What exactly does a graphic designer do?

What skills are most important to a graphic designer?

• I am a high school student who is going to be studying Graphic Design in September. Since I don't really know much about it yet, I was hoping someone with some experience in Graphic Design could tell me which skills are most important to have, and which ones you use the most. I know web design is an absolute must, but what else? I have been accepted to 2 graphic design courses- both at the same college but are just a little bit different. One is called Digital Media and the other is Creative Studio. The Digital media course foucses more on the digital side (obviously) and has courses such as digital drawing, digital workflow techniques, web design, print design, and prepress. The creative studio course has 2 drawing courses a semester (out of 8 courses) and has a more diverse choice in classes such as web design, package design, marketing design, prepress and illustration. (if you'd like to look at the courses, they are here: Digital Media: http://www.mohawkcollege.ca/media-entertainment-programs/graphic-design-production-digital-media-diploma/course-overview-descriptions.html Creative Studio: http://www.mohawkcollege.ca/media-entertainment-programs/graphic-design-production-creative-studio-diploma/course-overview-descriptions.html Are good drawing skills very important for a graphic designer? I can draw, but I'm definiately not an expert and there is always room for improvement. Or, because technology is changing so much, should I be focusing more on the digital side of things? I'm really confused on which program to choose and I have to pick by tomorrow so any advice you could give me would be much appreciated. Thanks!

• Answer:

  You should focus on the digital side more than your drawing. Still you need good drawing skills it really helps. Take drafting, graphing (of course) and just every kind of thing you think would make you better. You know you better than anyone. Just don't be nervous, ask for help and good luck.