When you read a magazine, buy a product at the grocery store, look at a billboard, watch TV, or browse a website, chances are you’re looking at the work of a graphic designer. Today’s graphic designers use traditional tools, including pencils and paper, but they also use the newest and most sophisticated computer design software. Computer design applications include Adobe Illustrator, PRIMO pdf, AutoCAD 3D modeling software, and Adobe Flash software for web-based flash designs. To learn how to use these tools effectively, you will need the proper training.

An example: you design an ad for sneakers

The job of a graphic designer is to create a message using color, shape, line, and texture. The message can be structured to enhance the sale of a product or it can be reflected in the product itself to create visual appeal and branding.

For example, consider a sporting goods manufacturer introducing a new line of classic basketball shoes. If marketed effectively, they will sell well to young adult men, whether the buyers actually play basketball or not.

You, the graphic designer, are approached by the marketing director of the advertising agency responsible for introducing the new shoe. The marketing manager asks you to create an Internet ad for the shoe. It has to look exciting, dynamic and fresh. The ad may include the endorsement of a professional basketball player.

Are you going to design your ad with a theme of pretty yellow daisies in a summer garden? Probably not. The daisies are beautiful, but they won’t be selling basketball shoes. Would you wear a cute puppy? Not again. Everyone loves puppies, but you wouldn’t use one in your sneaker ad campaign.

With a program like CorelDRAW Graphics Suite, you can create a layout that shows a group of urban kids playing basketball on an asphalt parking lot. Maybe it’s night and the only light comes from a street lamp. Perhaps your design uses colors like black, purple, and silver. The letters of the text are inclined and dynamic. It can be seen from the advertisement that the children who wear the shoes are passionate about basketball.

Before you even start, you’ve already made some decisions that a graphic designer makes. Whether you’re designing an ad for shoes, the box the shoes come in, or even the logo on the side of each shoe, the choices you make help inform the consumer about the product.

How is the job outlook?

Like many specialized careers, your job prospects may depend on your level of training. Most entry-level graphic design positions require an associate’s or bachelor’s degree. You will need to receive training from an accredited college or professional school. But finding a good school shouldn’t be difficult; the National Association of Schools of Art and Design accredits about 250 post-secondary institutions with programs in art and design.

Once you have the title you need, what’s the big picture? According to the US Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, nearly 40,000 new jobs will be added in this field in the current decade, from 2008 to 2018. Median wages were $42,400 in May 2008, but annual earnings can exceed $100,000 for those with an ownership interest in a successful business.

Prospects will be better for graphic designers with experience in animation and website design. Demand for interactive media products, including mobile phones, video games, personal digital assistants, and other technologies, should increase. Knowledge of computers and computer design programs will be an advantage.

Is it a competitive field? Yes! But the rewards are great. Imagine creating graphic art that can be seen by millions of people and can even influence popular culture. With the right training, imagination, and hard work, a rewarding career in graphic design could be yours.

Starting

If you like visual design and want to get professional training, you’ll need to find an accredited university or career school, either near you or online, that offers graphic design programs. But how to find a school? The best way to start is to go online to a reputable college directory. You can enter search terms that apply to your situation, such as “graphic design,” “associate degree,” and your hometown or zip code. You will see a variety of options. Check them out and compare programs, financial aid opportunities, career services, and hours. Then, with one click, you can get free information on the schools you’ve chosen. Make your choice and apply. In less time than you think, you could be on your way to a rewarding new career in graphic design.

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