Graphic DesignerStudent 2010

Nature of the Career

• Graphic designers usually work for companies to make things like charts and graphs.

• They work on the computer a lot with programs such as Photoshop® and GIMP® to help them alter images and make the things they need to.

• They also design Christmas cards and other things such as this power-point theme.

Schooling

• For most jobs a Bachelor’s degree is required. Many choose to pursue a Master’s degree because it offers more job positions.

• Designers must know how to use computer editing programs, and may go to school to learn to do so. (Not usually a specific college.)

• Must have excellent communication skills.

• No other training needed, but to be a designer you need to be naturally creative and unique.

Top SchoolsIn Iowa• University of Iowa is the number one

school for graphic designers in Iowa.• Iowa State University is the second-

best school in Iowa for graphic design.

• Mount Mercy Collage is the third-best collage in Iowa. It offers a wide range off workshops to do out of class time.

In the Nation• Carnegie Mellon University is the number one graphic design school in

the U.S.• Virginia Commonwealth University is

the second-best graphic design school.

• Rhode Island School of Design is the third-ranked school in the nation

because it is based solely on graphic design.

Advancing

• Designers usually start as beginners in a small business or self-employed, and move up as their graphics and designs improve.

• If a designer works for a small business and improves a lot while working there, they improve the business’s reputation and help the whole business advance.

Job Outlook

• Job requirements are growing very quickly due to the fact that many companies are switching to technology such as computers instead of paper and pencils.

• Employment is expected to grow 26% by 2010

Current Available JobsIn Iowa• Iowa City: 8 available positions for

small and large business graphic designers.

• Waterloo: 3 available job positions for small business and self-employed assistant graphic designers

• Des Moines: 15 available job positions for many small business, large business, and a few self-employed assistant designers.

• Cedar Falls: 9 available job positions for almost all of the versions or graphic designing.

In the Nation• Atlanta, Georgia: 100 available job

positions for packaging, small business, large business, product

design, and website designers.• Los Angeles, California: 150 available job positions for FOX

Television, Walt Disney, product, packaging, industrial, and large-

business designers.• Seattle, Washington: 145 available

job positions for website, senior, architectural, creative, and large and

small business designers.

Earnings

In Iowa• Graphic designers who work with

computers in Iowa make and average 38,482 dollars per year.

• Graphic designers who work on their own generally earn less because they have smaller businesses and are not as well-known.

In the Nation• Graphic Designers in the U.S. who

work with computers make an average 47,860 dollars per yea

• Many graphic designers who work for the movie or new industries get paid over the average because their work

is more complex.

Related Occupations

• Artist• Art Director• Creative Director• Print Production Manager• Top Communications Executive• Photographer• Media Production Manager

Sources

• swz.salary.com• www.bls.gov• Occupational Outlook Handbook

2004 – 2005• My Aunt Mary Newton

The EndGraphic Designer, by Student 2010