Graphic Design |
Who Are Graphic Designers?Is This Program in My Area?What Do Graphic Designers Do? Graphic designers research their clients to determine their particular needs. They use this research to compose the message, design, and layout that will help accomplish the client’s needs. Graphic designers draw sketches and illustrations of the layouts and design concepts by hand or on a computer. The graphic designer also selects the colors, sound, artwork, photography, animation and other visual elements for the design. Graphic designers also oversee the conception and development of the overall layout and production design of magazines, newspapers, journals, corporate reports, and other publications. On a smaller scale, graphic designers will produce the promotional displays, packaging, and marketing brochures used by businesses to promote their products and services. Graphic Design Training Those interested in a career in graphic design must earn a graphic design degree or complete a graphic design program from fine arts or graphic design school or secondary technical college. Most graphic design courses include studio art, principles of design, computerized design, web design courses, commercial graphics production and printing techniques. Some graphic design courses focus on electronic media for those wanting web design classes. Graphic design degrees are available from 2-year and 3-year professional schools that focus on the technical aspects of graphic design. Completion of 2-year graphic design courses enables graduates to fill entry level jobs that require technical skills. Graphic Design Certification Graphic designer seeking certification should seek enrollment at a graphic design school accredited by The National Association of Schools of Art and Design. This association accredits graphic design schools that award graphic design degrees and offer comprehensive graphic design classes and graphic design courses. Applicants for graphic design classes may be required to submit sketches and other examples of their artistic ability. Graphic Design Job Prospects Graphic designers generally work for companies that specialize in designs for advertising and marketing services; printing companies, billboard companies, newspapers, periodicals, books, and print publishers. Other graphic designers produce computer graphics for web pages, video game companies, computer system design companies or motion picture production firms. Some graphic designers with an entrepreneurial spirit are self employed or do will freelance work part time. Once experienced, some graphic designers employed by large firms will advance to chief designer, art or creative director, or other supervisory positions. Graphic Design Job Security and Salary As electronic media increases, demand for graphic designers is also expected to grow. Demand for well trained and creative graphic designers continues to increase from advertisers, publishers, and computer design firms. Jobs for those with multimedia design training are also expected to increase due to expansions in the video entertainment market. Many multimedia and digital designers are finding steady work in television, movies, video, and made-for-Internet outlets. People with a graphic design degree can expect salaries that range between $24,000 and $70,000. |