*some [skills and traits] of a successful graphic designer

You probably would guess that graphic designers just need the basics - computer skills (photoshop and a little bit of programming knowledge, maybe), drawing talent, a creative, artistic flair and a love for design.

While those ARE definitely a few of the skills and traits that a prospective graphic designer must have, there's also many more things that someone would need to be completely successful as a designer. The following list contains different things that you should have and be.

-Artistic and creative! No one will want your services if you produce boring, ho-hum graphics or, even worse, ugly ones. x( If you design graphics a job, you also have to be able to consistently produce gorgeous, original graphics like a machine in order to meet your deadlines. You'll have to think of TOTALLY NEW and ORIGINAL ways to present an idea that's already been presented 2309458720349852 times.
-Leadership skills. As a designer, you probably will eventually have to lead other designers for various projects, and you're going to have to make a lot of business decisions, some of which will have a certain risk factor. You have to be a good leader!
-Good communicator. You have to make sure you have good, clear communication skills in order to be successful in your projects. If the manager of a building company asks for a logo with the image of a tower in it and you give him one with a TOWEL instead, you're probably not going to be getting any more projects from him...
-Knowledge of the English language. Nobody likes misspelled graficks or those that lack correct punctuation,?!?
-Computer skills. Most graphic designers primarily use the computer as their design tool. You'll definitely need to know how to use programs like Photoshop, Corel, and so on. It's also good to know some basic programming skills, in case you need to design a website. Always be prepared!
-Sociology: That basically means you have to know the behavior of different groups, the latest trends and things that influence society, and so on.
-Advertising and marketing knowledge. You should know what makes people want to buy things, in short. xD
-People skills! You want the customer to be completely satisfied with your service AND with your attitude throughout the whole thing.
-You have to LOVE graphic design!!! After all, if it's going to be a job, then you're going to have to do this EVERY SINGLE DAY for the rest of your career. And if you're going to do it that often, you might as well enjoy it.