Graphic Design Degree Online | Online Graphic Design School

Graphic Design Degree Online | Our TOP Recommendations
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Graphic artists—or graphic designers—analyze, plan, and create visual explanations to communication dilemmas. They discover the most efficient way to convey messages in electronic, film, and print media using a wide range of techniques such as photography, animation, illustration, color, type, and numerous layout and print methods.

• Nature of the Work - Graphic designers build the general production and layout design of newspapers, magazines, corporate reports, journals, and other publications. In addition, they create packaging, marketing brochures, and promotional displays for products and services, craft unique logos for businesses and products, and design signs and signage systems—referred to as environmental graphics—for governments and businesses.
• Graphic Design Degree Online - Most entry-level and senior graphic designer jobs require a bachelor’s degree; however an associate degree may be all that is required for many entry-level technical positions. Fine arts or graphic design bachelor’s degree programs are available at many universities, colleges, and private design schools.
• Other Qualifications - Communication, creativity, and problem-solving skills are all vital in addition to training in graphic design. Graphic artists must be creative and possess effective verbal, visual and written communication skills. They must also pay close attention to detail. To demonstrate their skills, designers assemble a portfolio to show prospective employers. The portfolio contains an assortment of examples of a designer’s greatest work. A creative portfolio is often the an employer’s final decision on whether or not to hire a designer.
  
  

Graphic Design Degree Online | Online Graphic Design School

Many curriculums feature principles of design, studio art, commercial graphics production, computerized design, Web site design, and printing methods. Along with design courses, a liberal arts education that consists of classes in writing, sociology, art history, foreign languages, psychology, cultural studies, business and marketing are all valuable in helping designers work efficiently.

Certificates in graphic design and associate degrees are also offered by 2-year and 3-year professional schools. These programs typically center on the technical facets of graphic design and do not offer many liberal arts classes. Graduates of 2-year programs usually qualify as graphic design assistants or for jobs that only require technical skills. People who desire to start a graphic design career—and who already have a bachelor’s degree in different field—can sign up for a 2-year or 3-year graphic design program and learn the technical requirements.

Graphic Design Degree Online - Graduate - Job Outlook

Graphic designer jobs are anticipated to increase about as fast as the average. Count on strong competition for jobs; candidates with a bachelor’s degree and computer design software knowledge, especially those with Web site animation and design experience will have access to the best job openings.

Additionally, graphic designers with Web site animation and design experience will really be in demand as the need rises for interactive media design projects such as video games, personal digital assistants, Web sites, cellular telephones, and other technology. The need for graphic designers will also grow as advertising firms design Web and print promotional and marketing materials for an increasing number of services and products.

Graphic designers should expect to face tough competition for the best positions. Several creative individuals are drawn to jobs as graphic designers. Candidates with a bachelor’s degree and computer design software knowledge, especially those with Web site animation and design and experience will have access to the best offerings.

Graphic designers with experience in business management and marketing and who have an extensive liberal arts education will be likely candidates for jobs involving the development of communication strategies.

Graphic Design Degree Online - Graduates - Earnings Statistics

The U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics revealed in May 2006, that average yearly incomes for wage and salary graphic designers were $39,900. The middle 50 percent made between $30,600 and $53,310. The bottom 10 percent made less than $24,120, and the top 10 percent made in excess of $69,730.

The American Institute of Graphic Arts reports that in 2007, the average annual total cash compensation for entry-level designers was $35,000. Staff-level graphic designers made an average of $45,000. Senior designers, many of whom have decision-making authority that reflects upon their knowledge of graphic design and who may supervise junior staff, made an average of $62,000. Freelance or contract designers reported average earnings of $60,000. Design directors, the talented chiefs of design firms or corporate in-house design departments, earned $98,600. Graphic designers who reported partnership or ownership interests in a company or who were principals of the company in another capacity earned $113,000.

Related Occupations: Workers in similar art and design field occupations may include commercial and industrial designers; fashion designers; floral designers; artists and related workers; and interior designers. Other occupations that call for computer-aided design skills include drafters, computer software engineers, and desktop publishers. Other jobs involved in the layout, design, and copy of publications include marketing, public relations, advertising, promotions, and photographers; writers and editors; sales managers; and prepress technicians and workers.

Graphic Design Degree Online - Colleges - Universities

There are an excellent number of choices for a graphic design degree. Online colleges and universities now provide the same curriculum as the traditional education. Learning online provides you with so much more flexibility to suit your lifestyle and current employment. We include our top recommendations for a graphic design degree online.

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