Graphic Design - myFootpath

The Basics
Have you ever thought about what it takes to create your favorite magazine cover? What about the packaging of your iPod? Graphic designers create the images, words and logos that you see on almost all media and packaging. They work with color, font, illustration, photography, animation, and various print and layout techniques. Graphic designers may also develop web pages, advertising campaigns, multimedia projects or the credits that appear before and after television programs and movies.

Where Do I Begin?
A Bachelor’s or Associate degree in Graphic Design or a related Design field of study. Become familiar with the following software: PhotoShop, Dreamweaver, GoLive, Excel, Quark, Flash.

Featured Schools for Graphic Design Degrees:

• The Art Institutes – Request Information
• Westwood College – Request Information
  

Compatible Personality Traits
Artistic talent, creative, excellent written communication, excellent visual skills, good problem-solving skills, detail-oriented, and the ability to work independently and under pressure.

Q&A
Question:
As a student planning to get into graphic design, what kind pieces or variety would colleges and/or clients love to see?
Answer:
My advice is to choose around 10 – 20 pieces. You do not need to show everything you have done. When most employers or colleges look at work, they look at it quickly so throwing in things that you wo… Read More Q&A

Salary Expectations for Graphic Design
Most Graphic Designers start out earning a modest salary ($28,000 to $40,000 a year) and work their way up. Usually people who choose this career love to design, have a portfolio and their own website displaying their work.

Job Outlook for Graphic Design
This is a competitive field, but employment opportunities for Graphic Designers are predicted to increase 22% from 2004 to 2014. As demand for interactive media design continues to increase, it will be necessary for Graphic Designers to have animation experience to create websites, video games, displays for cell phones, PDAs, and more.

Slightly off the Footpath
Architect
Artist
Children’s Books Illustrator
Fashion designer
Illustrator
Industrial Designer
Photographer