Have you ever been seduced into buying a box of cereal by the impressive graphics on the box? – Or at least been tempted to buy a product seen in an ad on TV? How many of the choices you make when shopping at the mall were influenced by an ad or a phrase or a picture – or all of the above? Visual imagery can be a powerful tool in influencing consumer habits; consequently, advertising is big business. An artist with a keen understanding of people and their needs and desires will translate into a great graphic designer. In the arts industries, the graphic design area is expected to continue to grow at an average pace, and to create the most job availability of all the other creative arts industries combined. Our fast-paced world of video entertainment and web site design relies heavily on the talents of designers for advertising and marketing. Other areas such as animation and toys and games rely heavily on the graphic artist. Opportunities to specialize in various media forms and industries abound. A noticeable talent, a degree, people skills, oral and written communication skill and a reputable portfolio are the key elements for landing a top job in graphic design.
Graphic design offers a diverse choice of specialties, ranging from commercial and industrial design (cars, furniture, appliances, etc.…) to various advertising media (merchandising, marketing, web site design, newspapers, and publishing). Of the more than half a million designer jobs in the United States, graphic artists comprise about 40% of those employed. The impact of graphic design is everywhere – in the layout of a magazine ad, on your 7-11 coffee cup, in the logo of the web site you visited, and in the design of the chair and desk you’re sitting at right now.
Graphic arts may be employed at these various industries:
Illustration • Advertising • Newspapers • Publishing houses • Advertising agencies • Design firms • Large companies - product design divisions • Corporate Art Departments • Department stores • Television and motion picture industry • Non-technical and technical books • Magazines • Trade publications • Internet media companies • Service bureaus • Photography studio • Self-employed (Freelance).
In this industry, you’ll find a wide range of recommended education. Some graphic firms will employ artist with a certificate of proficiency and a strong portfolio. Others my require a two year degree or even a four year bachelor’s degree. Obviously, creativity is a must, as well as talent, but to be competitive, a portfolio of accomplished works is essential to landing the next best job – and may be the only difference between you and the next applicant. The ability to take a job from concept to finished piece is a necessity. A keen ability to analyze and understand what customers need and to be able to translate those needs into designs is an inherent talent that will contribute to your success. Without some basic instincts and skills, a degree may get you a job, but it won’t make you marketable for the top jobs. However, a degree from a school that specializes in graphic design and photography may go a long way in developing not just your creative skills, but also your analytical ones.
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