size optimized?
Professional Organization: A beautiful portfolio piece loses its shine if the file behind it is a disaster. Showing that you are organized proves you are ready to work in a collaborative, fast-paced corporate environment.
Actionable Tip: Before you submit a portfolio, do a "Stranger Test." Open one of your old project files and ask yourself: "If a stranger opened this file right now without me explaining it, would they know exactly how to update the text or change a background color?" If the answer is no, clean up your layers and rename your groups!
Delete Comment
Flag Comment