Graphic Designer Career Requirements
According to the Education Portal, a bachelor's degree in graphic design is usually required to obtain a position. In addition to the educational requirement, potential graphic designers will need creativity, communication skills and a high proficiency with computer design software.
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Education
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Vocational schools offer two-year certificates and associate degrees in graphic design, which can provide entry-level employment opportunities. Coursework will include principles of design, commercial printing processes, website design and mastery of design software. A bachelor's degree includes the basic design courses plus courses liberal arts subjects and in art history, marketing and writing.
Portfolio
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Some educational programs will require the student to submit a portfolio of art projects before acceptance into their graphic design program. Portfolios will include samples of the student's work. According to College Planning Guide, schools commonly ask for 10 to 20 pieces of original art; some will accept 35 mm slides of work, while others want to see the art itself. Many schools ask for a self-portrait and some want the student to present their portfolio in person. The most important thing, according to College Planning Guide, is to find out what the individual school wants ahead of time, since portfolio creation can be very time-consuming.
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Personal Skills
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Communication skills are as important as artistic talent, according to Education Portal. Designers must be able to present their not only visually, but also verbally and in writing. Designers should be well-informed of trends in marketing and design and able to work well with a team under tight deadlines. When applying for a job, the portfolio review demonstrates to the potential employer not only an applicant's artistic talent, but also their interpersonal skills.
Nature of the Work
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According to Occupational Outlook Handbook, graphic designers create sketches or layouts by hand (or increasingly, with a computer) to illustrate the visual elements for the design. They select the layout, colors, type styles, and animation that will best communicate the customer's message. Designers often consult with other team members, such as copy writers and printers, in order to facilitate the finished product.
Considerations
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Graphic designers who wish to start their own business will also need to know principles of business management and marketing. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics' Occupational Outlook Handbook, competition in this field is very intense and designers with website design and animation experience have the advantage. Average salaries for graphic designer range from about $33,000 to $57,000 annually.
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