Career in Website Design: Graphic Design Jobs

Are you looking for a new career path, but you don't have a four-year degree? If you're artistic and technical-minded, you may want to consider opportunities in graphic design. In our message-driven world, graphic design work surrounds us. If you're a creative soul, and you enjoy working with computers, you may want to consider jobs in design in your area.

Working in Graphics

Creativity and imagination both crucial characteristics for designers, as well as attention to detail. With the increasingly common use of CAD (computer-aided design) and Internet marketing, experience in computer technology is a big help, too. There are many interesting jobs in graphic design to consider, ranging from working with animation to designing video games. In particular, there are several areas with a growing need for design, including the legal field.

Jobs in Graphics

Jobs in graphic design can be found in sectors such as education, marketing, advertising, non-profit, public relations, and print media. Graphic designers can specialize in:
  • Animation: 3D modeling, character animation, and storyboarding
  • Desktop publishing: digital and print products
  • Illustration: drawing subjects and advertisements
  • Logo and identity design: for digital and print marketing
  • Motion graphics: for television, film and the Internet
  • Multimedia design: combining text, audio, images, animation and video for an interactive experience
  • Print media: design for books, journals, newspapers and magazines
  • Video games: special effects and interactive animation
  • Web design: using html (hypertext markup language) and more advanced computer languages.
 

Facts and Figures

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs in graphic design are expected to increase by 10 percent between 2006 and 2016.
 
The biggest demand for graphic design is expected to come from:
  • Advertisers
  • Computer design firms
  • Publishers
  • Web design and publishing firms.
 
As of May 2006, most graphic designers earned between $30,600 and $53,310, with the average salary at $39,900. Graphic designers who have experience in the field, or have completed some formal training, generally earn more than their less-experienced counterparts.

Education, Training and Work Experience

Technical and vocational schools offer a broad spectrum of graphic design training. The realization that "knowledge has a short shelf-life" has produced programs that require less "learn-to-earn" time. Even schools offering degrees have added short-term programs that award certificates in a year or two.
 
Graphic design programs that offer hands-on experience prepare you for real-life deadlines. Employers expect you to adapt to new software trends quickly, so programs with exposure to different software are valuable.

Related Associations and Groups

If you are interested in pursuing a career in design, consider contacting the following groups that may set you on the right path:
  • American Institute of Graphic Arts
  • Graphic Artists Guild
  • Graphic Design Network
  • Graphic Designer�s Resource Group
  • International Association of Printing House Craftsmen
  • International Council of Graphic Design Associations
  • Society of Illustrators, Artists and Designers
  • Society of Publication Designers.
 
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