How to Become a Graphic Designer: Graphic Design Schools & Careers

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November 9, 2021

Graphic designers create visual communications seen every day, every minute, across the world. Designers develop entertainment, advertising, news and features in all forms, including print publications (magazines, newspapers and brochures) and digital and circulate media such as game machines, goggle box, web browsers, social platforms and portable devices. As technology continually develops in complication, so too grow the duties and skills of graphic designers. This comprehensive career and degree guide examines the role of graphic designers, the near-common routes into the profession, besides as available programs and schools. It'southward rounded out by a review of task growth estimates in the field and salaries, by state, for graphic design professionals.

What Does A Graphic Designer Do?

Graphic Design Career Basics

Graphic designers convey inspiring and informative ideas in advertisements, brochures and other marketing communications materials. Some graphic designers work for specialized design firms equally role of a collaborative squad, while others are cocky-employed and work independently. Impress and digital designers employ complex graphics tools to manipulate text, images, animations and color. About graphic designers work full-time to run into deadlines. Self-employed graphic designers must be flexible, as clients sometimes need to meet during evening and weekend hours. As with and then many industries, client service and client satisfaction are keys to success. Additionally, succeeding equally a graphic designer includes learning how to bid on contracts, marketplace services and develop an ongoing customer base.

Graphic Pattern Salaries and Job Outlook

Graphic Pattern Salaries

Salaries for graphic designers are variable across the country, based on factors including experience, education, type of employer and geographical location. Co-ordinate to the BLS, the median national annual wage for graphic designers in 2014 was $45,900, while the top 10 per centum of graphic designers earned over $77,490. Graphic designers with the highest salaries are generally those with advanced training and who work for specialized design firms. Payscale.com reports that the cities of San Francisco, Washington D.C. and New York pay the highest salaries, with San Francisco graphic artists earning a median wage of $54,711. Self-employed designers earn up to $xx,000 more per twelvemonth than those working in other settings, according to Payscale.

The BLS reports the superlative paying states and 2014 mean annual salaries of graphic designers equally:

State salaries
District of Columbia $72,820
New York $60,560
Connecticut $58,940
California $58,940
Maryland $58,440

Use the map below to compare graphic blueprint salary estimates by state:

Graphic Pattern: Job Growth, Prospects and Outlook

Job rates for graphic designers are expected to abound by 7 percent during the 2012-2022 decade, according to the BLS. This growth charge per unit is smaller than the national average for all jobs during the projection menses, for a number of reasons. Due to the rapid development and deployment of digital media, the market for graphic designers in print media has severely slowed, making designers that tin can piece of work both in digital and print more attractive. The BLS says jobs with "newspaper, periodical, book and directory publishers" volition pass up by 16 percentage during the decade. On the flip side, jobs for graphics professionals in estimator systems blueprint and related services volition find a potent 35 percentage increase in job openings, especially in fields of spider web-based graphics production, portable devices and video amusement. Competition for new jobs, the BLS predicts, will exist stiff. In all, 17,400 new openings in the profession are anticipated over the projection decade.

The greatest number of regional hires are predictable (in order) in the Northeast, Sunbelt, West Declension and Midwest. The BLS sites the following states with the largest growth potential and current greatest number of professionals in the graphic design field:

  • California
  • New York
  • Texas
  • Florida
  • Illinois

Elevation cities for employing graphic designers, according to The Atlantic Magazine's City Lab, are:

  • San Francisco
  • New York
  • Los Angeles
  • Minneapolis
  • Seattle
  • Denver
  • Portland
  • Washington, D.C.
  • Salt Lake Metropolis
  • Boston

Select a state below for more information about employment and job growth for graphic designers.

Steps to Becoming a Graphic Designer

Footstep ane

Start Building Your Skills in Loftier School

It never hurts to start early in any field, merely it is particularly important when it comes to graphic design. While in high school, students should have classes in fine art history, cartoon, graphic arts and website design. They can put their emerging skills to utilize designing and producing the schoolhouse newspaper or yearbook. Graphic design requires a skillful eye and a creative listen, but likewise tantamount are the evolution of solid applied skills and software fluency. The sooner the pupil begins preparations, the better.

Step 2

Earn a Caste in Graphic Design

There was a time when a graphic designer could get hired strictly on their creative portfolio. Today, nonetheless, most employers are looking for designers with a more than complete and well-rounded education – the kind only a higher degree tin provide. A certificate in the field, or an associate'southward degree, may be sufficient in some cases, but the U.S. Department of Labor reports that fledgling designers are much more likely to land a quality chore only after earning a bachelor's caste.

There are currently approximately 300 post-secondary institutions in the U.Southward. that offer degree programs accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Pattern. School options run the gamut from large public universities, to small individual colleges, to prestigious art institutes. There are also a growing number of online programs bachelor. Coursework covers a wide range of subjects, such as studio fine art, principles of design, commercial graphics, web design, ad and graphics-related computer technology. Classes in marketing and business may be part of the curriculum too, since designers must be able to compile and submit professional person chore proposals, and finer sell themselves to potential clients.

Regardless of the specific degree they choose, graphic design students should wait for an accredited program from a reputable school.

Step three

Complete Internships

Not all college programs in graphic design require internships, but those that exercise offer students an exceptional opportunity to proceeds practical feel, to class professional relationships in the design community, and complete work suitable for presentation in their portfolio or design "book".

Stride 4

Create a Compelling Portfolio

While a solid resume is an of import aspect of any job search, the biggest asset to someone looking for a job in graphic pattern is an impressive portfolio. Though graphic designers will need a resume, the only fashion for a prospective employer to understand an applicant's abilities is through a portfolio demonstrating a range of piece of work and growth as a designer.

There was a time when a graphic design portfolio was a simple collection of a designer's best newspaper and mag advertisements. Professional portfolios today are much more sophisticated, consisting not simply of impress ads, simply also including online advertisements, website graphics, and fifty-fifty a television commercial reel and animation demo. Information technology is not uncommon for task seekers today to deport fully digital versions of their portfolio on CD or DVD with them to interviews – forth with the more traditional paper version – and many designers also maintain their own up-to-engagement blueprint portfolio websites.

For students merely starting out, presenting a big and varied portfolio is difficult given the limited corporeality of completed work they'll have done. In that example, they should focus on quality instead of quantity, presenting but their best design samples, and a portfolio bundled to meet a prospective employer's specific needs.

Graphic blueprint is a constantly irresolute and developing field. Designers must proceed up with the commercial and artistic trends in the industry – or they may find themselves apace left backside. They must likewise remain electric current on new and updated computer graphics and design software programs, which are in a near constant state of evolution. This is particularly true for designers working as freelancers, and for those interested in advancing to higher positions within their companies. Organizations such as the American Plant of Graphic Arts or the Graphic Artists Club provide members with educational updates on new technology, software or methodology. Completing certification programs in vendor-specific design software can also help build credentials.

Graphic designers may choose to advance their skills, creativity and deep knowledge of the field by adding a graduate degree or post-secondary document. There are principal'due south degree programs created specifically for designers wishing to advance in theoretical studies (MA) or concentrate their work on a studio degree (MFA).

Graphic Design Degree Options

Exploring Bookish Paths

Before enrolling in whatever postsecondary education programme, students should take a stiff sense of their long- and brusk-term goals including why they're pursuing this educational activity; the level of schooling they're prepared to undertake; and what they expect from the plan. For some students, a degree is a means to an end: a new career, a ameliorate chore, the advancement of skills. Degree programs are sequential in nature, and beginning students volition focus on edifice a foundational skills and mastering key theories in visual communications at schools offering undergraduate certificates or associate degrees. Others may be gear up to take on the total immersion of piece of work required of a four-year baccalaureate degree. Professionals often return to schoolhouse to chief advanced techniques, explore a new specialty, or refine their crafts.

Career Goal and/or educational needs Acquaintance
AA/Every bit		 Available's
BA/BFA		 Master's
MA		 Master's
MFA		 Online
I am interested in learning about graphic design and working with bones tools/programs for making digital logos, websites, and print graphics
I've already taught myself basic graphics and want to explore a four-twelvemonth caste to larn fundamental skills in print and digital arts
I want to acquire avant-garde graphics and project management skills
I desire to devote my time to graduate studio piece of work and build an advanced portfolio

Did You Know?

According to Education News, the number of postsecondary graphic design graduates in the U.South. increased by 57% between 2006 and 2010.

Overview of Available Degrees

The complication of education and skills development in graphic blueprint grows with each successive level. A two-year degree program may exist the best place to start for first-time students. These degrees typically offer the lowest tuition rates and, for some students, are a financially prudent way to gain skills for entry-level roles in the graphic design field. Bachelor's degree programs are the minimum educational attainment for many design professions. At the master's degree level, students focus on studio skills and the development of expert technique, projection direction, and advanced design theory and applications.

Acquaintance Degrees

The Associate of Arts and Associate of Sciences degrees in graphic arts combine arts studies with the full general education coursework. Students must complete 65 credits to graduate, which takes approximately 2 years. The degree offers introductory graphic design courses and a well-rounded liberal arts and sciences curriculum, which may exist transferrable to a four-yr programme. First semester curriculum may be based on introductory courses in design theory and engineering, typography, color theory, computer graphics, electronic imaging, and print/digital production.

At the associate level, students may come across courses such as:

Design Fundamentals

Introductory class in the elements of design equally an constructive communication tool. Studies include concepts and applications of design elements and relationships.

Skills & Knowledge Gained

    Understanding of design applications for lines, colors, textures, shapes, values, and white space principles applicable to most graphic design projects

Intro to Typography

Students are introduced to typography equally it applies in design and how information technology affects significant, brand, or personality.

Skills & Knowledge Gained

    Baseline skills in type styles and fonts used in text and logos Bones understanding of how visual details may be perceived by an audience

Color Theory

Students are immersed in the study of color, how information technology impacts cultural or psychological levels, and the effects of colour interactions.

Skills & Knowledge Gained

    Understanding of color design in print, web, multimedia, and hand-held devices

Spider web Blueprint

Introduction to graphic design applications in online and multimedia publishing. Course focuses on technical environments and elements of navigation, usability, and spider web all-time practices.

Skills & Knowledge Gained

    Top-down understanding of graphic design methods for digital projects Focus is on technique and theory, non on specific code or interface blueprint software

Bachelor's Degrees

Bachelor caste programs in graphic arts typically take four years to complete and are comprised of 120–180 credit hours of classes, which are divided into general pedagogy, cadre studies in graphic blueprint, and electives. Students tin choose from the post-obit degree options:

Bachelor of Arts (BA) or Available of Science (BS)

The BA or BS caste in graphic arts is designed to be a well-rounded general degree, providing graduates with key creative and production skills, and a foundation in graphic design theory.

Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Graphic Arts

Considered a professional degree, the BFA curriculum is based on studio practice and concentrates on development of skills and knowledge in interactive design, typography, and motion graphics.

The following upper division courses from bachelor's degree programs showcase the progression and sophistication in learning that's provided across the two-year degree level:

Production for Digital and Impress Environments

This class focuses on delivering production-ready graphics too as files for print and mobile devices.

Skills & Cognition Gained

    Hands-on feel creating design concepts and delivering files using industry-standard projection management protocols and design software

Media Management in Digital Design

This avant-garde course integrates print and digital techniques for creating and managing visual communications across a range of channels with distinct timelines.

Skills & Knowledge Gained

    Power to coordinate staff or oversee series of processes Students are introduced to projection management software and design development tools

Graphic Designer every bit Entrepreneur

Pattern students study the history, change, and contemporary impacts on communication tools and how to build a successful enterprise.

Skills & Knowledge Gained

    Real world application of theories and best practices Knowledge of business, marketing, and promotion techniques specifically for pattern entrepreneurs

Portfolio Evolution

Students compile previous design work into an effective portfolio. Typically a graduation requirement for seniors.

Skills & Noesis Gained

    Design and develop a portfolio of projects that demonstrate growth of skills and inventiveness Ability to present portfolio and clearly discuss one's skills and abilities

Main's Degree in Graphic Blueprint

There are two graduate degrees for students of graphic design: the Masters of Arts (MA) and Masters of Fine Arts (MFA). The MA is a theoretical and academically advanced degree, while the MFA is the pinnacle professional person caste for graphic artists and related professionals. Another distinction is that the MA student focuses on a singular academic specialization, sometimes in grooming for pedagogy, while the MFA student is free to explore a wide range of skill applications and elective fields. Degree requirements include completion of a research or theoretical report for the MA, and a creative dissertation or portfolio for MFA students. Both degrees take from two to 3 years to complete, depending on the programs and graphic design schools.

MFA graduates utilize their portfolios or graduations projects to address real world communication challenges or to demonstrate newly integrated advanced skills. Here are six skill takeaways from an MFA degree plan:

Visual Literacy

MFA graduates have built upon a foundational noesis of pattern and graphics product. They demonstrate keen knowledge on topics such as limerick, colour theory, and typography in order to create a persuasive final product.

Creative Thinking

At the graduate level students learn to solve creative or business problems holistically. MFA graduates also typically build upon applied experience in the field, demonstrating creative flexibility and proficiency in turning concepts into client deliverables.

Creative Originality

MFA students learn to develop their own creative expressions. They are aware of the tools at their disposal, but are non bound by a single solution or manner. They have the knowledge to originate and develop a "signature style" and the skills to limited their ain aesthetics.

Collaboration

An MFA plan is not completed in isolation – even online graduate students work in teams. Knowing how to interact with pattern and technology teams and to piece of work effectively with enervating clients can spell the difference betwixt success and failure. Graduates take the communication and leadership skills that get the most out of a creative team.

Business Apprehending

Whether they work independently or with a artistic house, graphic designers are dependent upon skills in sales, marketing, and customer relations. MFA grads have experience in business concern, entrepreneurship, and marketing. They know how to sell designs to clients, pitch to their creative managers, and how to successfully and effectively navigate professional and concern relationships.

Motion Graphics

Graduates demonstrate competence in the theory and application of motion graphics often used in the creation of entertainment, broadcast, web, and emerging media. Grads also have advanced knowledge of software and industry-standard tools. This tin include programs such as Movie theatre 4D, MoGraph, Adobe Afterwards Furnishings, 3D Studio Max, and Autodesk's Maya.

Online Graphic Pattern Schools

Graphic blueprint schools may offer degrees with the aforementioned classification (AA, BA, MFA), but there can be a world of difference in the curriculum and bookish outcomes of each program, depending on focus and faculty expertise. In that location is also a dramatic range in tuition, with public colleges coming in as most affordable and private art schools ringing in at the top-tier of the price range. While cost may be the guiding force when researching online schools, students also need to be sure that their plan choice will exist the all-time match for their career aspirations and design focus. Iii key factors to consider when reviewing prospective online programs are:

Student Learning Outcomes

Graphic design departments throughout the nation are tasked with developing and publishing learning outcomes. In evaluating prospective graphic blueprint schools, search departmental websites for the list of outcomes and expected skills for graduating students. Reviewing the full listing of outcomes can reveal the academic focus of each possible graphic blueprint school, helping to bring a plan's goals into focus with personal career goals.

Faculty with Graphic Design Expertise and Real World Feel

Schools offer degree programs in graphic pattern by and large mail a list of faculty members and their biographies on their college websites. In reviewing bios, look to come across where the faculty member earned his or her degree, the extent of their education, their publications, honors, awards, and research milestones. At the same time, run into if the faculty includes mentors and professors with practical feel in the field. Some schools invite adjunct or visiting professors who continue to work as artists, art directors, publishers, or animators. What is the programme'south specialty and how does the kinesthesia contribute toward this expertise? Retrieve, faculty with current or recent feel in the field or memberships in active blueprint organizations tin increase opportunities for internships and assistance to form networking connections.

Student Support

Online graphic design programs should back up students with a broad range of materials and services for success. For case, is there 24/vii admission and technical back up? Are classes and curriculum supported by current manufacture tools, software, and research facilities? Does the financial assist office provide acceptable information and assistance with loans, grants, or scholarships? A phone call or electronic mail to the admissions staff should clear up these questions and more. Exist sure to also find out about graduation rates, career counseling, and task or internship services besides.

Graphic Designers Toolkit: Skills, Credentials, Tools and Technology

Skills

Graphic designers must combine sharp belittling skills with creative talent to produce disarming illustrations that clearly relate their clients' messages. Although they spend some time developing ideas on paper, they also need to exist able to utilise specialized graphic design software. A large amount of time is spent communicating with clients and coordinating work with members of a blueprint team, so strong interpersonal skills are also of import. Graphic designers ofttimes accept to complete multiple projects simultaneously, hence time direction skills are essential.

Above all, graphic designers need to be visual thinkers. They know how best to employ digital tools to solve business organization challenges, and are experts in creatively using the space they take to make the greatest bear upon.

Credentials

The nearly effective credential for graphic designers are their "books," or professional portfolios, demonstrating their expertise and range of piece of work. Earning a college degree in graphic arts is also a vital component to success: nearly employers adopt candidates property a bachelor'due south degree, according to the U.Due south. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Other credentials include completing vendor-specific certifications in the use of design applied science. These certifications benchmark professional person competency in the utilise of a design product or methodology.

Tools and Applied science

Successful graphic designers incorporate a fundamental formal knowledge of artistic communications theory with a fluency in using gimmicky design tools. These tools are many and varied, and which the graphic designer uses will exist dependent on their area of specialization within the field.

For the print designer, fundamental graphics programs include:

    QuarkXPress Adobe FrameMaker Adobe InDesign Adobe PageMaker

The digital designer uses software including:

    Adobe Illustrator CorelDraw Graphics Suite Adobe Fireworks Adobe FreeHand

Digital designers that piece of work in the online surround can benefit by using:

    Adobe Wink Histrion Adobe Dreamweaver Macromedia HomeSite

Among the cardinal software tools for motility graphics designers are:

    Autodesk Maya CINEMA 4D 3D Studio Max MoGraph Adobe Afterward Effects

Of form, generalists may have a foundational skill set in a number of impress and digital environments, or they may cull to specialize only in one or 2 central programs. Flexibility, every bit e'er, remains a key attribute of a successful design career.

Comparing Related Careers

Related Occupations: What Yous Need to Know

There are other career and educational options with an creative flair to explore outside the traditional roles a graphic designer may take. Here is a expect at some, along with earnings and job growth estimates:

4%

Bacon

$59,610

Pedagogy and Training:

Bachelor's degree in industrial pattern, compages or engineering

 -3%

Bacon

$62,860

Educational activity and Preparation:

Bachelor'southward caste in fashion design or fashion merchandising; CAD design grooming

 3%

Salary

$44,380

Teaching and Grooming:

No formal schooling required; many earn post-secondary fine arts degrees

 xiii%

Bacon

$47,600

Education and Training:

Bachelor's degree; relevant state license

 6%

Salary

$61,370

Education and Training:

Bachelor's degree; all-encompassing software training

 2%

Salary

$57,210

Education and Training:

Bachelor's degree; applied experience; software knowledge

 -v%

Salary

$34,100

Education and Training:

Post-secondary training/associate degree

What Practice Related Occupations Make?

Graduates of graphic design programs besides pursue careers every bit fine art directors, multimedia artists, Spider web developers, industrial designers and drafters. Related occupations and 2014 salaries include:

Graphic Designer and Related Job Salaries

Related Careers at a Glance

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