Most of us have likely used the fonts that come with our system at some point. However, if you’re using them for commercial use, there are some things you need to be aware of. Do you know whether you’re allowed to use a particular font for the project you’re working on? Do the fonts that came with the software you use have licenses that give you the right set of permissions for commercial use?

In total, fonts that are released with a system under open-source licenses, or software that has licensing included in the purchase or subscription, can be used in any non-commercial or commercial project. However, depending on the program, there may be limitations as to how fonts can be used.

Every designer knows that fonts have a considerable impact on the visual aspects of any logo or design. However, for something we use every day, most of us are unaware of the legal issues associated with using a font. Below you will find a full breakdown of how fonts can be used and how to find out if the fonts that came with your system are free for commercial use. 

Are The Fonts That Came with your System Free for Commercial Use?

Whether or not your fonts are free for commercial use really depends on the system you are using. For example, fonts provided with Google Docs or Adobe’s Typekit can be used across print and online marketing without the need for an additional license. However, this isn’t the case with fonts from all systems, even the ones you pay for.

Fonts are, in reality, protected by intellectual property rights. Regardless of whether they are provided for free or paid, they are subject to a license agreement. 

The kind of use that is permitted might differ based on the kind of license that was granted by the developer. For this reason, you must understand the license to ensure that you are not using your typeface in a way that you do not have authorization for.

How To Know If a System Font Is Free for Commercial Use

It’s essential to keep in mind that just because a font came with your system doesn’t mean you can use it however you choose.

For example, Windows comes with a set of fonts that can be used across the whole system, meaning any software you have on your computer can use these fonts. The catch is that you have to make sure you aren’t using an application that is specifically licensed for home, student, or non-commercial use. Microsoft also has some other restrictions for how fonts are used.

Typekit is another catalog of a fonts offered through Adobe’s Creative Cloud subscription. These are open to being used for any commercial and personal projects, so long as you hold a subscription to the service.

On the other hand, Google Fonts holds a catalog of free fonts for anyone to use for personal and commercial reasons. You can use these fonts across applications, including online design services like Placeit.

What it really boils down to is making sure you carefully read through the licensing terms for the system you are using, so you can avoid causing trouble for yourself and your clients.

Commercially Licensed vs. Open-Source Fonts?

All fonts come with a license of some sort. When it comes to using fonts commercially, there are two licenses to look out for: open fonts and commercial fonts.

Buying a commercial font permits you to use the font for certain things, such as printed products or digital marketing materials. However, each font has different license terms. This means that you might be able to use the same font on many different projects, or you may be restricted to only using it on one piece. So, you really need to read the End User License Agreement (EULA) for each typeface you buy before you use it.

Many designers will often opt for using an Open Font License (OFL). The OFL allows these fonts to be used, modified, and redistributed freely. SIL and Google are among the few that offer OFL fonts that designers can use.

Where to Find OFL Fonts To Use for Commercial Projects

You should look for fonts that say in their license that they can be used for commercial purposes if you want to use them to make money from them. If you don’t want to spend a lot of money on a font, it’s a good idea to search out free fonts as often as possible because there’s the least amount of risk with them.

However, not all fonts are created equally, so it’s good to know where to look so that you aren’t wasting your time and potentially finding yourself in a bind. Here are a few of the most popular sites to find trustworthy OFL fonts:

• Google Fonts
• The League of Moveable Type
• Font Squirrel
• Font Space

The number of open-source fonts is growing all the time. There are few instances when free fonts are unlawfully copied; however, most free fonts allow for full usage.

OFL fonts are also great for those looking to experiment with new design components since there are so many styles to choose from. The open-source movement has its roots in the development and growth of the typography community. Because these fonts can be changed and made public, this is a great way to find and help make evolution designs.

Final Thoughts

Hopefully, you now have a better idea of how and when you can use the fonts that came with your system for commercial use. Remember, if you get fonts with a piece of software, they are usually licensed with that software in some way.

Make sure to read through the licensing terms so that you know what permissions you have for using a font. If you’re still not sure in the end, you may want to take advantage of open-source fonts, since that comes with the least amount of risk.

Like many people considering graphic design as a career, the top question on your mind is probably, “Is it hard to get a graphic design job?” And rightly so – you don’t want to spend years in school only to find out there is no work for you at the end.

Unfortunately, graphic design is not an easy job to get. Many designers out there want the same position you do, and they all have tricks up their sleeves to get employers’ attention. Not to mention, because the demand for jobs is higher than the supply, you have to be extra creative to stand out from the crowd.

However, this doesn’t mean you should throw in the towel. While landing a graphic design job is not as easy as flipping through the classifieds, there are some things you can do to improve your chances of getting hired. Read on for some helpful hints about how to find that perfect graphic designer position.

Why is it so Hard to Find a Graphic Design Job?

Finding a job in any industry is never easy, and the graphic design field is no exception. However, several factors make it even harder to get your foot in the door when it comes to graphic design. These include:

1. High Demand for Jobs and Limited Supply

One of the challenges graphic designers face when looking for a job is the high demand and limited supply of available positions. This means that many people are competing for each open position, making it more challenging to stand out from the crowd.

2. The Changing Nature of Graphic Design

Another factor that makes it challenging to land a job in graphic design is the ever-changing nature of the field. What was once a static industry has become more dynamic, with new trends and technologies emerging all the time. This can make it difficult for designers to keep up with the latest trends and stay current in their skills.

3. Employers Look for Design Aspects in CVs

Many graphic designers have difficulty getting their foot in the door because they fail to include a portfolio of work with their CV. Instead, their resumes are simply lists of what education and experience they have, but many employers want more than that before considering someone for an interview.

Aspiring graphic designers need to highlight samples of things like logos or advertisements on top of traditional resume requirements such as dates and previous work experience.

Not to mention, some employers go as far as analyzing how you’ve designed your CV to gauge your professionalism and creativity. Without this knowledge, many aspiring graphic designers may be overlooked and have difficulty landing their dream job.

4. Most Employers Don’t Take Graphic Design Seriously

Even though graphic design is one of the most visible and commonly used forms of communication, many employers don’t take it as seriously as other design disciplines such as web design or user experience.

One reason for this could be that many people think they can do graphic design, which leads to an oversaturation of the market. Another reason is that most employers believe graphic design can be delegated to someone else on the team, such as a marketing intern.

Consequently, you’ll find that it’s often harder to get a job in graphic design because the opportunities are rare to come by.

Source: Income Holic

What Do You Need to Do to Get a Graphic Design Job?

It may seem like the odds are stacked against you, but it’s not as bad as it looks. While the competition is stiff and the market is oversaturated, there are things you can do to increase your chances of getting hired as a graphic designer. These include:

1. Create an Impressive Portfolio

The most important thing you can do to get hired as a graphic designer is to have an impressive portfolio. Remember, first impressions are everything. Your portfolio is the first thing potential employers will see, and it’s important that they like what they see.

Each piece of work in your portfolio should be accompanied by a detailed description. This will give employers a better understanding of your skills and what you’re capable of.

Most importantly, ensure your portfolio is easy to navigate. Potential employers should be able to find the type of work they’re looking for quickly.

2. Start Building Your Network

Another way to increase your chances of getting hired as a graphic designer is to start building your network. Get involved in the design community and meet new people who can help you out.

Here are some ways to get started:

• Join design forums
• Connect with designers on social media
• Attend networking events in your city
• Find a mentor who can help guide you in your career

As you continue to build your skills and grow your network, you’ll increase your chances of getting hired as a graphic designer.

3. Stay Updated on the Latest Trends and Technologies

As a graphic designer, it’s also essential to stay up to date on the latest trends and technologies. Read design blogs and subscribe to newsletters so you can learn new techniques and keep your portfolio fresh.

Doing so will give you an edge over other candidates and make you a more desirable hire.

4. Don’t Be Too Defensive of Your Work

Many graphic designers have a hard time taking constructive criticism of their work, hindering them from landing a job. When applying for jobs as a graphic designer, it’s essential to have the right attitude toward criticism of your design portfolio.

If you’re too defensive about negative feedback on some of your work, employers will think that you won’t be able to take input and may not be a good team player.

Source: Flat Icons

Over to You

If you’re considering a career in graphic design, you may have heard that it’s hard to get a job in the industry. But, while it’s competitive, there are ways you can make yourself more marketable and attractive to employers and make you a more desirable hire.

So, don’t give up on a career you love because you don’t think it can be done. Use the tips we’ve outlined in this post to increase your chances of landing a job and achieving your graphic design dreams.

Graphic design is a world all by itself. If you’re interested in graphic design, you might wonder what category it falls under as a career. One of the common beliefs is that graphic design is a part of STEM. Is this true? Is graphic design a part of STEM?

Graphic design is not a part of STEM. It’s a form of art that plays a critical role in helping stabilize businesses and other individuals. Graphic design would qualify as part of STEAM, but STEAM is not as widely known as STEM. 

If you’re curious to learn more about why graphic design isn’t a part of STEM, you’ve come to the right place. Read on to understand why many consider graphic design separate from the STEM world. There are many critical things to cover, so let’s jump right in.

Why is Graphic Design Not a Part of STEM?

Graphic design is not considered a part of STEM for a few reasons. Although they both involve work on computers, more things set them apart than bring them together. It’s critical to understand these differences if you’re interested in the field of graphic design and wonder if it’s a STEM career.

Graphic design is not part of STEM because:

1. It doesn’t fit in any of the four STEM categories
2. It focuses on visuals rather than behind the scenes research and math
3. It requires different education

These outweigh any argument that graphic design is a part of STEM.

Next, we’ll talk about each of these differences in further detail. Graphic design may not be a STEM career path, but it falls under a category specific to itself.

1. It Doesn’t Fit Any STEM Category

STEM focuses on four categories of work – science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. These include careers such as data scientists, engineers, and chemists. Although some might say that graphic design fits into one of these, most would argue that graphic design is more focused on art.

To be part of STEM, graphic design would need to:

• Collaboration and teamwork focused on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics
• Work on a computer or with other technology towards an end goal
• Focus on math and science within the career path

These would make graphic design a STEM category.

Although graphic design involves lots of work on the computer, this is not enough to put it into a STEM category. If you’re getting a graphic design major at a university, you are likely part of their fine arts program or something close. You will use technology like Placeit.net to see how designs look, but you’ll rarely venture into mathematically-based technology for what you do.

2. It Focuses on Visuals

Rather than the specifics of technology, graphic design often focuses on visuals. A graphic designer’s job is to create visuals tailored to a company. These visuals work to send a message or prove a point, inspiring and captivating consumers. Though there might be logistics involved behind the scenes, the primary focus is what is seen.

On the other hand, someone in STEM focuses on math and technology. What they do often takes place behind the scenes. Their work includes lots of research, experimentation, and problem-solving in a team setting.

Both careers use computers in some capacity. Graphic designers need technology to create their designs, while STEM careers make use of technology for things like programming, documenting research, and inputting information. They’re both varying ways of using technology for what they love.

3. The Education is Different

Education for graphic design and STEM are often different. If you go to school for graphic design, you’ll probably go to an art school or learn within the school’s art program. If you get a STEM degree, you may go to a technology-focused school or learn in their technology department. They have separate designations.

If you’re majoring in graphic design, you’ll learn things like:

• Editing and processing photos and images on the internet
• Designing and drawing images
• Color theory, or the examination of how color affects people and the world
• Animation and other forms of online movement

These are typical for graphic design majors to learn as they work through their college degrees.

Education differs from graphic design for someone in STEM. If you’re a STEM major, you might learn things like:

• Computer science
• Web development
• Information science
• Computer programming

These are wildly different from a graphic design major. Education in STEM varies depending on what branch the student goes into.

The routes vary if you want to achieve either of these degrees. However, it’s still critical to note that both education routes are lots of work. You will need to go through at least four years of school to earn a STEM or graphic design degree, and sometimes even more.

What Category Does Graphic Design Fall Under?

We’ve clarified that graphic design doesn’t fall under the STEM category. What does it fall under? Is there a specific category graphic design can claim for itself?

Most often, graphic design is considered a visual communication art. Visual communication focuses on delivering a message through strategically placed artwork and text. It’s a form of art that works to convey a specific message. Graphic design is a form of art that works on objectivity rather than subjectivity.

Graphic designers play a role in the world, whether they’re designing color schemes for businesses or creating an Instagram strategy for an influencer. They’re not a STEM-based career, but they matter just as much.

To Conclude

Although most graphic design work happens on a computer, graphic design isn’t a part of STEM. It doesn’t fit the categories, focuses on visuals, and requires contrasting education. Most consider graphic design a visual communication art rather than a STEM career.

We hope this information was helpful! Even though graphic design isn’t a STEM career, it requires lots of hard work. Whether you’re seeing if your design works in Placeit.net or aiming to rebrand a client, it’s safe to say that the job of a graphic designer isn’t an easy one.

Graphic designers are a vital part of the creative industry. They have an important job to do, and they should be compensated fairly for their work. Yet, graphic designers are paid so little compared to other professions in the industry.

The primary reason graphic designers are paid so low is that this field is highly competitive and contested. Consequently, most graphic designers are willing to work for meager wages to secure a job.

Therefore, if you’re considering a career in graphic design, you should be aware of the typically low pay in this field. However, don’t let this dissuade you from pursuing a career in graphic design. This article explores other reasons why graphic designers are paid so low to help you decide if this is the right career for you.

Why Are Graphic Designers Underpaid?

If you love what you do, you’ll never work a day in your life. This is the philosophy of many graphic designers. They love to design and create beautiful pieces, so they would be willing to work for free if it weren’t necessary to earn a living wage.

Unfortunately, this isn’t practical in the real world. Let’s face it. Everyone hopes the career path they’ve chosen will not only be fulfilling but profitable. However, many graphic designers realize sooner or later that their passion doesn’t always lead to a great income.

So, why are graphic designers paid so little?

1. The Issue of Supply and Demand

One of the major challenges graphic designers face is the issue of supply and demand. So many people out there want to become graphic designers, but not enough jobs to go around. This means that companies can be picky about who they hire and often don’t have to offer a high salary to attract the right person for the job.

The problem is made worse by the fact that anyone can become a graphic designer since it doesn’t take a special degree or certification to start working as one.

2. Easy Access to Free Tools and Resources

With the advancement of the internet, there is a wealth of resources that anyone can access. This means you don’t have to pay for software or training materials like you used to do in the past. It’s all free!

Furthermore, there are many websites and blogs available with tutorials on graphic design skills and plenty of online forums where designers worldwide share their work and give feedback. So even if you’re just starting, you’ll be able to learn a lot very quickly.

But why is this a bad thing?

The downside is that because it’s so easy to learn graphic design skills, many people think they can do it and end up undervaluing the profession. Unfortunately, this means that many talented designers are paid very little for their work, which is unfortunate, especially for individuals who’ve undergone years of training.

3. Low Barriers to Entry

Another reason graphic designers have a hard time getting paid what they’re worth is the low barriers to entry. Anyone with a computer and some design software can start creating graphics, which means there’s a lot of competition in the market.

This also makes it difficult for graphic designers to demand higher rates, as clients can easily find someone else who will do the job for less.

4. Lack of Understanding from Client’s Side

In most cases, clients don’t take graphic design seriously. They see it as just another service that can be provided by anyone else easily. They don’t see it as an investment or a part of their marketing strategy and business development efforts.

Other than that, many small businesses think they cannot afford graphic design services. The truth is, all companies need visual representations to attract new customers and stand out from the competition.

This perception that graphic design is not essential or that it’s not worth a lot of money creates an unfortunate reality for many designers.

5. Designers are Not Seen as Professionals

Another reason why graphic designers are paid less than they deserve is that their profession is not considered “professional.” Most people think that anyone can do graphic design, which could not be further from the truth.

It’s so bad that most companies do away with graphic design when dealing with budget cuts. They prefer prioritizing other departments like IT, Sales, and Marketing because they don’t believe graphic design is as important.

This is a big reason why designers don’t earn enough, and their pay keeps going down the drain. They keep getting taken advantage of because not many people know what graphic design really takes or how it can help them run a business efficiently.

Source: Media Caterer

How to Increase Your Graphic Designing Income

You’re probably thinking, “What can I do to make sure I get paid what I deserve as a graphic designer?”

There are a few things you can do:

• Network with other designers and people in the industry. Build relationships and learn from them.
• Stay up to date on new design trends and technologies. You don’t want to be left behind.
• Pitch high paying clients
• Diversify your income
• Better your portfolio
• Stick to a specific niche
• Create your own product
• Build confidence in your skills

While it may seem like there’s no hope for increasing your income as a graphic designer, these tips will go a long way in ensuring you get paid what you deserve. They’ll not only set you apart from the competition but set you on the right path where you can focus on clients who are willing to pay top dollar for your skills. So don’t quit just yet. 

Source: Media Caterer

Wrapping Up

If you’re a graphic designer feeling underpaid and undervalued, don’t worry – you’re not alone. The industry faces many challenges, but you can overcome them and make more money than you’ve ever dreamed of.  So, follow the tips we’ve shared in this article, and you’ll be on your way to a better paying job in no time.

Have you ever noticed that PNG image files are significantly larger than JPEGs? Why exactly is there such a discrepancy and which one leads to better quality? 

PNG files are bigger than JPEGs because they are not compressed in the same way. JPEGs use what is called DCT compression. This leads to some loss in the quality of the image. PNG’s on the other hand, use LZW compression. This form of compression is lossless and results in a better image. 

If you’d like to get the most out of your image files, you’ve come to the right place. In our guide below, we will first go over why PNGs take up more space than JPEGs, then we will break down everything else you would want to know about these formats. We’ll even let you know how you can reduce the size of your PNG files if you need to. So come along and let’s dive right in!

What Do PNG and JPEG Stand For?

Before we jump into why PNG files are bigger, it would be a good idea to get an understanding of what these file types are in the first place. 

PNG stands for Portable Network Graphics. It is one of the most common image file types used on the internet. 

JPEG stands for Joint Photographic Experts Group. The name is based on the group that created it back in 1986. These files are perhaps the most common online because of the space they save. 

Does PNG Take More Space Than JPEG?

If you have the same image but one is a PNG file and the other is a JPEG, the PNG file will almost certainly take up more space. At the same time, it will have a higher quality because of the lossless compression PNG files go through. JPEGs, on the other hand, do not have lossless compression.

Lossless compression simply means that the file is compressed without any loss in quality. If an image–like a JPEG–doesn’t have lossless compression it will therefore lose a little bit of its quality to save space. 

Why Are PNGs So Large?

Putting this all together, PNGs are so large because they are of a higher quality. If quality is what matters to you, then you should go with a PNG over a JPEG every time. 

How Do I Reduce the Size of a PNG?

Let’s say you’ve got a PNG image file that is just taking up too much space on your hard drive. Can you reduce its size, and if you can, how do you do it?

In order to reduce the size of a PNG, you will either need to convert it into another format, or use a compression tool to compress it. There are loads of free software and websites online that have these tools readily available. 

With most of these sites–including the ones we linked above–it’s as simple as dragging the file in and dropping it to get started. If you’re converting it, JPEG would be a great option for reduced size. If you’re further compressing it–which in a way is also converting it–the process is the same. Drag, drop, hit the convert button and you’re all set. Easy peasy. 

Which is Better: PNGs or JPEGs?

This isn’t really a fair question because which one is better is largely contextual based on your individual needs. 

If you don’t mind a minor drop in quality because saving space on your hard drive is important to you, or because you don’t really need a super high definition image, then JPEG is the way to go. If the image quality is really important for what you’re doing and you’ve got some extra space, definitely go with the PNG. 

We should note here that if you’re planning to professionally print the image, the calculation on which type is better may change. PNG files do not support non-RGB color spaces. These are colors like cyan and magenta. 

If you’re doing professional prints you may want to avoid both PNGs and JPEGs and go with TIFF (Tag Image File Format). 

So Really, Why Are PNG Files Bigger Than JPEGs?

The bottom line is PNG files are bigger than JPEGs because they are compressed in a lossless way. There is no loss in quality when you save and open these files. JPEGs on the other hand, do lose some quality in the compression process. 

If you have a PNG file you need to make smaller, the best way would be to run it through a file converter. That will reduce the quality a little bit, but it will save a lot of space on your hard drive.

Affinity photo has quickly become one of the best programs that a graphic designer or someone learning the ropes can use. It has won several awards for the best application and is available to anyone who wants to purchase. Many graphic design programs are currently paid through a subscription service, but is Affinity Photo really only a one-time payment?

Affinity Photo really is only a one time payment. You do not have to subscribe to Affinity Photo. When you purchase the program, it is yours with no additional charges. This differs from a subscription service, and if there is another version of Affinity Photo that’s released, you will have to buy another product.

For many people, it’s best to buy a product in one purchase rather than paying for a subscription, such as you would with other photo editors, such as Placeit.net. Affinity Photo is a reasonable price, especially considering it is a fraction of what a monthly or annual subscription to another service would cost.

Affinity Photo Prices

One of the best programs to buy to use for graphic design and digital imaging is Affinity Photo. It has some of the highest ratings compared to its competition and one of the best pricing models– you buy it once, and the program is yours with no monthly or annual subscription fees. 

Affinity Photo can be used on different platforms and is very affordable compared to the competition. As per each platform, Affinity Photo costs:

• For macOS: $54.99
• For Windows: $54.99
• For iOS: $9.99

Affinity Photo also offers a free trial version for macOS and Windows that you can use for three months. If you use Affinity Photo’s free trial, you have unlimited access to all of the tools available in the program. Be sure to know the exact program you are downloading and trialing, though some users trial Affinity Design, which has fewer tools.

How it Compares With Other Programs and Services

Affinity Photo is one of the most affordable graphic design programs, considering it’s a one time purchase without paying a monthly or yearly subscription fee. Some pricing options with other programs are:

Program	Monthly Price	Price After One Year With Subscription	Free Version
Affinity	$54.99 – one time payment	$54.99 – one time payment	Free trial for three months
Placeit	$14.95 a month or $7.47 a month with a yearly subscription	$89.69 with a yearly subscription	Free account with limited tools and designs
Adobe Photoshop	$31.49 a month or $20.99 a month if billed monthly for a year’s subscription or $19.99 a month billed each year	$251.88 if billed monthly, $239.88 if billed yearly	Free trial for seven days
Canva	$12.99 a month or $9.99 a month with a yearly subscription	$119.99 with a yearly subscription	Free account with limited tools and designs

What Comes With Affinity Photo?

When you purchase Affinity Photo, you have access to some of the best, most precise graphic design tools a program can offer. Some of the things Affinity Photo has to offer are:

• Raw, 360 Image, and PSD editing
• HDR Merge
• Panorama stitching
• Unlimited layers
• Focus stacking
• Digital painting

Affinity photo will also give you multiple fog, snow, rainbow, and rain overlays when you purchase the program on macOS or Windows. In addition to what Affinity Photo has, you can also purchase, download, and install different add-ons to the program. 

Is it Better Than a Subscription Plan?

Many people prefer to buy a program once and not have to continue paying monthly for it, which  Affinity Photo by Serif Labs has to offer. Other programs, such as Placeit, Canva, and Adobe Photoshop, offer a yearly subscription plan, which many graphic designers prefer to use. There are also different versions available depending on your needs.

One major downside to Affinity Photo being a one time purchase is that there may be extra charges. Extra charges will come if you decide to purchase additional content to use in the program for your work. Another additional charge is that if there’s a new version, you will have to purchase it again.

Having a yearly subscription with other programs, you usually don’t have to pay for extra content for your work. Depending on the user terms, you also won’t have to pay for any updates or things added to the program.

Conclusion

Affinity photo is one of the best applications available for photo editing and graphic design. It has a one time purchase agreement, which is better than the competition for many users. The only real downside to this one time purchase is that if there are any newer editions, you have to pay for another program, unlike programs that you subscribe to.

More and more people have been moving towards the career of graphic design. Their need has increased with the demand for digital content like video games, applications, and digital artwork. With this career, you can specialize in so many different areas, but what about book covers?

Graphic designers are not limited to just making a video game. They can also design books through their digital programs. You can even make quite a successful career as a graphic designer specializing in book covers.

There are many things to understand when it comes to designing book covers as a graphic designer and what you can earn by choosing this career path. To know more, continue reading.

Do Graphic Designers Make Book Covers?

Yes, they do. Graphic designers are those that make visual concepts whether by hand or using digital software. Book covers are no different than building a concept for a story and tring to encapsulate it.

Not all graphic designers will make book covers as it may not be their specialty or they may not be interested in that kind of work. But you can hire a graphic designer to head a book cover project and find yourself with a beautiful design.

Graphic designers are merely artists immersed in a digital world that provides a face to a story, whether it is an advertising campaign, a brand, or a book. The cover is the brand and the designer is the one creating it for the author.

Do You Need Specialized Training?

Besides the training that you have already completed with graphic designing, you don’t need any specialized training. You can start with simple designs and continue to explore more complex ideas. The choice really is yours as you are the artist.

If book covers is what you want to do as a graphic designers, you may find it beneficial to understand what book covers sell and which ones don’t. The book cover is the first impression a reader will get of the book and if the book doens’t represent the book well, you may find your design flopping no matter how beautifully created.

As the book designer, you will need to do the proper research. It is important that you read the book so that you can make a more accurate depiction of the novel. You won’t want to make a fancy, elegant cover for a horror novel.

How Much Does A Graphic Designer Make For Book Covers?

A graphic designer can make quite a bit of money as a book designer. Once you build your client list and begin getting your name out there, this can be a fruitful career. You can find yourself bringing in about $50,000 a year.

If you become successful and design for top selling authors, you may find yourself earning more than the median $50,000. It all depends on you and how well you can sell your product and talent. Don’t undersell your worth.

If you are new to the book cover world, you will find that many professional book cover designers charge anywhere between $500 to $800 for their designs. You can always start with the lower amount and then raise your prices as your client list continues to grow.

Other Jobs A Graphic Designer Can Do

Book covers are not the only jobs that a graphic designer can do! There are so many other job opportunities in this career that you won’t go without if you choose to take this path. Here are a few other options you can choose from:

• Photo editor
• Fashion designer
• Apparel designer
• Web designer
• Advertising designer
• Publication designer
• Brand identity designer
• Layout artist
• Multimedia designer
• Logo designer
• Product developer
• Creative director
• User experience designer
• User interface designer

You are not confined to just the options on this list. There are so many other job options you can choose from that haven’t even been listed. You could even decide to start your own business or invest in NFTs as well. 

As a graphic designer, you can choose a wide variety of careers. This is great for those who don’t like to be tied down to one type of job and can move around where their interests take them. Artists are known for following their inspiration and not forcing it.

Outro

Graphic designers can choose what they want to do with their knowledge, including designing book covers for authors. Preparing visuals for concepts are by nature what a graphic designer is and what they love to do.

As WebP becomes an increasingly popular image file format, more and more people are finding they have trouble editing them in Photoshop. That leaves two questions: why does Photoshop not support WebP Files, and can you do anything about it.

Photoshop doesn’t automatically support WebP files because they are still a relatively new format. Fortunately, they do offer a plug-in that you can download and install for free to enable WebP use. 

If you have WebP files you’d like to edit in photoshop, but they don’t seem to be compatible, you’ve come to the right place. In our guide below, we’ll explain why you might have trouble using WebP files in Photoshop as well as what you can do about it. We’ll even give you step-by-step instructions on how to make the WebP files work. Let’s dive right in!. 

What are WebP Files?

Before we dive any deeper, it would be good to get a handle on what Web P Files are in the first place. 

WebP files were developed by Google in order to provide high-quality images that don’t take up a lot of space. It has increasingly become one of the most common file types found on the web. 

Why Can’t I Open WebP in Photoshop?

WebP is a relatively new file format, created specifically to maintain quality but cut back on how much memory it takes up. As of right now, Photoshop doesn’t come with the plug-in to use them already installed. 

How Do I Enable WebP in Photoshop?

To enable WebP in Photoshop you simply have to download and install the plug-in. This process only takes a few minutes, but it will allow you to edit the photos you haven’t been able to. 

Where Can I Download the WebP Plug-In for Photoshop?

To enable WebP in Photoshop, you’ll need to know where to download the plug-in. To make things simple and easy, we’ve gathered links to both the Windows and macOS versions for you below:

• Windows (x64) WebP Plug-in
• macOS WebP Plug-in

Simply click on the links above and your computer will automatically begin downloading the Plug-in. They should only take a few seconds to download.  

How to Install WebP Plug-In for Photoshop

Now that you’ve got the files, you just need to install them. Follow the steps below to install Photoshop’s WebP plug-in: 

• Download the WebP Plug-in: First, you’ll need to actually download the plug-in. Simply click our link or go to Adobe’s website and download it there. 
• Unzip the folder: Find the WebP folder. You can do this by right clicking the download box and selecting “open in folder.” Now unzip the folder by right clicking it and selecting “extract all.” 
• Move the file: Move the WebP plugin file to where ever you keep your other plug-ins. If this is the first plug-in you’ve downloaded, it might be a good idea to make a plug-in folder, that way you don’t have to search for it anytime you want to use it.
• Open photoshop and find the plug-in: Go to the window tab at the top of the screen. Select “Find Extensions on Exchange.” From here you can search for the specific plug-in. When you select it you should be able to install it from there. 

You can really follow these steps to install any plug-in you want. Just download and select the specific one you want. Just something useful to know for the future. 

How to Convert WebP Files

Another option is to convert your WebP files to another format like JPEG. Please know, however, depending on what file type you convert it to, it may lose some of its quality. 

The easiest way to do this is to use the service Cloud Convert. You simply select or drag and drop the file you want converted and select which format you want it converted to. 

So Really, Why Doesn’t Photoshop Support WebP Files?

Photoshop doesn’t support WebP files if it doesn’t have the plug-in installed. This is probably in part due to the fact that they are a relatively recent file type. They optimize the image quality while not taking up as much space. Fortunately, the plug-ins are freely available online. 

You simply need to download the plug-ins for either Windows or macOS and install them. Then installation should only take a few minutes. To do it, you just need to open up photo shop, go to the “window” tab, and select “Find Extensions on Exchange”. From there you can search for the plug-in and install it. Best of luck!

If you want to become a graphic designer, you may worry about the future of the profession. A lot of things are changing due to automation, and there are plenty of graphic design tools out there. Before you decide if you should be a graphic designer or not, consider if your job will become obsolete.

Graphic designers will not become obsolete for a while. However, good graphic designers should learn to adapt to changes in design trends. It also helps to learn new design programs and to offer complementary services, such as consultation. Consider how graphic designers can stay in the game.

The rise of automation and design tools may make some graphic designers worry about their job security. But there are plenty of things designers can do to secure their futures. Keep reading to learn more.

1. Stay on Top of Trends

To keep the field from becoming obsolete, graphic designers should follow trends. Subscribe to industry publications, and get online to see what is becoming popular. It’s easier for a designer to stay on top of design trends than for someone not in the field.

You can use this knowledge of trends and timeless styles as a selling point. That way, someone looking for a new design can see the value in hiring you instead of doing it themselves.

Interact with other graphic designers and share what you know about trends. Then, you can all work together to convince clients to keep working with you.

2. Learn New Technology

Websites and apps, such as PlaceIt.net, have made it easier for non-designers to do their own graphic design work. But you can also use these tools as a professional designer. A good design tool can help you get started on a project when you don’t have any inspiration.

You can also use tools to save a bit of time so that you can charge less to clients. Charging lower rates can be an easy way to convince someone to work with you.

Instead of resisting changes in technology, do your best to embrace them. Just like non-digital trends, following technology trends may help you keep your job or business.

3. Offer More Services

Another way to safeguard your graphic design career or business is to offer more than just graphic design. If you’re good at drawing, you might offer digital illustration to help make client designs look more unique.

Or maybe you’re great at teaching, so you offer design consultations. You can charge premium rates to work with clients on the designs they already use.

If you want something more passive, consider creating a graphic design course and some template packs. Then, potential clients can do the work themselves, but you can still get paid. Think about what you can do that works well with graphic design, and offer that to help earn money now and in the future.

4. Consider Different Designs

Instead of just doing logos, maybe you add other types of designs to your list of services. You could design YouTube thumbnails, social media graphics, and email headers. Even if someone doesn’t need all of those things, you can broaden your potential clientele.

Then, you can attract more people who need help with different things. Of course, you still have to prove to people that working with a designer is worth it.

However, you may find that it’s not as hard to get clients. You can also use different design services to experiment and see which are the most profitable and sustainable for you.

5. Focus on Customization

No matter what you do as a graphic designer, prioritize a custom final design. The rise of design tools means anyone can create something basic. But it still takes skill and experience to design something more personal and unique to a specific brand or business.

Include custom work in your services and portfolio. Give people an idea of what you can do that they may not be able to do with simple design skills. You can have clients bring a basic design to you or start with nothing.

Then, you can work with the client to personalize the design to meet their needs. If you do a good job, they may see the value and want to keep hiring you. They may even recommend you to people they know, so you can keep a full client pipeline.

Final Thoughts

Graphic designers as they are today may not exist in the future. However, current designers can take steps to future-proof their businesses. Whether you add similar services or embrace new technology, you can keep from losing your career.

The graphic design industry is, without a doubt, competitive. As a graphic designer, I found that I was always looking for new and innovative ways to stand out from the crowd. However, after years of trying, I found that I couldn’t keep up with the ever-changing trends and started feeling like I was on a hamster wheel.

Eventually, I decided to leave the industry altogether. This can be discouraging to hear if you’re an aspiring graphic designer. But, before you give up on your dreams, it’s essential to understand the common reasons why people leave graphic design and whether or not it’s the right career for you. 

1. Stiff Competition and Limited Job Opportunities

When you embark on a career in graphic design, you’re competing with some of the best and brightest designers in the world. And while that may seem like a daunting task, it’s also very inspiring. The competition drives many designers to be their best and continually push themselves creatively.

However, this high level of competition can also lead to frustration. In an ideal world, there would be more job opportunities for talented graphic designers. But, the reality is that there are far fewer jobs than there are qualified candidates. This can lead to a lot of disappointment and discouragement, eventually leading someone to leave the field.

2. Graphic What? Most People Don’t Care

Another common reason people leave graphic design is that they feel that their work isn’t valued. I can relate. I felt like people didn’t understand or appreciate the value of my work.

It was worse when it came to employment. Some businesses I was interested in partnering with didn’t prioritize or understand the value of graphic design in their industry. As a result, my work would go unrecognized and unappreciated.

This can be frustrating for designers who put a lot of thought and effort into their work. When it feels like no one is noticing you or appreciating your hard work, it’s easy to feel unmotivated and uninterested in the field.

Source: Jayce-O-Yesta

3. Bad Work/Life Balance

Some people leave graphic design because they have difficulty maintaining a good work/life balance. This career can be highly demanding, with long hours and tight deadlines, especially if you’re doing the job on a freelance basis.

Most clients want their project delivered yesterday, so it’s not uncommon for designers to work long hours and weekends. This can be really tough on your personal life, especially if you’re trying to balance work with raising a family or doing other activities outside of work.

4. There’s So Much to Learn

If you thought being an excellent graphic designer was all about mastering Photoshop and other fantastic design software like Placeit.net, think again. The industry is constantly evolving, so you need to continually learn new trends and techniques.

And apart from mastering the basic principles of graphic design and staying on top of new trends, it turns out you also need to be an effective communicator, project manager and team player.

Some employers will also need you to have basic marketing skills and business and accounting basics. All these skills can be learned, but it does take time and effort – which some people may not want to commit to.

5. The Pay is Not Great

No one wants to work for peanuts, and sadly, the graphic design industry is not renowned for its high salaries. Sure, some people earn a lot of money doing graphic design work, but they are in the minority.

Most people earn an average wage, which may not be enough to cover living costs in expensive cities like Los Angeles or New York, which is where many design jobs are located.

The situation is made worse by the fact that everyone and their mom can be a graphic designer now, thanks to the proliferation of design software. This means that there is a lot of competition for jobs, which drives down wages even further.

Source: Media Caterer

6. Little to No Creative Input

Let’s face it. Most graphic design work is pretty boring. You’re often given a set of guidelines and told to follow them without much room for creativity or innovation.

This can be frustrating for creative people who want to express themselves through their work. When you’re not allowed to do that, it’s easy to lose interest in the job.

Freelance graphic designers have an easier time of it because they can choose the projects they work on. But for those stuck in a job they hate, there’s not much to look forward to each day. Therefore, if the cycle of boredom and frustration continues, it’s not surprising that people eventually leave the graphic design field.

Source: Launch the Damn Thing

7. Lack of Advancement Opportunities

Graphic designers are often stuck in a rut, with little opportunity for advancement. Unless you’re one of the lucky few who gets promoted to a managerial position, your chances for growth within the company are quite limited, especially if you work for a business or company that doesn’t specialize in graphic design.

As a result, many designers feel stagnant and unfulfilled with their job, leading to frustration and eventually leaving the field.

8. It’s Not Fun Anymore

This one is subjective, but some people may find that they no longer enjoy graphic design after working in the industry for a while. When you’ve been doing the same thing for a long time, it can start to feel monotonous and unfulfilling. As a result, most people venture into other creative fields, like web design or advertising.

Conclusion

As you can see, there are plenty of reasons why people may leave graphic design. Therefore, if you’re interested in this career path, it’s advisable to be aware of these potential factors.

Do you think you’d be able to thrive in a career that’s constantly changing? Are you willing to put in the extra effort to stay ahead of the curve? If so, graphic design may be an excellent option for you.

However, if you’re not sure whether or not this industry is right for you, that’s okay! There are plenty of other creative careers out there that may better suit your needs. So explore your options and narrow down to the one that feels best for you.