How do you become a better graphic designer?

How can I become a graphic designer?

• It's my first year of high school, and I have chosen to research more about graphic designing since I am very interested in the career. I know the basics of Photoshop and other programs, however I am not too advanced. I want to know what does it take to become a well informed graphic designer? Any help and advice is welcome :)

• Answer:

  You can practice being creative, re-do lots of things. Try re-doing some logos, TV intros. Look at packaging and improve the colors and design. Notice different fonts and color combinations. I was fortunate in High School to have an excellent Art teacher. He assigned many of the same things, introduced us to the field of commercial art, graphic design. I discovered GD had a lot to offer. A basic tip: to have words pop. Hot color for the type and cold color behind: such as yellow copy on a field of ultramarine blue. Contrasting colors work on products that can be loud, but not the same as perfume or cosmetics. You will want different designs for shampoo to Laundry detergent to chewing gum or toothpaste, a can of soda..... So, many things we look at, we just take for granted. Start to really study packaging, find what you like and figure out why? Do the other, find some terrible looking ads/packaging/logos, and improve them. Why does one give out a classy, quality impression? and why does one look cheap and of poor quality? Packaging is everywhere! Stores, yellow pages, magazines etc. I love the field, started out doing line art for a drug store back east- went to Art Director in Nevada, designed slot machine glasses! You might have been asking purely about education? With art, you will need a portfolio. You can't even get into a good commercial art academy without showing some work. You have time, and could ask your teacher for some advice or ideas to put one together, colleges offer courses, and there are well renown places like Pratt in New York, Rhode Island school of Art...I'm sure there are a plethora of choices, these days