Graphic Designer Career

This guide will provide some valuable insight into the various aspects of a graphic designer career and what it entails. It provides an overview on the job, the skills required, salary expectations, educational requirements, and an idea of what the future will be like for graphic designers.

What is a Graphic Designer?

Also called a graphic artist, this person is someone who is tasked to plan, analyze, and develop visual solutions for various aspects of communication used mostly for electronic and print media. A graphic designer is responsible for creating materials that will captivate the eyes of its intended market, and their works are often seen in magazines, brochures, newspapers, websites, and logos.

Graphic Designer Job Duties

Graphic designers perform a lot of responsibilities. Among them are meeting and discussing with clients regarding their business requirements for the design, developing design briefs, as well as keeping themselves abreast with the latest developments in design programs. But in a graphic designer career, the main function is to develop and create designs to be used in various media, such as logos and illustrations for the purpose of effective visual communication.

Graphic Designer Skills

First of all, a graphic designer must be very creative. He or she needs to be able to come up with a variety of ideas that are unique, attractive, and effective for the intended purpose. Additionally, he or she must have good problem-solving skills and be particular even with the littlest details. A graphic designer also needs to be adept with design principles, understand what and how to deliver effective marketing, and should also know how to use various design software.

Graphic Designer Education

A person who plans to pursue a graphic designer career should get a bachelor’s degree in graphic design. This occupation requires a solid background in this program. In addition, exposure to the technical requirements of the job such as commercial graphics production, computerized design, and printing techniques would be very advantageous. There are some schools that also offer 2-year and 3-year programs for individuals who have already completed a bachelor’s degree in a different field.

Graphic Designer Salary

The salary depends on varying factors including the industry with which a graphic designer is employed in. However, according to the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) report given last May 2008, the median annual wage is $42,400, with 10% of the lowest earners getting $26,110 and 10% of the highest earners getting $74,660 and above. Graphic designers working in computer systems design also have higher rate compared to those working for advertising, newspapers, and others.

Graphic Designer Job Outlook

With a projected 13% increase from 2008 to 2018, the future of graphic designers looks promising. As of 2008, these professionals held 286,100 jobs and this is going to grow in number in the years to come. This is due largely to the rise of Internet marketing, and considering the number of websites created daily, graphic designers really need not worry when it comes to job outlook.

A lot of talented and creative individuals with a knack for using computer-based programs have decided to become graphic designers. With the number of people pursuing this career, the competition gets tougher by the day. However, by honing useful skills and joining training programs especially those that cover website design, the future is still bright for graphic designers.