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Graphic Designers

 

Job Description

Design or create graphics to meet specific commercial or promotional needs, such as packaging, displays, or logos. May use a variety of mediums to achieve artistic or decorative effects.

 

Interests

The Arts - High scorers on The Arts scale usually:

• prize independence
• enjoy creative activities such as music, writing, entertainment, and art
• appreciate the artistic works of others in museums, theatres, and books
• actively seek opportunities for self expression

Business - Business people usually:

• see themselves as skilled with words
• seek careers where they can lead others
• enjoy convincing others to think the way they do
• can persuade others to buy their products

Crafts - High scorers on the Crafts scale usually:

• prefer to work with tools and objects rather than with people and words
• like to build things
• want to see practical results from their work
• enjoy mechanical activities
• like work that requires physical strength

 

Tasks

People in this occupation usually engage in these work activities:

1.  Use computer software to generate new images.

2.  Mark up, paste, and assemble final layouts to prepare layouts for printer.

3.  Draw and print charts, graphs, illustrations, and other artwork, using computer.

4.  Review final layouts and suggest improvements as needed.

5.  Create designs, concepts, and sample layouts based on knowledge of layout principles and esthetic design concepts.

6.  Determine size and arrangement of illustrative material and copy, and select style and size of type.

7.  Confer with clients to discuss and determine layout design.

8.  Develop graphics and layouts for product illustrations, company logos, and Internet websites.

9.  Key information into computer equipment to create layouts for client or supervisor.

10.  Prepare illustrations or rough sketches of material, discussing them with clients or supervisors and making necessary changes.

11.  Study illustrations and photographs to plan presentation of materials, products, or services.

12.  Prepare notes and instructions for workers who assemble and prepare final layouts for printing.

 

Skills

People in this occupation usually describe themselves as having these abilities:

Time Management - Managing one's own time and the time of others.

Coordination - Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.

Active Listening - Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

Judgment and Decision Making - Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.

Active Learning - Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.

Critical Thinking - Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

Complex Problem Solving - Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.

 

Knowledge

People in this occupation usually describe themselves as having education or training in these areas:

Computers and Electronics - Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.

English Language - Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.

Communications and Media - Knowledge of media production, communication, and dissemination techniques and methods. This includes alternative ways to inform and entertain via written, oral, and visual media.

Design - Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.

Customer and Personal Service - Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.

 

Education / Training

A bachelor's degree is required for most entry-level design positions. Many candidates in industrial design pursue a master's degree to compete better for available positions.

A liberal arts education, with courses in merchandising, business administration, marketing, and psychology, along with training in art, is recommended for designers who want to freelance.

Because computer-aided design is increasingly common, many employers expect new designers to be familiar with its use as a design tool. For example, industrial designers use computers extensively in the aerospace, automotive, and electronics industries.

Beginning designers usually receive on-the-job training lasting between 1 and 3 years before they can advance to higher-level positions.

A good portfolio, a collection of examples of a person's best work, often is the deciding factor in getting a job.

 

Instructional Programs

Computer Graphics - A program that focuses on the software, hardware, and mathematical tools used to represent, display, and manipulate topological, two-, and three-dimensional objects on a computer screen and that prepares individuals to function as computer graphics specialists. Includes instruction in graphics software and systems; digital multimedia; graphic design; graphics devices, processors, and standards; attributes and transformations; projections; surface identification and rendering; color theory and application; and applicable geometry and algorithms.

Graphic Design - A program that prepares individuals to apply artistic and computer techniques to the interpretation of technical and commercial concepts. Includes instruction in computer-assisted art and design, printmaking, concepts sketching, technical drawing, color theory, imaging, studio technique, still and life modeling, communication skills and commercial art business operations.

 

Wages

In 2016, the US annual wage range for Graphic Designers was between:

$35,560 - $63,340

 

Outlook

It is anticipated that in 2022, employment for Graphic Designers will number 276,900.

There will be an increase of 1,740 new positions annually (0.67%). This means that this occupation is growing more slowly than average.

 

Similar Jobs

This is a list of jobs in which the workers share many of the same Interests, tasks, skills, knowledge, and education/training as Graphic Designers

Commercial and Industrial Designers - Develop and design manufactured products, such as cars, home appliances, and children's toys. Combine artistic talent with research on product use, marketing, and materials to create the most functional and appealing product design.
Interior Designers - Plan, design, and furnish interiors of residential, commercial, or industrial buildings. Formulate design which is practical, aesthetic, and conducive to intended purposes, such as raising productivity, selling merchandise, or improving life style. May specialize in a particular field, style, or phase of interior design.
Fashion Designers - Design clothing and accessories. Create original garments or design garments that follow well established fashion trends. May develop the line of color and kinds of materials.
Set and Exhibit Designers - Design special exhibits and movie, television, and theater sets. May study scripts, confer with directors, and conduct research to determine appropriate architectural styles.