Designing as a career

I have passed CBSE board with a CGPA of 8, what can I pursue further. I am based in Chennai and want to make a career in designing. -Surender, Chennai

CGPA 8 is approximately 76% which is fairly good, however choosing an option for further studies majorly depends on your interest; and if you scored well in the subject of your interest then it implies that you possess an aptitude for the subject and have a long way for yourself.

To get an idea whether your interest truly lies with designing ask yourself whether you are interested in:

• Art and design
• Creating your own animations
• Well versed with computers and are anxious to know how websites and logos are designed
• Playing with imaging software
• And lastly find out whether you have great ideas about how to communicate things visually!

If the answer to the above questions is yes, then you can opt for a career in designing.

There is a thin line between an artist and a designer and that is: artist’s works on his own ideas and things he likes and creates, also an artist sells his own creation and a designer works to fulfill the needs of his client. It could be designing a logo, a web, a dress, a product or a map.

The basic qualities or skills required for this career are

• Creative and strategic mind
• Observational drawing skills
• Good team work
• A sense of scale and eye for detail
• Problem solving skills
• Computer skills
• Project management
• Ability to work with a diversity of clients
• Good communication skills

Below are the various disciplines in the designing industry:

Graphic designing

It is a form of an applied art and a combination of arts, science and information technology. This segment focuses on visual communication wherein the message is delivered to the audience by creating aesthetic visual designs with the aid of a computer. This field requires one to have a strong sense of aesthetics to choose the right colours, artwork, photograph and other visual elements needed for the design.

Graphic designers are a part of the marketing campaign of an organisation and employed by large advertising, publishing or design firms. Some may work in their studios and others in a client’s office. Freelancers can work on a contract basis with a design consulting firm.

Basic education required is a Bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts (BFA) or any other stream. You can further take up a PG diploma course in advertising or media & graphic designing or study PG/Masters in graphic designing. You have an option of doing an advanced certification in graphic design or an advanced diploma in graphic design & web design.

Animation and VFX

It is the creation of moving images and pictures with the help of technology. The awesome effects and the realistic environments that we see in the films are created by combining the real life image with animation by using special software. It is widely used in areas such as TV, Ads, films, training and education, e-learning, architecture, 3D visualisation, creation & design of games for PC, internet, mobile, gaming consoles (Playstation/ Xbox) etc.

This is a large and growing industry and there is a constant demand for skilled professionals. Minimum qualification of bachelor’s degree in animation or related field is required so that you can take up certificate or diploma courses in 3D programming, computer graphics, drawing, video effects, graphic design, training program in sound and video editing, kinematics, etc

Interior Designing

It is a creative process; it follows a systematic and coordinated methodology that integrates research, analysis and knowledge. It is a multi faceted profession which requires a special interest in physical spaces and an aesthetic, creative and an artistic streak in the individual pursuing this course. Whether it is for planning interiors for home or an office, shopping malls, theatres, restaurants or an airport terminal, the need is to mix a sense of style with technical design and excellent social skills.

A bachelor’s degree is required to pursue this course; and then go in for PG diploma courses conducted by vocational institutes. Mathematics is mandatory in Class XII. It is a rapidly growing field with the popularity of theatrical set design, hotels, restaurants, schools, auditoriums, etc., constantly on a journey for a makeover.

Cartography

Cartographers collect data from satellites, surveys, aerial photographs, and other sources to develop maps, charts and drawings of the earth’s surface either in graphical or digital form. It involves lot of research, study and mathematical ability along with hard work and dedication.

A bachelor’s degree or a diploma in cartography or a similar field such as engineering, geology, computer science, geography, earth science or physical science is required. Earnings for cartographers mainly depend on educational qualification, location, experience, and the organisation you work for. With globalization, the need for cartographers has increased and hence job prospects are fairly good in this field.

Fashion Designing

This sector is about creating original clothing, jewellery, footwear and accessories. They are hired chiefly with the wholesale or manufacturing establishments, retailers, design firms, theatre, films or dance companies. Once you get an experience and strong understanding of this industry, you can set up your own designing firm.

Required education: A bachelor’s degree in fashion design or fashion merchandising wherein you learn about textiles and fabrics and also CAD technology. You get an opportunity to create your own designs and this would help you develop your portfolio. Job prospects are the best for those who have a formal education in fashion designing, have excellent portfolios and industry experience. There is a cut throat competition in this sector of designing and demand is less compared to the supply. Hence, one has to be extremely original and have a strong network of connections to succeed in this field.

Industrial Designing

They design products that range from a set of tools to the latest car model, aircraft, medical equipments, sports goods and all sorts of office accessories and equipments. They create models and deal with aesthetics and ergonomics of the products. This field integrates logic, science, and engineering with production considerations.

Required education: After Class XII (MPC), pursue a degree in design and later take up a Master’s/PG course in Industrial design. You can pursue B.Tech and then do a masters/PG diploma in Industrial design. After a thorough research on each option think of where your area of interest lies. Narrow down the choice of option based on your interest, your skills and desired income.

To flourish and thrive as a designer you need to choose the right design school and one such is National Institute of Design (NID) which is internationally acclaimed as the foremost multidisciplinary institute in the field of design education and research. It offers Bachelors, Masters and diploma in varied fields of design.

Try and gain experience by working with a design consultancy during your graduation. This will not only provide experience of client work, but a better understanding of the typical business skills required in managing projects and running a successful design studio. It is said that creativity is as uncommon as common sense and a creative individual is always looked upon as a prized possession. There is huge scope in the design industry.

By:Shehre Banu Kagalwala