Graphic Designer

Become A Graphic Designer

Are you a visually creative person? Do you often notice details like a well-designed advertising logo or the poor layout of a magazine? If you have the instincts for communicating through color, design, images and layout, then graphic design might be the perfect career for you.

Graphic Design in a Nutshell

Few people are more attuned to our highly visual culture than graphic designers. As a graphic designer, you will dedicate your time, brainpower and imagination to the art of communication.

You will determine clients' needs, figure out what message to convey about a product, and suggest how to best visually present that message to customers in the form of eye-catching brochures, advertisements, websites and more. Many design projects are collaborative, so you need to be good with people, and great at compromising.

Education Requirements for Graphic Designers

Graphic design firms want you to have a bachelor's degree or an associate's degree in graphic design, familiarity with computer graphics and design software, and a strong portfolio that illustrates (literally) your talent. Creativity, as well as excellent problem-solving and communication skills are also imperative.

Bachelor's degrees in fine arts offer a liberal arts education with an emphasis in graphic design and are available at many colleges and universities, while 2- and 3-year associate's degrees offered at professional schools focus more on developing technical skills.

Day in the Life of a Graphic Designer

Large publication, advertising and media firms often hire teams of graphic designers to work in their offices. Small consulting firms and graphic design firms are also good options for employment and a steady paycheck. Other graphic designers choose to freelance.

Regardless of the work environment, graphic design isn't just another 40-hour-a-week gig. Graphic designers generally work on deadlines based on their clients' needs and expectations. This could mean the challenge of making a bowl of dog food seem enticing one week and designing Hugh Hefner's 81st birthday invitation the next.

Job Growth for Graphic Designers

Employment opportunities for graphic designers are expected to grow at the rate of 9 to 17 percent through 2014. Due to the steady—and worldwide—growth of the Internet, graphic designers with website design experience will have the best opportunities for employment.

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