When you read a magazine, buy a product at the grocery store, look at a billboard, watch television, or browse a website, you are likely looking at the work of a graphic designer. Today’s graphic designers use traditional tools, including pencils and paper, but they also use the newest and most sophisticated computer design software. Computer design applications include Adobe Illustrator, PRIMO pdf, AutoCAD 3D modeling software, and Adobe Flash software for web-based flash designs. To learn how to use these tools effectively, you will need the proper training.
An example: you design an ad for sneakers
The job of a graphic designer is to create a message using color, shape, line, and texture. The message can be structured to improve the sale of a product or it can be reflected in the product itself to create visual appeal and branding.
For example, consider a sporting goods manufacturer that is introducing a new line of classic basketball shoes. If marketed effectively, they will sell well to young adult men, whether the buyers actually play basketball or not.
The marketing director of the ad agency responsible for introducing the new sneaker approaches you, the graphic designer. The marketing manager asks you to create an Internet ad for the shoe. It has to look exciting, dynamic and fresh. The ad may include the endorsement of a professional basketball player.
Are you going to design your ad with a theme of pretty yellow daisies in a summer garden? Probably not. Daisies are gorgeous, but they won’t sell basketball shoes. Would you use a cute puppy? Not again. Everyone loves puppies, but you wouldn’t use one in your sneaker ad campaign.
With a program such as CorelDRAW Graphics Suite, you can create a design that shows a group of urban children playing basketball in an asphalt parking lot. Perhaps it is night and the only light comes from a street lamp. Maybe your design uses colors like black, purple, and silver. The letters of the text are slanted and dynamic. You can see from the ad that the kids who wear the shoes are passionate about basketball.
Even before you start, you have already made some decisions that a graphic designer makes. Whether you’re designing a sneaker ad, the box the shoes come in, or even the logo on the side of each sneaker, the choices you make help inform the consumer about the product.
How is the job outlook?
Like many specialty careers, your job prospects may depend on your level of training. Most entry-level graphic design positions require an associate’s or bachelor’s degree. You will need to receive training from an accredited college or university. But finding a good school shouldn’t be difficult; the National Association of Schools of Art and Design accredits about 250 postsecondary institutions with programs in art and design.
Once you have the title you need, what is the big picture? According to the US Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics, nearly 40,000 new jobs will be added in this field in the current decade, from 2008 to 2018. Median wages were $ 42,400 in May 2008 But annual earnings can exceed $ 100,000 for those who have an ownership stake in a successful business.
The outlook will be best for graphic designers with a background in animation and website design. Demand for interactive media products should increase, including mobile phones, video games, personal digital assistants, and other technologies. Mastery of computers and computer design programs will be an asset.
Is it a competitive field? Yes! But the rewards are great. Imagine creating graphic art that can be seen by millions of people and can even influence popular culture. With the right training, imagination, and hard work, a rewarding career in graphic design could be yours.
Starting
If you like visual design and want to pursue professional training, you will need to find an accredited college or career school, either near you or online, that offers graphic design programs. But how do you find a school? The best way to start is to go online to a directory of accredited universities. You can enter search terms that suit your situation, such as “graphic design,” “associate’s title,” and your hometown or zip code. You will see a variety of options. Check them out and compare programs, financial aid opportunities, career services, and schedules. Then, with one click, you can get free information on the schools you have chosen. Make your choice and apply. In less time than you think, you could be on your way to a rewarding new career in graphic design.