Information Provided by the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook
Among the five design occupations, graphic designers are expected to have the most new jobs through 2014; however, job seekers are expected to face keen competition for available positions. Graphic designers with Web site design and animation experience will have the best opportunities. A bachelors degree is required for most entry-level positions; however, an associate degree may be sufficient for technical positions. About 3 out of 10 designers are self-employed; many do freelance work in addition to holding a salaried job in design or in another occupation.
On average, Graphic Designers earn $ 39,900 per year.
Job Opportunities for Graphic Designers are expected to:
Increase as fast as the average.
Graphic designersor graphic artistsplan, analyze, and create visual solutions to communications problems. They find the most effective way to get messages across in print, electronic, and film media using a variety of methods such as color, type, illustration, photography, animation, and various print and layout techniques. Graphic designers develop the overall layout and production design of magazines, newspapers, journals, corporate reports, and other publications.
A bachelors degree is required for most entry-level and advanced graphic design positions; although some entry-level technical positions may only require an associate degree. Bachelors degree programs in fine arts or graphic design are offered at many colleges, universities, and private design schools. Most curriculums include studio art, principles of design, computerized design, commercial graphics production, printing techniques, and Web site design.
Graphic designers held about 261,000 jobs in 2006. Most graphic designers worked in specialized design services; advertising and related services; printing and related support activities; or newspaper, periodical, book, and directory publishers. Other designers produced computer graphics for computer systems design firms or motion picture production firms. A small number of designers also worked in engineering services or for management, scientific, and technical consulting firms.
