Facts About Graphic Designing
A graphic designer is a creative individual who combines technical knowledge and artistic skill to meet the needs of clients. If you are interested in entering the graphic design field you should be aware of some of the facts that impact graphic designers as they learn the trade and function.
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Work
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Graphic design involves creating visual images intended to convey messages about products, companies or individuals. Graphic designers work in many areas of visual media, including newspapers, magazines and online. Graphic designers use computer programs and often freehand drawing to develop visual displays. They work with copywriters and editors to produce a final product.
Education
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Training toward a degree in graphic design can begin in high school, with the student completing courses in art and design. In college there are two paths for training that you can accomplish. You can, for example, complete a two-year associate degree program in graphic design, which would qualify you to work as an assistant to a graphic designer. Most two-year programs teach the technical elements of graphic design. A four-year bachelor's degree program in graphic design is much more thorough, however, and includes courses in psychology, culture and writing. The four-year degree would allow you to be considered for entry-level graphic design positions. Also, because technology is consistently changing, you will need to refresh your training regularly to remain knowledgeable about new computer programs and software that are developed for the field.
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Income
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Income for the graphic designer is dependent on whether the work is accomplished as a full-time employee or as a freelance designer. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics in 2008, freelance graphic designers earn an estimated $57,000 per year, while entry-level graphic designers may earn as little as $26,000. However, corporations provide increasing wages for expertise, with senior designers earning from $60,000 to $95,000 annually.
Hours
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Working schedules for the graphic designer vary. Graphic designers employed by large corporations traditionally have regular, full-time hours, while graphic designers who work on a freelance basis generally work more often, including nights and weekends.
Competition
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The graphic design field is quite competitive. The growth of the Internet has demanded that graphic designers learn website design, be capable of producing animation and create graphics for mobile technology. Consequently, graphic designers who consistently add to their skills and expertise in the field are often hired before others. As of 2008, there is only a 13 percent growth in the field, with more than 300,000 graphic designers projected to be working as professionals by 2018.
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References
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- Photo Credit graphic design f75. image by mdb from Fotolia.com
