Communication design

Updated on: Saturday, December 10, 2011

Communication design involves designing information that has to be communicated through different mediums. It could be something as simple as designing wedding cards to designing moving graphics in animations and games.

A designer is an explorer and designing is a process. When the designer can design to motivate people to respond to an idea or message in a favourable way, s/he has achieved the target, says Akhilesh Saurikhia, general manager, marketing and strategic communications, Pearl Academy of Fashion.

Technology has played a huge role in shaping new career opportunities for students by not only opening new avenues but also modifying careers that already existed. Communication design is used in television, catalogue illustration, animation filmmaking, and video programming. Graphic design, advertising, designing graphic novels and alcohol printing are some of the areas under its ambit.

Upcoming areas

Ten years back, communication design was all about advertising but now it also encompasses designing applications for mobiles. Visual merchandising, which involves showcasing interior architecture is one of the upcoming areas. In animation, a lot of outsourcing is being done to KPO agencies. In India, the graphic novels are just coming in. All design is now digitalised and according to the age of a child, appropriate designs can be made. People have also started experimenting with the paper that is being used. Some people have started printing on transparent material and new technology that uses alcohol printing is also being done, says Saurikhia.

First steps

Students can generally do a range of courses that range from certificate programmes to a Masters programme.

Once students complete their course, according to their interest, they pick up a field and get into the groove. For example, advertising is a creative field. It has different departments and different people who work for it art, service department, media planning, etc, says Dipendra Rai, who has been working in the industry for four years.

Tips for beginners

Students should be good with time and project management skills. Being disciplined helps one complete projects on time. One must have passion for design and communicating through design. A beginner can get around Rs 30,000, concludes Saurikhia.

Times of India

Communication design

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