2024-01-12 22:30:47
“No longer say model maker, but graphic designer”. This clarification from Géraldine Hervé-Dannhauer, teacher at the famous Estienne Parisian school, is not just lip service. It’s an understatement to say that the profession has changed! Posters, logos, packaging, websites, magazines, newspapers, publishing… The graphic designer’s imprint is everywhere. An exciting and difficult job. Of course, there is technicality, but not only that: the graphic designer must respond to a specific order and faithfully convey the message that the client wants to convey. This requires a lot of qualities, the first of which is to be a true creative person.
“There are the jacks of all trades,” explains Géraldine Hervé-Dannhauer, “and then those who specialize in typography – for example to redo the font of the Paris metro or major luxury brands – in visual and sound animation, or even in mobile applications… The field of possibilities is very vast in this profession, even if the traditional layout designer still exists and fortunately,” she continues.
“The Internet and new software, like Illustrator or InDesign, have changed everything. The job market today remains very open,” enthuses the teacher. Responsibilities too, for example when the graphic designer engages in a global strategic communications campaign for a large company and on multiple platforms.
We understand that the training is now very advanced. After the baccalaureate, it takes 3 years to obtain the DN MADE diploma (National diploma of crafts and design), graphic design mention, two additional years for the national diploma of applied arts or the DNSEP (Higher national diploma of plastic expression) delivered among others by the National School of Decorative Arts (ENSAD), Penningen or the ECV, three renowned Parisian schools. “With a good diploma, progression to the position of artistic director (AD) can go quickly,” notes Géraldine Hervé-Dannhauer. The salary of a beginner is around 2,300 euros gross and that of an experienced AD can go up to 5,000 euros gross.
“We receive 2,500 applications for 45 available places”
The Estienne school is undoubtedly the most sought after of the four major Parisian public graphic design establishments. “Each year we receive 2,500 post-baccalaureate applications for 45 places available in the graphic design major,” confides the teacher. The file consists, among other things, of a book of personal work (10 pages in PDF), she explains. We try to identify a candidate who has a real desire and real skills…” The Estienne school offers a range of training, from the BTS in publishing or graphic industries, to the diploma equivalent to a master’s degree, including the professional license . Other very selective public establishments exist, such as the famous schools Boulle, Olivier de Serres or Duperréall located in the capital.
But candidates must be reassured: there are also a multitude of schools and short and long private training courses, face-to-face or remotely, which are much more accessible. Some are excellent, like the Initiative school in Paris or the Campus Fonderie de l’image in Bagnolet (Seine-Saint-Denis), others less renowned. They are all quite expensive. The best thing is to inquire directly with professional associations of graphic designers in order to make the right choice.
In the field of continuing education, Greta is very efficient. “We have created a specific and intensive six-month training organization for graphic designers,” rejoices Mallory Kwiat, teacher. The audience is diverse. “People in their 30s and 40s coming to us, all from very different backgrounds, are retraining. We combine theory with the realization of real projects, he explains. Internships then allow you to penetrate the professional network. Our integration rate is excellent.”
Mallory Kwiat alone reflects the extreme diversity of careers. “I started as graphic designer independent in luxury by producing catalogs for Christie’s, then I entered the women’s department of the Mondadori press group, to then become independent again. I now work as a trainer at Greta and at the EMI school.” The circle is complete…
She hires: Françoise Malafosse, CEO of the communications agency Comevents
Françoise Malafosse, CEO of the communications agency Comevents, in Brive-la-Gaillarde (Corrèze), has clients throughout the great southwest of France. But the reputation of his company now goes much further.
“Today I am looking for a graphic designer to complete my team. We have 18 employees, including 4 model makers. I have a very precise idea of the missions that I want to entrust to my employees: with us, no piecemeal work. Our clients are asking for a 360-degree and strategic repositioning of their company, with specifications that include the logo, posters, website, social networks, etc. »
Françoise Malafosse’s credo: find the rare gem who knows how to have the right idea in front of a blank page. “It’s one thing to develop a concept, but another to invent it,” she says. When I hire a graphic designer, diplomas ultimately count for little, even if the candidate must obviously meet technical prerequisites. Above all, I am looking for a pure creative person.” A personal talent that cannot be learned from books…
The job interview therefore turns out to be decisive. “I am very attached to the work already carried out with the presentation of a book,” explains Françoise Malafosse. For the rest, the graphic designer must know how to respond to the client’s expectations, like a company that wants to reorient itself towards organic and convince its buyers, or another, very attached to its family history, which builds bridges in the construction industry. Well, you have to find the right logo that says it all in a few strokes! »
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