by Lorene Troyer
Do you have to be good at drawing to be a graphic designer? It certainly would come in mighty handy at times, if I could draw- but the truth is, I never learned to be real adept at drawing or painting on paper.
I did teach myself a few things with an art kit my parents got me for Christmas one year, but I never really enjoyed it that much- it was more like a chore than anything else.
It's kind of hard to do any kind of graphic design without graphics or images. Here are some ways to get around this issue (if you are fairly adept at using programs like Photoshop, Gimp or Illustrator etc).
*Have a family member or friend draw what you need.
*Buy art or photos that have a commercial-use license.
*Get art or photos that are in the public domain or are available for commercial use.
*Take your own photos or in my case, I have a photographer friend who told me to let him know what I'd like and he'll shoot it. I also pay my 11 year old son for any photos he takes that I can use (after editing).
*Create digital art using filters or geometric shapes.
*Cut out items and shapes from photos (you have the rights to) to place in your design.
I keep thinking that one of these days I'll learn how to draw, but so far it has not been absolutely necessary. I'd rather spend my time learning how to use my software more effectively.
Anyone else have any thoughts on this matter. Please leave a comment.
Do you have to be good at drawing to be a graphic designer? It certainly would come in mighty handy at times, if I could draw- but the truth is, I never learned to be real adept at drawing or painting on paper.
I did teach myself a few things with an art kit my parents got me for Christmas one year, but I never really enjoyed it that much- it was more like a chore than anything else.
It's kind of hard to do any kind of graphic design without graphics or images. Here are some ways to get around this issue (if you are fairly adept at using programs like Photoshop, Gimp or Illustrator etc).
*Have a family member or friend draw what you need.
*Buy art or photos that have a commercial-use license.
*Get art or photos that are in the public domain or are available for commercial use.
*Take your own photos or in my case, I have a photographer friend who told me to let him know what I'd like and he'll shoot it. I also pay my 11 year old son for any photos he takes that I can use (after editing).
*Create digital art using filters or geometric shapes.
*Cut out items and shapes from photos (you have the rights to) to place in your design.
I keep thinking that one of these days I'll learn how to draw, but so far it has not been absolutely necessary. I'd rather spend my time learning how to use my software more effectively.
Anyone else have any thoughts on this matter. Please leave a comment.
