An associate’s or bachelor’s degree is usually required if one wishes to work as a graphic designer. A bachelor’s degree is required for most entry-level graphic design jobs, but some employers will accept an associate’s degree. Graphic design programs are available at many universities, colleges, and technical schools. The cost of tuition varies, and the quality of the program varies as well.
Computerized design, commercial graphics, studio art, principles of design, web design, and printing techniques are common courses in a four-year graphic design program. Writing, business, art history, psychology, foreign language, and other basic undergraduate classes may be required of a student. Graphic design associate degrees and certificate programs allow students to complete their education in less time. An associate degree typically takes two years to complete, whereas a certificate program may only take a few months. Graphic design programs like these don’t focus on the liberal arts aspect of education, but rather on the technical aspects of graphic design.
Graphic designers work in a variety of industries, such as advertising, publishing, design, and nonprofits. If one chooses to pursue a career as a graphic designer, he or she will be expected to plan, devise, and create images that will appeal to the general public. They create advertisements, design book covers, layout magazines, create brochures, design logos, build web pages, create signs, and a dizzying array of other visual messages using animation, illustration, photography, color, and print layout techniques.
Computers are frequently used by graphic designers to create images. Color, fonts, artwork, photography, sound, and a variety of other elements must all be chosen by them in order to produce an effective design for the client. They might be asked to make charts and graphs for magazines or consult with copywriters about ad text. Their work must be approved by their supervisors or clients, who have the final say on whether or not the work is satisfactory.
If a person wants to work as a graphic designer, he or she can either work for a company or work on a contract basis. A contract worker works from his or her own office or studio to create designs. The graphic designer is often paid by the project or by the hour as an independent contractor, but he or she does not receive any company benefits.
Those who decide to start their own business may feel under constant pressure to find new customers and satisfy existing ones. Anyone wishing to pursue a career as a graphic designer may be required to work irregular hours, such as evenings and weekends. Despite the pressures of working in such a deadline-driven environment, graphic designers enjoy their jobs because they are able to express their creativity on a daily basis and face new challenges.