Graphic designers are responsible for planning, analyzing, and creating electronic and print media in order to convey a desired message. They use type, color, animation, photography, illustrations, and different layout and print techniques available from computer software packages. In addition to developing the layout and design of newspapers, magazines, journals, and corporate reports, they create product packaging, marketing brochures, promotional displays, and signage. Many are now being asked to develop material for multimedia and interactive projects as well as Web pages.
Graphic Design Skill Set:
Active Listening
Operations Analysis
Speaking
Writing
Critical Thinking
Reading Comprehension
Active Learning
Coordination
Required Abilities:
Originality
Written Comprehension
Fluency of Ideas
Near Vision
Written Expression
Oral Comprehension
Oral Expression
Tools Used by Graphic Designers:
Laser Printers
Notebook Computers
Photocopiers
Scanners
Still Cameras
At a Glance: Salary Statistics
Graphic Design Salaries for Industries
Popular Industries
Salary
Specialized Design Services
$51,150
Publishers
$42,820
Advertising and Related Services
$49,740
Printing and Support Activities
$40,010
Computer Systems Design and Related Services
$54,240
Typical Work Activities
Thinking Creatively
Interacting With Computers
Getting Information
Making Decisions and Solving Problems
Graphic Design Salaries for Popular Cities and States
The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that graphic designer employment growth will be on pace with the average for all careers between 2008 and 2018, at a rate of 13 percent. There will be keen competition for positions and graphic designers with animation and Web site design experience will find the most opportunities. Internet advertising growth is anticipated to lead to an increase in graphic design careers.
Get prepared for an exciting design career. At The Art Institutes, you’ll receive hands-on training from industry professionals, plus you’ll build your portfolio.
A bachelor’s degree in the field of graphic design or fine arts is the most common requirement for employment. Of the graphic designers responding to an O*Net occupational survey, 81 percent held a bachelor’s degree, 11 percent had an associate’s degree, and four percent had taken some college courses but did not have a degree. Private design schools, colleges, and universities throughout the country offer relevant bachelor degree programs. Students learn principles of design, printing techniques, studio art, Web site design, computerized design, and commercial graphics productions.
Certificates and associate’s degrees are offered by two and three-year professional schools, qualifying graduates for assistant positions. Approximately 300 postsecondary educational institutions are accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and most of them offer a graphic design degree program. At least one year of basic art and design education is required to gain acceptance to many schools. There are no certification requirements for this occupation.
Related Occupations
Other occupations that fall within the fields of art and design include commercial and industrial designers and interior designers. Commercial and industrial designers use engineering, business, and art to design consumer products. Interior designers enhance the aesthetics, safety, and functionality of interior spaces.
Computer-aided design careers include desktop publishers who combine and format text, photographs, charts, data, and other graphical art into printed prototypes using computer software. Drafters prepare technical plans and drawings used by construction and production workers to create everything from computer components to buildings. Prepress technicians format jobs to be printed and correct errors in layout.
