Graphic Designer: Career Information

A graphic designer uses visual elements to communicate messages through print and electronic media. He or she may design magazines and newspapers, websites, packaging, promotional displays and marketing materials. Graphic designers work for advertising, publishing and design firms. Some freelance, working on a job-by-job basis.

There were 286,000 graphic designers employed in 2008.

Graphic designers applying for entry-level and advanced positions should have a bachelor's degree in graphic design.

Graphic designers must keep abreast of new trends in design and changes in consumer tastes.

With experience, a graphic designer can advance to a supervisory position as a chief designer or art director.

Job growth for graphic designers is expected to be about as fast as the average for all occupations through 2018. There will be keen competition for jobs with those who have web design or animation experience faring best.

Graphic designers earned a median annual salary of $43,180 in 2009.

Use the Salary Wizard at Salary.com to find out how much a graphic designer currently earns in your city.

On a typical day a graphic designer's tasks might include:

• meeting with a client to learn about his or her needs, the message he or she wants to communicate and the audience he or she wants to target
• preparing preliminary sketches or layouts by hand or computer
• selecting visual elements of the design including color, animation, photography and font style
• consulting with copywriters on text that will accompany a design
• presenting finished design to client for approval

Sources:
Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-11 Edition, Graphic Designers, on the Internet at http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos090.htm (visited April 01, 2011).
Employment and Training Administration, U.S. Department of Labor, O*NET Online, Graphic Designers, on the Internet at http://www.onetonline.org/link/details/27-1024.00 (visited April 01, 2011).