Careers in Advertising Design
If you possess the ability to create in an artistic way, a career in advertising design could make a rewarding choice. You will be able to put your creative abilities to work by designing company logos or artwork that is used as part of an advertising campaign. You could also be involved with designing company brochures, business cards, product packaging or websites.
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General Skills
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In addition to creative ability, a marketing background is beneficial to advertising designers. Since work is typically geared toward a specific audience, advertising designers should know what appeals to that audience and be able to target designs accordingly. They also need to work well under pressure in order to meet tight deadlines and make quick revisions to work. Along with the a portfolio of work that demonstrates design skills, a Bachelor of Arts or a Bachelor of Fine Arts is often required for careers in advertising design, especially to obtain a position at an advertising agency and to move into management.
Experience
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A portfolio of design work is necessary to obtain an advertising design position. This is a collection of work completed in art school or through previous employment. A portfolio gives potential employers a glimpse at an applicant's skill level.
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Entry-Level Jobs
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Advertising design careers often begin with work as a graphic designer in advertising agencies. These designers work as part of a team to develop an advertising campaign for clients. They create the campaign's artwork, such as the layout of a magazine advertisement or the design of a billboard or Internet site. Some graphic designers also work as freelancers and perform work for agencies and businesses on a contract basis.
Management Jobs
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Graphic designers who work well in a team environment and demonstrate strong organizational and leadership skills can eventually become art directors. These individuals will supervise the work of several graphic designers, both in-house and freelance, on specific projects.
Advanced Management Jobs
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Successful art directors can advance to a creative director position. Creative directors are in charge of the entire creative operation in an advertising agency. In addition to supervising the work of the art directors and copywriters, they are ultimately responsible for the agency meeting the clients' needs in all areas of a project. This includes the development and implementation of an overall marketing plan.
Earnings Potential
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According to AllArtSchools.com, the median annual salary in 2007 for a graphic designer was $45,000. Art directors earned an average of $72,000 and creative directors earned an average of $98,600. Factors influencing income include where an employer is located and its size. Education level and degrees attained and the level of designing and management skills can also affect the salary of advertising designers and executives.
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