Some people are destined to become a graphic designer. They have a knack for aesthetics, notice the finer details and love to learn new things. So, if you’ve always been deeply interested in graphic design, but are not currently working in the field, this may be the year to make a career switch.

Continuing to be one of the hottest and most exciting careers in the world of entertainment and advertising, graphic designers create art that meets the ever-changing and dramatic needs of today’s worldwide industries. Always in demand, great design will continue to require human thinking and creativity. In fact, in the next few years new graphic designer job openings are expected to rise. Find out the workplace incentives that top designers are looking for.

Do you want to express your creativity, follow your passion and get paid for it? It’s always possible to change career paths, regardless of your age, skills and experience. But before you do anything, consider the following reasons to become a graphic designer.

Design will always be in demand

As I’ve already mentioned, one of the most compelling reasons to get into graphic design is there are no lack of jobs. It is a surprisingly sought after profession that is becoming essential to the successful running of any business, and not just those in the creative industries. It doesn’t matter whether you specialize in print design or web design; whether you make apps or physical products, someone will always need to come up with a creative solution.

You will constantly be learning

Business is constantly evolving. And because of that, your work as a graphic designer will never stop evolving either. Have you ever watched a YouTube tutorial to help you learn or perfect a skill? There will always be new challenges to overcome; new problems to solve; and places where you can find improvement. This constant reinvention and willingness to try new ideas means designers are exciting people to be around.

It’s a never-ending madhouse of discovery and invention. You’ll make mistakes, as we all do, but hopefully learn from them. Besides, sometimes you do bad design in order to do good design. Learn some of the deadly sins of graphic design to avoid.

Creativity boosts your problem-solving skills

Creative ideas don’t suddenly appear in a person’s minds for no apparent reason. Rather, they’re the result of trying to solve a specific problem or to achieve a certain goal. Some people just happen to be more capable at this than others. Creatives will ask “What will your design solve?” or “How will it add value for the consumer and your client?” Being a graphic designer will boost more problem solving skills than you realize.

Steve Jobs of Apple once said: “It’s in Apple’s DNA that technology alone is not enough. It is technology married with the liberal arts, married with the humanities, that yields the results that make our hearts sing.”

And if you need a little boost to your creativity, why not try a beer meant to help you reach your creative peak.

Graphic design opens different career paths

As a graphic designer, you’ll be able to add value to any workplace; and I’m not just talking in a design studio. Since no business can live without it, you have the flexibility to work from home as a freelancer, or join a design studio. You might even want to venture into editorial design and work for a major publisher? Or go straight to the source and join an internal team at one of the world’s biggest sports brands?

In the beginning, however, you may have to accept every scrap of work that comes along. But once you have some experience under your belt, you should be able to maneuver yourself into a position where you can start to pick and choose both your clients and projects. This is an empowering and affirming place to find yourself. And your role as a graphic designer doesn’t need to be a purely commercial one either. Your skills can also be directed towards altruistic ends, and have a dramatic impact on the world.

Every day is different

Does your current job make you feel like you’re just going through the motions? Think you’re just going to follow the herd? Design can take you to places you never thought possible. If you have a decent design role, it’ll never feel like the same day. Each new brief will toss up a new creative challenge.

Today could be a website design for a restaurant, tomorrow a magazine ad for a financial company. You’ll never be cutting and pasting designs. You’ll be preparing unique creative on a daily basis.

You’ll gain a new perspective on the world

In addition to every day being different, and getting an immense sense of achievement when you see your work in public and in print, your training will change the way you see the world. You’ll discover new things and acquire different perspectives. For many graphic designers, it’s more than just a job, it’s a way of life.

From posters and magazine covers, through to pieces of furniture, buildings and the gadgets you use every day; designers are naturally curious people that think differently about the world around them. You’ll find yourself admiring the smaller details that go into beautifully designed products.

Suit and tie (usually) not required

Do you have an aversion for stiff white shirts and uncomfortable blazers? Then you can relax. Being a graphic designer tends to allow for a more relaxed work attire these days. Design agencies tend to be modern workplaces where there is no need to force staff into wearing a shirt and tie. T-shirts and jeans are practically the uniform.

You can’t be creative when your arms struggle to move in a three-piece suit. Most clients won’t mind either. It’s widely accepted that designers dress a certain way, and that’s alright with us too. However, depending the client, formal business attire may be required for the odd meeting or two. Click here to learn why you should wear the same thing every day.

You’ll enjoy being a team player

A graphic designer is rarely alone; we’re often part of a creative team or working closely with the client. Together we collaborate to come up with the best possible solution for a design problem. You’re likely to get to know PR professionals, copywriters, marketers, advertisers and others. Chances are at some point you may even work with senior management and be expected to consult with company directors.

Your role will rely on multiple business relationships. The benefits of which will only boost your skills and experience; especially your ability to effectively deal with different personalities

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Life is too short to stay stuck in a job you hate.  So, if you’re stuck in a rut in a job that doesn’t inspire you, then only you can do something about it. I understand how difficult it is to give up a comfortable position once you’re on the career ladder. But believe me, you’ll soon realize how quickly the years fly by when the daily grind takes over.

Are you ready to make the career jump to becoming a graphic designer? Find out which graphic design career suits you.

Images via: http://www.istockphoto.com/ca