The current graphics market is more competitive than ever. The need is great to be at the top of the pack with the right skills and up-to-date information. There are skills that are an absolute requirement for the serious graphic design artist, whether creating designs for their own projects or for others. There are some basic tools and skills needed to have what it takes to produce graphic design that satisfies this ever-changing world’s insatiable desire for more and more graphics.

Here is a list of the basic skills needed to meet those needs.

1. Adobe Photoshop: In the graphic design industry, even experts are constantly learning. They keep up with the latest and greatest and experiment with what can be done. They learn through tutorials, seminars and books. Adobe Photoshop, a pixel-based photo manipulation product, is considered the foundation of graphic design. To become proficient, it is imperative that you spend a predetermined amount of time each week learning new techniques.

The selection tool offers some complex photo manipulations and layouts. This product will teach you the technique of layering and adjusting layers, masks and channels. These powerful tools allow you to repair photos, such as correcting colors, scratches, and blemishes.

2. Adobe Illustrator: This program provides graphic design through vector based graphics. For logo graphics or any other design where crisp, clean artwork is essential, this is the tool of choice. This detailed graphic illustrator gives the designer the ability to create posters and any print-ready designs.

This program offers such abilities as Bezier curves, converting a bitmap to a vector image, multi-step gradients, and converting graphic images to text. Like any powerful program, it will take some time to gain competition. However, the time spent learning these skills is worth every minute. Invest the time and you will reap great benefits.

3. Quark Express or Adobe InDesign: These programs are what are known as page layout programs. No matter what your final product becomes, your work area is the page. Therefore, you need a design. No matter what type of graphics or text is needed, or whether the product will be a book, sales copy, brochures, or a magazine, this type of high-end design software is essential.

To master these products, your skill level must be at the level of creating master pages. When you reach this skill level, you will be able to create a 32-page catalog. This is achieved by understanding how to control text with and around images. This would include setting up the document so that text flows and sometimes images.

This program will also help you set up prepress copying and offset printing. If these concepts are foreign to you, go to your local print shop and ask them for a tour. Be sure to try this program out before you do so you can be ready with a list of questions as you see the process through the eyes of your local print shop. This can be very valuable.

4. Flash: This is a program that allows you to give your product a professional look. Flash is now installed on twice as many computers as other video platform products. When Flash Player is available, you can implement an Internet video platform. As the Web becomes more video-based, the need to have a solid understanding of Flash is imperative and urgent. This program will allow you to create simple animations and keyframes. As you learn these skills, you will become stronger through the knowledge and ability to make flash movies and interactive web content and interactions.

5. Typography: This is one of the most important skills that will determine if you will be a good or excellent graphic designer. This skill deals with the type, clarity and appropriateness of the type that should accompany the text. It is essential that you have a font management system on your computer system. You should know the difference between TrueType, PostScript, and OpenType fonts. Be sure to get a source reference guide and resource book. This will increase your typographical skills up to the expert level.

6. Generation of ideas: The resource of ideas is essential for any professional. However, in the world of design it is essential. Graphic designers are the highest paid and most in demand, not only because of their Flash skills or PhotoShop skills, but also because of their ability to come up with innovative ideas. As an idea generator, you need a plan and a method. You will need to be surrounded by other innovative thinkers. Be sure to read, read, read. This will help your creative side and allow your creative side to open up and flow. Remember that it is the generators of ideas that generate serious income. Have a plan and work your plan.

7. Networking – This is perhaps an essential skill that is too often overlooked. Networking is especially essential when you’re a designer working alone in your studio. For some people, networking is difficult. This network will be your support group for those times when you need information, encouragement, and direction. Even if you feel like you’ll never need this, prepare the resource to be ready.

To build a strong network, attending networking events is a good idea. Attend events and seminars where you can meet and mingle with others of similar interests. Be sure to take the information from the contract. Today, people are more willing to share their email address. Be sure to keep that contact information readily available so you can seek their professional assistance.

8. Business Skills: This is a very important skill. There are some basic office skills needed for graphic design artists. You don’t have to be an accounting genius, however, you do need to know business skills like sales, marketing, tax strategies, and database administration. The true heart of any business; Whether you’re starting your own graphic design company or outsourcing your work to clients, you NEED business skills. Without business skills, your graphic design talents will not be used to their full potential.

These are some of the essential skills needed to be a graphic design artist who is reaping the benefits of positive cash flow. Some of these skills are specific to graphic and design capabilities, and others are specific to the business side. We encourage you to take a good look at where you are on the skill level. Take a realistic assessment and make a plan to acquire the necessary skills.

The real key is to do something after reading this. Statistically, most people, yes, even those who have paid good money for valuable advice, do not take the next step. The next step is action. In short, it is Plan and then act.