Go Ahead—Get Graphic!
A Future in Graphic Design

Do you find yourself gravitating toward the art or computer room while others are opting for study hall? As you narrow down the search for your ideal career, consider the field of graphic design. In this industry, you express a style of your own—using a computer and your art skills to help define and promote future trends, events, or ideas.

The Career You Want
If you would enjoy a career in animation, designing CD or book covers, illustration, interactive CDs, logo design, product packaging, TV commercials, or web design, then graphic design is the field for you. With these visual communications skills, you can build a satisfying, financially rewarding future. Regardless of how the economy is doing, if a business wishes to sell services or products, they must promote them and count on ideas and images created by a graphic designer.

An important distinction to make is the difference between illustration and design. Illustration is a visual, something you might look at and think is exciting, scary, or cool. Design incorporates ideas, creativity, illustration, and copy (e.g. the words in an advertisement). A message is conveyed that motivates you to go somewhere, purchase a product, take advantage of a service, or believe something.

Of the nearly 500,000 jobs held by designers in the year 2000, graphic designers made up about 190,000—the largest of any design profession. "Overall, the employment of designers is expected to grow faster than the average for all occupations through the year 20100" (Occupational Outlook Handbook). According to the Department of Labor, the average annual salary in the year 2000 for graphic designers in the advertising industry was $37,080.

The Education You Need
Before deciding which college to attend, it is important that you determine whether you are more interested in a four-year or a two-year education.

Four Year College
For a fine arts focus, a four-year college would be your best bet. There, you will develop a well-rounded art education showcasing your drawing, painting, and a variety of different artistry such as sculpting, jewelry design, and glass blowing. You will receive a more liberal arts education.

Possible Careers: Due to the heavy emphasis on fine arts, this would encompass parts of the industry that work more with traditional art expression. This includes studio work, book illustration, pottery, and silk-screening.

Advantage: You will have a Bachelor Degree and a solid academic background. Courses in a variety of disciplines are available. You can learn techniques in a wide range of art genres. Many fine artists show their art in galleries, which gives the artist an opportunity to establish a reputation as well as to display and sell their artwork.

Drawback: You may not receive the hands-on training many of the design, visual communication, and marketing companies prefer. The graphic design industry changes rapidly; what you learn during your first year(s) may be outdated by the time you graduate.

Two Year or Technical College
If you wish to go straight into a career in graphic design in half the time, this may be a great option for you. You will study in a hands-on environment, and your portfolio will showcase illustration, design, and advertising abilities. Academic courses will be refined to suit the needs of your future career.

Possible Careers: Covers a broad range, balancing illustration, computer illustration, and design. This includes animation, CD covers, event posters, magazine and newspaper advertising, interactive media, corporate identity, logos, and 3-D design.

Advantage: You will have an Associate Degree (or Diploma) and develop your art and computer skills. Your academic coursework will be directly related to your future. Your portfolio reflects your experience with creativity, problem solving, and targeting a specific audience.

Drawback: You will not have a Bachelor Degree or the broad range of academic and fine art classes. If earning a four-year degree is important to you, ask how feasible it is to continue on to earn a Bachelor Degree.

 

The Environment That Inspires
What is going to make you happy and satisfied? As an artist, traditional or computer, your environment has a tremendous impact on your work. Visit each college you are considering, and ask questions about:

Courses Offered — Are they challenging and in the discipline you are looking for? Are the courses relevant to your future career?

Technology — How current and accessible are the computer labs and other technology at the college? Are you using the same tools as those used in this industry?

Instructors — How much real-life experience do they have in graphic design? Are they available for extra guidance?

Career Placement — What kind of help does the college provide? What are their placement rates for graduates?

Student Life — How many students are currently enrolled? What are they like, and will you fit in? Do they commute, live in dorms, or rent apartments?

Community — How safe is your college community and its neighbors? How affordable is the local living? What are some of the activities available in that area?

Where you go to school and how you apply yourself will shape your future career in graphic design. The results will mold the rest of your life, and possibly the lives of those around you. Take it seriously, but have fun!

Editorial provided by Katie Brennan, Director of Admissions at the School of Advertising Art in Kettering, Ohio.