How to Be News Graphic Designer - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

May 23, 2020 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

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Increased demand for graphic designers in recent years has caused a stark rise in the number of aspiring professionals entering the field. This influx of talent has resulted in a surge of creativity and innovation, creating an ever-evolving industry characterized by a focus on new technology, trends, and user experience. Naturally, this has led to an increase in the number of job opportunities available to graphic designers, enabling them to work across multiple industries such as advertising, media, and retail. Furthermore, the advancements in digital media have allowed professionals to showcase their skills in ever-changing formats, making it easier for them to make an impact on the creative world.

Steps How to Become

Earn a Bachelor's Degree. The first step toward becoming a news graphic designer is to earn a bachelor's degree in graphic design, art, or a related field. During their studies, students will take courses in typography, design theory, computer graphics, and digital media production.
Develop a Portfolio. To stand out from the competition, aspiring news graphic designers should develop a portfolio of their work. This portfolio should include print and digital samples that demonstrate the individual's ability to design for all types of media.
Gain Relevant Experience. Most employers will require applicants to have prior experience in the field. Prospective news graphic designers can gain experience by working as an intern at a news organization or by completing freelance projects for local businesses.
Utilize Professional Networks. It is important for news graphic designers to stay up-to-date on industry trends and to connect with other professionals in the field. Professional networks such as LinkedIn provide a great way to make connections and stay informed.
Obtain Certification. Obtaining professional certifications is another way to set oneself apart from the competition. The American Institute of Graphic Arts offers several certifications in areas such as digital media, typography, and visual communication.

Graphic design is an important part of creating visuals that are attractive, engaging and effective. Reliability and efficiency are key components to successful graphic design. When a designer is reliable and efficient, they can produce quality designs in a timely manner.

A reliable designer will understand the clients needs and deliver quality work on time. Efficiency is also essential for completing projects in a timely manner and maximizing the use of resources. An efficient designer will be organized and have the ability to prioritize tasks.

By having both reliability and efficiency, graphic designers can not only create a great product but also keep their clients satisfied.

You may want to check News Technician, News Programmer, and News Intern for alternative.

Job Description

Create visual concepts to communicate ideas that inspire, inform, and captivate audiences
Develop graphics for product illustrations, logos, and websites
Produce computer-generated artwork for advertisements, brochures, magazines, and corporate reports
Design layouts and select colors, images, and typefaces to use
Prepare photographs or other images for print or web-based projects
Work with editors to produce layouts that meet editorial requirements
Use software to generate and modify designs
Create and maintain digital images, graphics, and artwork
Adjust colors, size, type fonts, and other design elements as needed
Prepare final layouts for printing or publishing online

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of graphic design software, such as Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, etc. )
Excellent typography skills
Strong visual design skills and creative flair
Knowledge of layout principles and aesthetic design concepts
Ability to work within brand guidelines and develop creative concepts
Ability to work collaboratively with other design teams
Understanding of production and printing processes
Familiarity with user experience and user interface design principles
Great attention to detail and ability to meet deadlines
Experience in delivering projects from concept to completion

Graphic design is an important part of modern society, with many businesses and organizations relying on the creativity and technical skill of graphic designers to create eye-catching visuals for their products and services. To become a successful graphic designer, it is essential to have a good understanding of the principles of design, including layout, composition, typography, color theory, and image manipulation. It is also necessary to have an eye for aesthetics, be able to effectively communicate with clients, and possess strong problem-solving abilities.

Having a working knowledge of computer graphics software such as Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator is essential in order to create professional-looking visuals. Good communication skills are vital in order to successfully collaborate with colleagues, supervisors, and clients. With these skills, a graphic designer can create beautiful visuals that capture the attention of viewers and effectively communicate their client's message.

News Strategist, News Associate Producer, and News Correspondent are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

How have you kept up with the latest trends in news graphic design?
What is the most challenging news graphic design project you have worked on?
How do you ensure accuracy when creating graphics for news stories?
What methods or tools do you use to create dynamic news graphics?
What experience do you have in designing graphics for social media platforms?
How do you stay organized and prioritize tasks when faced with multiple deadlines?
How do you ensure that a news graphic design project is delivered on time and on budget?
What experience do you have in working with stakeholders to create visuals that meet their expectations?
How do you stay up-to-date on the latest news graphic design techniques and tools?
What process do you follow when creating a news graphic design from start to finish?

Common Tools in Industry

Adobe Photoshop. Professional graphics editing software used to create and manipulate images. (eg: Creating logos, banners, and other graphics)
Adobe Illustrator. Vector-based graphics editor used to create logos, illustrations, and other art. (eg: Designing icons and illustrations for websites)
Adobe InDesign. Professional desktop publishing software used for creating and laying out magazines, newspapers, and books. (eg: Creating page layouts and templates)
CorelDRAW. Vector-based graphics editor used to create logos, illustrations, and other art. (eg: Designing logos and illustrations)
QuarkXPress. Professional desktop publishing software used to create page layouts and templates. (eg: Creating flyers and brochures)
Adobe Acrobat. Software used to create, edit, view, and print PDF files. (eg: Creating interactive PDF forms)
Corel PaintShop Pro. Photo editing software used to create, edit, and manipulate images. (eg: Retouching photos and creating photo collages)
Adobe Dreamweaver. Web development software used to create webpages with HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. (eg: Developing webpages and applications)

Professional Organizations to Know

American Institute of Graphic Arts (AIGA)
Society of Graphic Designers of Canada (GDC)
International Council of Graphic Design Associations (ICOGRADA)
Alliance Graphique Internationale (AGI)
National Association of Photoshop Professionals (NAPP)
Adobe Creative Suite User Group (ACSUG)
Association Typographique Internationale (ATypI)
Color Management Professional Association (CMPA)
Type Directors Club (TDC)
The Society of Publication Designers (SPD)

We also have News Caster, Investigative News Reporter, and News Technical Director jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Branding. The practice of creating a unique and recognizable identity for a company or product.
Typography. The art and technique of arranging type to make written language legible, readable, and appealing when displayed.
Layout. The arrangement of elements, such as text and images, on a page.
Color Theory. A set of principles used to create harmonious color combinations.
Visual Hierarchy. A method of organizing elements on the page to emphasize the most important content.
Iconography. The practice of using symbols to communicate ideas or concepts.
Image Manipulation. The process of altering digital images to create a desired effect.
User Interface (UI). The visual components of a website or app that allow users to interact with it.
UX Design. The practice of creating user experiences that are enjoyable, efficient, and easy to use.
Web Design. The practice of creating websites that are attractive, functional, and accessible.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of software is commonly used by News Graphic Designers?

News Graphic Designers typically use Adobe Creative Suite programs such as Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign.

How many years of experience do most News Graphic Designers have?

Most News Graphic Designers have at least 3-5 years of experience.

What is the average salary for a News Graphic Designer?

The average salary for a News Graphic Designer is approximately $44,000 per year.

What skills are necessary to become a News Graphic Designer?

To become a News Graphic Designer, one must have strong visual design skills, knowledge of typography, proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite programs, and excellent communication and creative problem-solving skills.

What type of projects do News Graphic Designers typically work on?

News Graphic Designers typically work on projects such as creating visuals for stories, designing graphics for websites and social media, creating logos and branding materials, and developing print materials for publications.