Graphic Design Careers

It is said, that a picture speaks a thousand words.  Graphic designer help to create that visual impact with good planning and analyzing.  Graphic designers are much sought after in many industries like, advertising, entertainment, education, and Information Technology (IT) to name a few.

How to become a Graphic Designer

You can become a Graphic Designer if you have a bachelor’s degree or even an associate degree in Graphic Design.  Those who opt for a 2 year program in graphic designing can start with assistant positions, which may require only technical skills.  You can also opt for acareer in graphic designing after pursuing a bachelor’s program in other fields.  However, this degree has to be supplemented by a two or three year program in Graphic Design.

Types, Description, Information

Graphic designers can be classified on the basis of the medium they have selected, like advertising, print media, entertainment etc.  Those in IT related fields are involved with the designing of Web pages, multimedia projects and interactive media.

Graphic designers must be creative, analytical, have good problem solving skills and an eye for detail.  Up to date knowledge of design software and computer graphics is also mandatory. They must be good at communicating their ideas to the clients either verbally or through pictures.  Graphic designers must also be good at understanding the consumer’s preferences and design accordingly.  Also, they must have the ability to perform under pressure and within the budget.  Meeting deadlines is crucial in this work environment.

Qualifications: Courses, Training, Certification

The right qualifications can give you that extra leverage while looking for a job as a Graphic Designer.  Courses in Graphic Design include principles of design, computerized design, Web site design, among other subjects.   Many candidates pursue additional courses in computer graphics or design software and undergo various training programs to update their skills.

Schools, Colleges, Universities

Most companies prefer candidates who have atleast a bachelor’s degree even for entry-level positions.  It is important to pursue courses in institutions accredited by The National Association of Schools of Art and Design, as these degrees have credibility and help you in picking up a good job.  Some of the top schools, colleges and universities offering courses in Graphic Design are:

The Art Institutes

University of Phoenix

Sanford-Brown College

Colorado Technical University

Westwood College

Graphic Design Job Opportunities, Salaries and Recruitment

Graphic designers generally choose the field they want to work in and specialize in that field.  According to studies, job opportunities are expected to grow about 10 per cent between 2006 and 2016.

With the growth in interactive media the number of job openings for graphic designers has also increased tremendously.  More and more graphic designers are finding placements in designing web sites, video games, and other technology driven work areas.  With web-marketing gaining popularity by the day, the need for graphic designers to develop cutting edge products is increasing.

Graphic designers have the chance to move on supervisory roles or even become Art or Creative directors after gaining enough experience.

Salaries for graphic designer can start anywhere upwards of $35,000 per annum.