So You Want to Work in a Museum? by Tara Young

Author:Tara Young
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781538124109
Publisher: American Alliance Of Museums

GRAPHIC DESIGNER

A graphic designer in a museum is responsible for planning and designing the visual aspects of printed material and often online material as well, though the web team may handle that separately. The description of the editor’s job goes hand-in-hand with the parameters of the designer’s job; essentially all the materials listed for the editor’s position go to the graphic designer before or after they go to the editor, or they’re designed and edited simultaneously, with the editor and designer working closely together.

Graphic designers use elements like logos, graphics, fonts, colors, illustrations, and photographs to create the visual identity of a piece. Designers are usually closely involved with branding initiatives and work within the guidelines established for the brand across the museum. Designers may create templates that they work within, such as a quarterly newsletter that features the same basic design—with some alterable elements—every time it’s printed. Exhibition labels may follow a similar format throughout the museum. Other projects will allow more room for creativity, such as special exhibition signage or other materials, like invitations for openings.

The museum environment seems like the perfect place for a graphic designer, as an artist, to work: there is no shortage of inspiration or visually appealing source material; because, at some level, all museums are based on the appreciation of the visual, museum graphic designers have a high bar to meet, but one that seems like an exciting professional challenge.

Graphic designers work across the museum, in collaboration with any number of different departments. They have to be attuned to the needs of each department’s collateral and audiences, and they have to consider the “client’s” (their colleague’s) vision for the piece while also offering professional input on what design will work best for that particular application. In some museums, graphic designers may also be involved in product design for the museum’s retail operation.

A job as a graphic designer may be a good fit for a person who:

• Has a good visual sense in terms of print and/or online materials

• Has prior experience as an artist or designer

• Is able to work collaboratively

• Establishes and adheres to deadlines

• Enjoys or is interested in learning more about the museum’s content area

• Wants to work in a creative environment

Skills and experience that may help a candidate get hired as a graphic designer:

• Extensive experience with graphic design software

• Photography and photo editing experience

• A background in art or design

• A portfolio will be required

• A BA or BFA; an MA or MFA may be preferred

Keep in mind:

• A candidate may not have a professional portfolio when applying for a first job, but other projects can be included from school assignments, internships, or extracurricular activities (such as a flyer created for a club).

• The skills a graphic designer uses are highly transferable. Simply put, designers can make more money in the private sector than at a non-profit museum. However, the appeal of a museum’s work environment may mitigate the lower pay. It’s even possible that a museum will

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