Graphic Design - myFootpath

Graphic Design 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 use these tools to design pretty much anything you can imagine: magazines, newspapers, journals, corporate reports, publications, promotional/ad campaigns, product packages, environmental signage, marketing materials, web pages and more.

Graphic designers can work independently, providing freelance services for clients, or they can seek employment at a large organization with steady graphic design needs. Depending on their level of training and experience, graphic designers can grow their careers and become webmasters, chief designers, art directors, or creative directors.

With enough experience under their belt, they can also look to become graphic design teachers or professors at graphic design schools.

How to get a Graphic Design Degree?
A graphic design degree is the program to pursue for a career in graphic design. You’ll also want to become familiar with software such as: PhotoShop, Dreamweaver, GoLive, Excel, Quark, Flash.

Featured Schools for Graphic Design Degrees:

• The Art Institute of Pittsburgh Online Division – Request Information
• The Art Institutes – Request Information
  
• Carrington College California – Request Information
• International Academy of Design & Technology – Request Information
• ITT Technical Institute – Request Information
• Stevens-Henager Online – 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.

Interview with a Professional Graphic Designer
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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
Fashion designer
Illustrator
Industrial Designer
Photographer