About Visual Communication

Visual communication is a creative process that blends art and technology to communicate ideas and information visually. A visual designer works with an array of communication mediums and tools in order to convey message to the audience.

A book with colourful images attracts more attention than a book with just pure simple text. Visual Communication is all about communicating ideas with the help of visual aid, making the communication interesting and easy to understand.
 
It is one of those few careers which combine the serenity of art and the modernity of technology. A visual communication designer is a professional who uses various technological tools, devices and mediums to bring out a message through a visual form such as photos, videos etc.
 
Courses in Visual Communication examine the nature, use, and role of messages among individuals, small groups, organizations, and society in whatever form they assume - oral, written, visual, mediated, and technological communication.
 
A career as a visual communication specialist involves activities such as producing promotional videos, advertisements, illustrations, signs and logos etc.
 
The major techniques used in visual communication are:
Photography
Video Production
Graphic Design
Typography (You draw your letters instead of write them.)
Illustration
Web Design
Business Design – Identity, Packaging & Research
Print & Production
Digital & Interactive Design
Spatial Design
 
In order to be eligible for this programme, students should have secured a minimum of 60% marks at Higher & Senior Secondary level (10th& 12th) (Any Stream). Almost every enterprise requires a certain number of designers to work behind them in order to make their services and products appear better.

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Top Colleges

Following are some of the popular courses offered as a part of the Visual Communication programme in most universities, colleges and institutes:

Business Design - Courses include Branding & Identity Design, Information Design, Social Communication, Research Methods, Packaging Design, Marketing Communication Design, and Exhibition/Environmental Graphics.

Interactive Design - Courses include the development of 3D and 2D media, Interaction Design, User interface Design, Website Design, Motion Graphics and Screen based narrative design.

Print & Production - Courses include Typography, Letterform Design, Layout Design, Creative Binding Techniques, Printing & Finishing Methods, Printing Mediums, Publication Design and Photography for Communication and History of Design.

Experimentation & Exploration - Courses include Experimental Typography, Calligraphy, Games/Toy design, and Comic/Graphic Novella design.

Other key points

  • Admission usually requires a portfolio. A portfolio has to reflect your creativity and individuality. It can include paintings, sketches, write ups, videos, acting, etc.
  • Most design institutions require a 4 year Diploma qualification, if one wishes to apply for a Master’s Programme. This again does not have to necessarily have to be design orientated, but it works in your favour if it is.

Career Prospects

Job opportunities are many when one studies design. Almost every enterprise requires a certain number of designers to work behind them in order to sell. You can work with big companies like Pedigree, Vodafone, Tupperware, Kraft, Ogilvy and Mather, FabIndia, etc. and design for them. You can also work with small scaled companies and entrepreneurs who need expertise. Further, freelancing is a major development in designing. One can freelance as they study. It usually involves small design projects and it help earn and build experience.

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Jobs & Salary

Getting a job is usually the last thing on the minds of students studying Visual Designing courses since they sell like hot cakes. Most students get jobs through campus placements unless they choose not to work for anyone else except themselves.

Following are some of the companies which hire visual communication experts:

Advertising Agencies – Saatchi& Saatchi, Ogilvy and Mather
Publishing Houses – Scholastic, Arrow Books, etc.
Magazines like Femina, Outlook, India Today, Savvy, You & I, etc.
Magazines like Femina, Outlook, India Today, Savvy, You & I, etc.
Reliance, Nokia, Vodafone, Pantaloons, FabIndia, Zodiac,etc.
Film Production Houses

During your initial years as a designer, remuneration is fairly decent in comparison to other industries. The salary grows with experience and expertise. One can take up multiple design projects at one time, so your income isn’t restricted to a single source.

Pros & Cons

Pros
  • Job opportunities all around the world
  • Creative endeavours
  • Large number of career opportunities in various fields like Journalism, Photography, working with websites, stores, advertising, commodity design, etc.
  • Business Skills like working with clients, working with teams, research and development, etc.
  • Quick starting career.
Cons
  • Design is extremely strenuous and comes with a lot of expectation which sometimes leads to criticism.
  • What you earn depends on your passion and drive. A salary does not come easy.
  • Constant competition is a driving force for betterment. However, it makes success difficult.

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