A Bachelor of Vocational in VFX Film Making & Animation equips you with a versatile skill set. These skill sets open doors to so many lucrative career options. One path is that of a Graphic Designer. The demand for graphic designers continues to grow as businesses seek professionals who can create visually compelling content. If you’re passionate about design, the transition from VFX to graphic design will be quite natural. Here’s what you need to know to move into this career.
Why Graphic Design?
Graphic design is all about communication through visuals. Brands need logos, websites, packaging, and promotional materials that grab attention and deliver messages clearly. Who creates these for them? Graphic designers.
So, if you enjoy visual storytelling, this field could be a great fit for your VFX and animation background. Why, exactly? Because you have already learned these skills during your degree:
• Creative Problem-Solving: You’ve learned how to craft compelling visuals in animation and VFX. In graphic design, you apply this creativity to simpler, static designs.
• Software Proficiency: Tools like Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and After Effects are common across both industries. You already know how to manipulate visuals, which is key for graphic design.
• Understanding of Composition and Color: Your experience in film and animation means you understand how elements work together. Graphic design requires you to use color, balance, and typography to create engaging layouts.
What to Focus on as a Graphic Designer?
Shifting to graphic design means you need to build a strong portfolio and adjust your mindset slightly. Here’s where to focus on:
• Mastering Layout and Typography
VFX relies heavily on movement and effects, but graphic design is more about static layouts.
You need to master how to arrange elements on a page, and how to choose and use fonts effectively.
Typography plays a huge role in communicating a message. Learn to pair fonts that enhance the overall design.
• Branding and Identity
As a graphic designer, a lot of your work will involve creating or maintaining brand identities.
You’ll need to understand how to create logos and color schemes that represent a business.
You’ll also be expected to maintain consistency in design across different media—websites, print, and social platforms.
• Communication Design
Graphic design is about more than just looking good. You need to create designs that communicate clearly.
Whether it’s a billboard or a website, your work should make the message easy to understand at a glance.
Visual hierarchy—how elements are arranged to show importance—is a big part of this.
• Building Your Portfolio
As a freelancer or job seeker, your portfolio is your most important tool.
Start with personal projects if you don't have clients yet. Focus on quality over quantity. Include work that shows a variety of styles and industries—branding, social media graphics, website layouts, etc.
Make sure your portfolio is accessible online, either on your own website or on platforms like Behance or Dribbble. Potential employers or clients will want to see your skills before hiring you.
Finding Work as a Graphic Designer
There are many platforms for graphic designers to find work:
• Freelancing: Many graphic designers work as freelancers, either full-time or as a side gig. Websites like Upwork, Fiverr, and 99Designs are popular platforms to get started.
• Agencies: You can work for creative agencies that provide branding and design services to multiple clients. This environment can be fast-paced but rewarding, offering diverse projects.
• In-House Positions: Some companies hire graphic designers to work exclusively on their brand. This allows for more stability compared to freelancing.
Expanding Your Skillset
Graphic design is evolving. Staying current with trends and tools is essential to staying relevant. Here are a few areas to keep in mind:
• UI/UX Design: User Interface (UI) and User Experience (UX) design are closely linked to graphic design but focus on digital experiences. Learning basic UI/UX principles can open doors to web and app design.
• Motion Graphics: Your background in animation gives you a head start here. Motion graphics are becoming increasingly important, especially in digital marketing.
• Web Design: Knowing how to design websites and mobile apps can increase your value as a graphic designer. Tools like Adobe XD or Figma are essential for web design projects.
Conclusion: Is Graphic Design the Right Path for You?
Graphic design is an excellent career option for someone with a background in VFX Film Making & Animation. Your creative skills, technical knowledge, and experience in storytelling will set you apart. It’s a versatile field with opportunities in various industries, from marketing to media. If you’re ready to transition into a new kind of visual storytelling—one where every element on the screen has a purpose—graphic design might be the perfect next step in your career.