Career And School Info For Graphic Designers

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Information Sources

BrainTrack's information on colleges and careers is drawn from many sources, including government databases, BrainTrack's own research, and results from original data analysis algorithms.

This page incorporates research from CityTownInfo's graphic design schools and careers section.

Graphic Designer Job Description

Career tips, salaries, and lists of schools.

Graphic designers create visual impact through the combined use of colors, images, fonts, sound, paper, artwork and motion. They work for businesses, institutions or private individuals to communicate a message effectively to a target audience.

Creative directors or art directors oversee the work of graphic designers, who use computer software and artwork to generate:

• print marketing materials such as brochures, business cards and flyers
• website designs and online advertisements
• web-based and computer-based interactive educational applications
• signs, posters, logos and brands
• multimedia presentations, animation and video graphics
• book and magazine covers and layouts, newspaper layouts, print advertisements and packaging
• corporate reports and other publications
• instructional manuals, charts and complex diagrams
• scientific, anatomical, engineering and other illustrations

Their duties often include:

• Meeting with clients to determine their needs and understand their target audiences.
• Figuring out ways to communicate a spoken or written message visually.
• Selecting stock imagery, fonts, sounds, video, illustrations and other elements.
• Drawing or painting components to be scanned into a computer.
• Creating mock-ups for initial review.
• Choosing appropriate print or screen resolutions, color settings and image sizes for quality results.
• Working with copywriters, animators, printers, web developers, photographers and videographers.
• Estimating the time it will take to complete a project and keeping to that timeline.

Graphic designers who work in teams may be responsible for one portion of a project, while those who are self-employed or work individually for an employer will use project management techniques to see an entire project from beginning to end.

Some graphic designers may specialize or have additional training in:

• Information design - arranging written and graphical information for the most effective communication
• Instructional design - arranging written and graphical information for the most effective learning
• Book illustration - creating book covers and inside artwork that will help sell books
• Packaging design - creating packaging that sells a product well
• Website usability - designing websites that are the most easy to navigate for everyone including children, the elderly, residents of foreign countries, and the disabled
• Website development - using programming for the Internet to test and produce interactive website designs
• Online marketing - techniques for creating persuasive and effective website ads

Degrees and Schools

Demonstrated knowledge of industry-standard graphic design software and a portfolio are expected by prospective employers. To achieve this education and experience, many entry-level graphic designers seek a degree in graphic design or fine arts at a college, university, vocational school or art school. Applicants are usually required to have completed basic art classes, and provide samples of their artwork.

Graduates of four-year programs with design degrees often immediately begin work as a graphic designer, while graduates from two- or three-year associate's degree programs typically start work as an assistant to a graphic designer or design team. Aspiring graphic designers with a bachelor's degree in an unrelated field can pursue an associate's degree in design to become technically proficient.

Employers frequently seek graduates of programs that have been accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design, and who have completed an internship or have relevant work experience.

Classes

Courses in a graphic design degree program usually include:

• history of design
• color theory
• design principles
• computerized design
• animation
• commercial graphics production
• printing techniques
• scanning and image manipulation
• website design
• information design
• use of specific software programs

In addition to class time, students spend significant time in a studio or lab completing design assignments. They may also obtain an internship to gain practical experience.

Additional courses in psychology, sociology, marketing, writing, foreign languages and business can give graphic designers leverage in a competitive industry. Knowledge of animation using industry-standard software and emergent technologies can be key for career advancement.

Online Classes and Programs

Getting a degree in graphic design is well-suited for online learning. Earned credits from these programs, however, might not transfer to other schools. Additionally, online schools may be less likely to assist with internships or job placement, and very few if any online schools are currently accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design.

Employment Requirements

Most employers seek job candidates with:

• a bachelor's degree in graphic design or fine arts and a portfolio
• a bachelor's degree in an unrelated field, an associate's degree in graphic design or fine arts, and a portfolio
• an associate's degree in graphic design and a portfolio (for jobs as graphic design assistants)
• demonstrated knowledge of industry-standard software, a portfolio and relevant work experience

How to Evaluate Schools

Consider asking the following questions when comparing two-, three- and four-year graphic design programs:

• Focus - Is the program with a private design school that is dedicated to graphic design as a career? Do courses emphasize more technical aspects or conceptual, corporate work or self-employment?
• Course offerings - Do the courses offered support specific career goals within the various applications of graphic design?
• Faculty - In addition to teaching, are faculty also actively working in relevant jobs in the industry?
• Accreditation - Is the school accredited by NASAD and (if online) direct-learning organizations?
• Location - Are there lots of graphic design jobs available in the general location of the school?
• Tuition and financial assistance - What financial aid resources are available to students, including scholarships, loans and work study programs?
• School and class size - What is the student-faculty ratio for popular courses? Are computer labs well-equipped with the latest technology, and large enough to handle the student load?
• Internships and job placement - What resources are available to help students in get internships during school and jobs upon graduation? What are the placement statistics for graduates?

Career Highlights

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What Kind of Person Has This Career?

(Percent of people in the occupation who agree.)

Important Natural Abilities	% Agree
Originality	72%
Written Comprehension	66%
Written Expression	63%

Full List

Work Values	% Agree
Achievement	78%
Independence	72%
Recognition	61%

Full List

Areas of Personal Interest	% Agree
Self-Expression Or Artistry	100%
Hands-On Physical Work	56%
Starting And Leading Activities	56%

Work Style Characteristics	% Agree
Attention To Detail	95%
Innovation	94%
Dependability	86%

Full List

Which Skills and Knowledge are Needed for this Job?

(Numbers are % of people choosing the item.)

Important Personal Skills	% Agree
Active Listening	60%
Writing	60%
Speaking	60%

Full List

Important Professional Knowledge	% Agree
Design	92%
Communications And Media	78%
English Language	72%

Full List

Which Activities and Situations Are Involved in Doing The Job?

(Numbers are % of people choosing the item.)

Common Work Conditions	% Agree
Electronic Mail	100%
Indoors, Environmentally Controlled	97%
Telephone	95%

Full List

Common Job Activities	% Agree
Thinking Creatively	98%
Interacting With Computers	91%
Getting Information	85%

Full List

Related Resources

• Graphic Design Degrees
• Computer Graphics Degrees
• Illustration Degrees
• Fashion Design Degrees
• Interior Design Degrees
• Photography Degrees
• Film and Media Degrees
• Interior Design Degrees
• Graphic Design Degrees

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