Magazines and newspapers give graphic designers a large percentage of work.
Within their infrastructures are two fundamental groups: editorial and promotional.
Promotional is pretty much just advertisements.
Editorial is the actual journalism in a magazine or newspaper, or the "creative heart of an institution".
There is a plethora of opportunity within editorial design, especially for freelancers.
It's important for an editorial designer to be aware of the editorial process and the editorial philosophy of the publication they're creating for.
Designers must have a good sync with the other editorial departments. Everyone needs to be on the same page to be successful.
It's also good to think about who you want to work in the industry. Do you want to work for a high end or low end magazine? Do you want to work for a group that expects, and create high quality work? Or do you want to work for someone who accepts competent pieces?
It's possible to move up from junior designer, to senior designer, to even art director in a short period of time in the editorial design industry. Even the lowliest job can result in significant advancement. You just have to be at the right place at the right time, with the right qualifications.
Despite the decrease in the amount of major newspaper companies, and that the industry is faltering newspapers have a huge demand for designers. It's all thanks to newly added features and columns (lifestyle, etc) and technology.
Newspapers have also introduced a new hybrid job: graphics editor.
A graphics editor is basically a designer who can also handle the journalism side of the job.
Newspaper design vs Magazine design:
Newspapers are expressed on a larger scale. There needs to be more balance with all of the editorial components.
Instead of having a weekly or monthly deadline you end up with a daily deadline.
Production values are also not as high compared to a magazine as you aren't printing on high quality paper.
Criswell Lappin
"Once you figure out how to design beyond the boundaries of "graphics" or the surface, then I think the potential for being productive expands."
He also mentioned that it's good to collaborate and work with others outside of art and design. And to also work with smart people.
Fred Woodward
"The most important job is to create a look for your book that is singular, its own. The worst thing possible would be to look like somebody else."
Vince Frost
"I am always aware that each and every dot of ink will be seen by hundreds of thousands of people. So I try to make the right decisions, as any mistake is seen all over the world.
