You see their work every day. When you read a magazine, buy a product at the supermarket, look at a billboard, watch television, or cruise a website, chances are you’re looking at the work of a graphic designer. Here’s a report on this growing career field.

 

 

It’s the job of a graphic designer to send a message using color, shape, line, and texture. For example, let’s assume that you are the manufacturer of a new line of sneakers. They’re designed for playing basketball—they have high tops for support and they have thick, resilient soles for jumping. You know that they’ll sell well to young adult men, whether or not they actually play basketball. The marketing director of the advertising agency responsible for introducing the new sneaker comes to you, the graphic designer.

 

The marketing director asks you to create a magazine advertisement for the sneaker. It’s got to look exciting, dynamic, and fresh. The ad may feature an endorsement by a pro basketball player.

 

Are you going to design your ad using a theme of pretty yellow daisies in a summer garden? Probably not. Daisies are lovely, but they won’t sell basketball sneakers. Would you use a cute puppy? Again, no. Everyone likes puppies, but you wouldn’t use one in your ad campaign for sneakers.

 

You might choose a design showing a group of urban kids playing basketball on an asphalt parking lot. Maybe it’s at night, and the only light is from an overhead street light. Perhaps your layout uses colors like black and purple and silver. The lettering in the text is slanted and dynamic. You can tell from the ad that the kids who wear the shoes are passionate about basketball.

 

Congratulations! You’ve already made some choices that a graphic designer makes. Whether you are designing a magazine ad for sneakers, the box the sneakers come in, or even the logo on the side of each sneaker, the choices you make help tell the consumer about the product.

 

Like many specialized careers, your job prospects may depend upon your level of training. Most entry-level graphic design positions require an associate or a bachelor’s degree. The National Association of Schools of Art and Design accredits about 250 postsecondary institutions with programs in art and design. Many of these schools are accessible right here on EducationForCareers.com.

 

Once you’ve got the training you need, what’s the outlook? According to the U.S. government, about 26,000 new jobs will be added in this field in the current decade from 2006 through 2016. Median salaries were $39,900 in May, 2006, but annual earnings can go over $100,000 for those who have ownership interest in a successful firm.*

 

Prospects will be better for graphic designers with website design and animation experience. Demand should increase for interactive media products including cellphones, video games, personal digital assistants, and other technology. Proficiency with 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 could be seen by millions of people, and may even influence popular culture. With the right training, imagination, and hard work, a rewarding career in graphic design could be yours.