What is Graphic Design

Graphic design is the discipline of creating visual materials through the use of text, images and colour, in order to best communicate a message.

Design is the process of analysing a problem and solving it through the creation of a visual artefact.

What does a graphic designer do?

Graphic designers create visual works such as posters, books, advertising, packaging, logos, signs, user interfaces and websites. Through software or manual tools, graphic designers create a graphic product to convey a message that attracts or informs the target audience. They can work as freelancers or collaborate as employees with other professionals within well-structured communication agencies.

Does a graphic designer have to be able to draw?

Not all graphic designers know how to draw (well) as it may not be the fundamental talent of a graphic designer. However, knowing how to draw helps in the creation of brands, icons, decorative elements, etc. Often in the early stages of a project, it is useful to be able to sketch out ideas to show your colleagues or clients.

What are the main disciplines of Graphic Design?

Brand design

Brand Design is a process of analysis and design that uses images and graphics to represent a company’s identity and convey messages to its audience.

Web designer

The Web Designer designs the interface and usability of websites. He can work closely with a web developer and has knowledge of languages such as html, css, php. 

Editorial G. D.

An Editorial Graphic Designer is a professional who works in the publishing field, dealing with professional layouts for magazines, newspapers, brochures, e-books, books, leaflets, catalogues, etc.

Advertising G. D.

Advertising is the discipline of creating classic advertising, which aims to draw the consumer’s attention to a particular product or service, influence the choices of the target audience or more simply convey a message. Advertising does not only have a commercial purpose. It can be a campaign in favour of the environment, road safety, etc.

Professions related to Graphic Design

• Illustrator

An illustrator is a designer who creates drawings and illustrations, to tell stories or inform the reader.

• Infographic designer

The infographic designer can be a skilled illustrator and expert in data research and interpretation; he/she creates visuals to communicate complex data and information in a simple way.

• 3D modeller & 2D animator

A 3D modeller is a creative person who uses 3D modelling software to create three-dimensional images, products or characters. The 2D animator specialises in animating cartoons or motion graphics.

• Packaging design

The Packaging Designer is a creative person who designs packaging: boxes and containers that enclose the product and visually express its value.

How to become a graphic designer

There are various universities and academies that teach how to become a graphic designer. The curricula they cover embrace many graphic disciplines:

• the theoretical approach to a design project,
• the history of design,
• the use of software
• workshops to confront and develop new ideas.

It takes time for a design student to develop his or her own sensitivity and creative approach to design.  Design is a very wide world, made up of a great variety of different professions from which there is always something to learn. Software is also always evolving and there are always new perspectives and new solutions.

Volunteer opportunities for travelling people with Graphic Design skills

On this page, you can find volunteering opportunities for people with Graphic skills. Volunteers do not receive any payment but usually, they get full hospitality (food and accommodation) in exchange for their work whenever possible. If you are looking for “jobs” you may try your luck in this section.

How to use this page?

This page is new so there are only a few opportunities at the moment. More may arrive soon! If you are an NGO organization/host and you are looking to host a volunteer graphic designer, feel free to publish your listing here: Fill this form.

If you are a volunteer/graphic designer, read the description of the volunteering opportunity. To get in touch with the organization or the host, please use the “contact details section“, it is usually at the end of each article.