QUOTE [So- I guess my main question is "what exactly is a graphic designer and how do you get to be one?"]
I'll preface by saying this is my opinion only
There are some that have received degrees in graphics design and kudos to these ladies for all their hard work. Going to school and getting a degree is invaluable experience and I would never devalue that. I've also seen others with no "official" graphics design background and I absolutely love their art, that includes photographers as well as designers.
In the end, whether someone is educated in this field or not, I believe some people are born and blessed with a creative eye and natural ability. I wish I was one of them. I'm one of those that doesn't have a graphics design background. However, I also spend hours (literally) researching and reading books on color theory, design principles, Photoshop books, etc. Does this make me a better designer, I think so. But at the end of the day, my own eyes are my best judge in what I like and what works in what I create.
I think we all have a bit of "artist" in us. It's learning how to tap into your potential and see what you can do with it, whether you make a living at it or not. And art is one of the most subjective fields ever. I've seen a Picasso and just scratched my head and said that's worth HOW MUCH??? Just not my taste. Everyone sees art in a different way. No one way is better than another, because art really is about self-expression and what pleases YOUR eyes. (Hmm, noticed I never seem to have a short answer, LOL.)