Visual and Graphic Design
Visual and graphic design involves communicating messages through artistic representations. If you have a talent for creating art and are able to transform verbal ideas into visual messages, a career in the visual and graphic design field may be right for you.
<h2 id="section---IsVisualAndGraphicDesignForMe">Is Visual and Graphic Design for Me?</h2>
<h3 id="section---CareerDetails">Career Details</h3>
<p><a href="https://learn.org/articles/Graphic_Designer_Job_Duties_Career_Outlook_and_Education_Requirements.html">Graphic designers</a> use creativity and problem-solving skills to develop visual messages. Professionals in this field typically use software programs, like Adobe Photoshop or Illustrator, to create graphics and layouts for clients. As a graphic designer, you might work for marketing and advertising companies, as well as book, magazine and newspaper publishing companies. Related job titles include layout artist, typographic designer, corporate logo designer, <a href="https://learn.org/articles/What_Do_Multimedia_Artists_and_Animators_Do.html">animator</a> or illustrator. You'll need excellent communication skills and strong artistic abilities in order to work in this field. Most employers prefer aspiring designers who hold a bachelor's degree in graphic design or fine arts.
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<h3 id="section---EmploymentInformation">Employment Information</h3>
<p>According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the annual median income for graphic designers was $44,830 as of May 2013 (<i>www.bls.gov</i>). Employment was projected to grow slower than the average in this highly competitive field between 2012 and 2022. Designers who have experience creating <a href="https://learn.org/articles/What_is_a_Web-Based_Graphic_Designer.html">Web-based media</a> may find the best job opportunities.
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<h2 id="section---HowCanIBecomeAVisualAndGraphicDesigner">How Can I Become a Visual and Graphic Designer?</h2>
<h3 id="section---Education">Education</h3>
<p>Graphic designers generally need to earn a <a href="https://learn.org/articles/Graphic_Design_Bachelor's_Degree.html">bachelor's degree</a> before securing employment. In a 4-year Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design program, you'll study typography, media communication techniques, color theory, photography, drawing and digital imagery. Most of these programs culminate in a professional portfolio seminar, where you'll learn how to prepare a collection of your work for employers.
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<p>In some cases, an <a href="https://learn.org/articles/Graphic_Design_Associates_Degree_Programs.html">associate's degree in graphic design</a> may help you secure an entry-level position, such as assistant designer. These 2-year programs often cover many of the same topics as bachelor's programs. However, if you'd like to enroll in a <a href="https://learn.org/articles/Masters_in_Graphic_Design_Salary_and_Career_Questions_Answered.html">graphic design master's program</a>, you'll need to earn a bachelor's degree beforehand. 2-year master's programs are typically for incoming students who hold graphic design bachelor's degrees. Some schools offer 3-year master's programs for students without undergraduate experience in the field.</p>