Graphic Design Careers and Programs
Graphic Design: Because You Don’t Have to Starve to be an Artist
Everyone’s heard of Warhol, VanGogh, and Picasso. Unfortunately, creating their type of enduring artistic fame is rare and as we learn from their stories...stressful. That's why a lot of job-seekers with a visual eye choose to make a living in graphic design where income and recognition are less unpredictable. VanGogh may have suffered for his brilliance, but you don't have to lose an ear to have a successful yet 'artsy' career.
Graphic design exists and is needed in all aspects of publishing and business. From the start-up business that needs a new look, to the advertising agency that specializes in complex web-design, those who can sketch, draw, envision and create are in demand to assist all the rest of the humanity that barely manages to scribble the doomed figure in Hangman.
Those Who Do Well in Graphic Arts
When does a creative person translate well to graphic design? If you believe that art, color and visual organization are fundamental to communication in whatever form, then graphic design may be a good choice for you.
However, if creativity is a means for global expression and the idea of subjecting it to approval and deadlines makes you cringe, then the profession may not be your best niche.
Career Outlook and Salary
The job outlook for a graphic design professional is currently following an average growth trend of about 13% through 2018. Experts suggest learning web design, being a tech visual guru, and having a great portfolio to keep ahead of the completion.
The Salary forecast for graphic design varies depending on the type of design you do. Generally, designers for newspaper and print do not make as much ad designers who specialize in online media and web. To read more about graphic design salaries click on the link.
Graphic Design and Multimedia Career Outlook
Opportunities for people with Graphic Design and Multimedia degrees is excellent, although having an education and experience will make you more competitive in this industry. Graphic designers are expected to have the most job opportunities during the next decade above many other types of designers.
Standing Out as a Designer
The job outlook for a graphic design professional is currently following an average growth trend, hanging steady at about 13% through 2018. Those in the know suggest there’ll be a fair amount of competition. How do you get an edge?
- A great portfolio
- Be wise in the of the ways of web
- Be a tech visual guru
Graphic designers with the right experiences, portfolio and business savvy may find that freelance work suits them best. Earning potential is good, but the work – including finding clients and managing cash-flow – is all you.
Graphic Design and Multimedia Salary Information
Competition for jobs in design can be high. However, you can still make a living in the industry. Median salary for graphic designers in advertising and PR is $43,500 and for professionals who are skilled in the magic graphic interface of online media, the median salary jumps to $47,860. Graphic designers who want to work in newspapers and traditional publishing environments draw an average of $37,000 a year.
Graphic designers work in every area of publishing, which now means online as well as traditional print. Graphic designers with web knowledge have an advantage in competitive markets. Marketing, packaging, business publications, displays – these all have visual elements and businesses who use them all need graphic management. Who might those people be?
- Magazines
- Newspapers
- Online media outlets
- Book publishers
- Ad agencies
- PR firms
- Web design companies
- Retailers
- Corporations with large internal publishing demands
- Web-business
Graphic Design and Multimedia Required Job Skills and Knowledge
How Do You Learn Art?
While no one has figured out how to teach creativity, there are principles of design that can, in fact, be learned. Layout, visual organization, color principle, graphic software, website design – this is concrete information that books and professors can share. How much education do you need?
Your choices include:
Graphic Design Certificates: Core courses designed to teach a few key concepts. You can get a stand alone certificate, but you can also pair it with an…
Associate of Art or Science Degree: A degree to teach you the fundamentals of visual communication, design through technology, the basics of publishing, and principles of conceptual thinking. But if you wanted more, then you could consider a…
Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design: The bachelor’s degree includes advanced techniques in visual rendering, image manipulation technology, principles and theories of communication through art and image as well as introduction to business principles. And if that’s not enough, then there’s the…
Master of Fine Art in Graphic Design: The Big Kahuna of graphic design degrees, you get advanced education in software and production design, learn detailed project management, and complete a master’s thesis where you have to spray-paint a yak. (Ok, we’re totally kidding about the yak.)
How much education do you need?
A bachelor’s degree in graphic design or visual arts is the academic benchmark and most entry-level positions will look for this. But a killer portfolio and experiential training can make an associate’s degree appealing as well. Learning the most sophisticated graphic design software should be part of your curriculum – between web design and the computerization of the printing industry, fluency in computer graphics is no longer optional.
Online Degree Options
A graphic design institution these days can be brick and mortar, but it doesn’t have to be. If a program is too far, or life is just too complicated, there are online options for almost every degree in the field. Self-paced and convenient, online education lets you work an education around a life, and then make a life from your education. You can go start-to-finish through an online program, or supplement your training with specialty area certifications (3-D design or e-commerce, for instance).
Accredited Colleges and Universities
Online Schools with Graphic Design And Multimedia programs
Full Sail University
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Graphic Design (Bachelor of Science)
Full Sail University's online Graphic Design Bachelor's Degree Program gives you an in-depth look at the world of design. From print publishing to package design to website interfaces, the demand for well-designed graphics of all types has never been so high. This degree program prepares you to enter the industry with the ability to meet client demands and work under hard deadlines while still producing creative results, all with the convenience and flexibility of online education.
Course Highlights:
- Color Theory
- Digital Audio Design
- Motion Graphics
- Graphic Web Design
- Flash Media
- Interactive Media Design and Usability
Westwood College
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Graphic Design (A)
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Graphic Design: Major in Visual Communications (B)
Students studying for a bachelor's degree in the field of visual communications will enjoy rich course content including instruction in web and package design, page layout, print production and more. Taught by working professionals in their field, students will:
•be prepared for entry-level positions in print and film media
•courses that help prepare you for Adobe* certificates* such as InDesign®, Illustrator®, Dreamweaver® and Photoshop®
•complete a comprehensive portfolio to showcase expertise to prospective employers
Program names, course topics and outcomes may vary by location. Please speak with a Westwood College admissions representative for full program details.
*Westwood prepares graduates for certification. Graduates wishing to attain certification must take and pass any applicable tests/exams.
American InterContinental University Online
Ashworth College
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Career Diploma - Graphic Design
Our Career Diploma in Graphic Design program can open up opportunities in almost every business industry. Courses will teach students how to use Adobe® Photoshop, Adobe® Illustrator, and InDesign® software applications that have enhanced capabilities to create visually appealing and creative graphics for business and organizational needs. Lessons also cover ways to work with clients during the design process so that color usage, font selection, and addition of images can enhance the end-results for their specific needs and goals.
Fortis College Online
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Digital Graphic Design
The program in Digital Graphic Design is meant to help the studious learner learn the fundamentals of digital and graphic design for today's visual world. Our curriculum is set up to provide the dedicated student with the chance to study the rudiments of color theory, art, design, format as well as digital publishing. The eager learner will have the chance to learn how these elements are applied in the business world where graphic design is implemented.
Campus-based Schools with Graphic Design And Multimedia programs
* Area of Study
