Are you a creative or artistic person looking for a way to translate those skills into a lucrative career? Or perhaps you often look at ads or websites and know intuitively how to make them more visually appealing?
If this sounds like you, then a job in graphic or web design would be perfect for you! Graphic design and web design are very similar; actually web design is a type of graphic design. Many web designers are trained in graphic design, but not all graphic designers have the technical skills to do web design.
Newspapers, magazines, and marketing materials like brochures are all designed by graphic designers. There are other careers within graphic design, too, like animation or game design. Web designers, on the other hand, work primarily with the internet. They design web pages, websites, and e-marketing materials.
The U.S. Department of Labor reports that graphic designers made an average of $42,400 in 2008. They also predict that they will face a competitive job market. If you make sure to get training in computer design software, Web site design, and animation, however, you have the best opportunities.
First Step – Education
Whether you want to be a graphic designer, web designer, or animator, the first step is to get a degree in the subject. There are many programs out there to choose from, and you are certain to find one that is specially suited to your goals.
In graphics and multimedia programs, students learn to create effective designs that communicate visually in both print and multimedia environments.
If you already know that you want to be a web designer, you can take courses specializing in that field. Students taking these courses will gain knowledge of desktop publishing, java systems, server side web programming, infrastructures, visual basics, and operating systems.
There are two-year and four-year programs available in either specialization. Also, if you are already in graphic design or marketing and want to specialize further there are certificate programs you can take.
Whatever your education needs, make sure you visit Education Connection to find a school that is right for you.
August 31, 2009
Great post. I will read your posts frequently. Added you to the RSS reader.
September 18, 2009
Hey there,
Cool blog, I just came across it and I am already a fan.
September 25, 2009
Great site, how do I subscribe?
September 28, 2009
Hi Kelli – glad you like the site! If you look at the top of any of the category pages you will see an orange button with the word “Subscribe” next to it. Click on that and it should subscribe you to our RSS feed.
April 29, 2010
Loving this blog!! So much great information to put me in the direction I need to earn my degree! Thanks a lot!
May 4, 2010
This is a really good article. I will be following this often.
May 5, 2010
I am really interested in graphic design but, I already have a good job in sales. Will I be eligible for financial aid under these circumstances?
June 1, 2010
I am very interested in becoming a graphic designer, but I don’t have the cash for school. Is there anything I could do?
June 2, 2010
This is a great blog! I am interested in going into the beauty business. Can I take courses online for this career? Can I get financial aid?
June 14, 2010
i’ve always considered doing something with graphic design, are there any scholarships related to this?
June 22, 2010
graphic design is something i’m really interested in. how high is the demand for people in that field?
June 27, 2010
This is a very inspiring article. I am very interested in are and design and will definately use this information to guide me.
June 27, 2010
Thank you for this information. I just finished my freshman year of college and have been looking for a major. I have always loved art and design. This article really helped me.
July 4, 2010
my husband is a graphic designer thanks for the post!
July 14, 2010
I have always been interested in design. Specifically magazines. Would graphic design allow me to get into designing layouts for magazines?
July 19, 2010
Graphic Design is definately for me. I always knew that I wanted to do something with my creativity. After reading this I am going to seriously research graphic design. Are there specialties?
August 2, 2010
How much do graphic designers make annually?
August 7, 2010
I am taking courses to become a graphic designer and have just been offered a job in a really big publishing company. i would like to switch to online courses so that I can take this job. Can you switch to online school in the middle of your degree?
August 31, 2010
I have always had an inate talent for art. Would that make me a good candidate for graphic designer?
October 13, 2010
Do I have to heave a degree in graphic design to get a job in the field?
January 20, 2011
Hi Ronald. Graphic design is a great new field to get into. You can obtain a degree in graphic design, multimedia development, digital media and more. Go to our graphics and multimedia design degree page to learn more.
January 20, 2011
Hi Toni. Studying graphic design will allow you to learn various graphic programs used by magazines for their layouts.
January 20, 2011
Great question Will. Graphic designers average salary is around $47,000; just remember this varies by your degree, location, experience and more.
February 22, 2011
Hi Scott. Before you switch to online courses make sure if you are switching schools that you check if your credits transfer. You want to make sure all the courses you have already completed will transfer over so that you can complete your career.
July 20, 2011
Hi Alexandra, check out our Back to School section and try your hand at some personality tests to see what careers are suited for you.
February 1, 2012
Hey Jon K. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics a bachelor’s degree is usually required for most entry-level and advanced graphic design positions. To learn more go here.