College Options

Art Center College of Design

Art Center College of Design
1700 Lida Street
Pasadena, CA 91103
Main telephone 626.396.2200

Website

http://www.artcenter.edu/

	General Information Public or private Private Type of school University Date founded 1930 Degrees offered Bachelor's, Master's School accreditation Western Association of Schools and Colleges School Setting Setting Suburban (within commuting distance of a large city) Closest major metropolitan area Los Angeles Campus size 175 acres County Los Angeles Enrollment   Men Women Total Freshmen         Full time 70 89 159         All undergraduates (including freshmen)         Full time 728 715 1,443   Part time 120 94 214   Total 848 809 1,657         Graduate students 121 71 192         Total all students 969 880 1,849 Racial-ethnic background of undergraduate students American Indian/Alaskan Native Less than 1% Asian 35% Black 1% Hispanic 10% Multiracial 3% Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander Less than 1% White 24% Race/ethnicity unknown 3% These figures reflect responses of people who chose to indicate their racial-ethnic background. All categories except Hispanic represent non-Hispanic students. International students are not included in these figures so they may not add up to 100 percent. International students Percentage of students from outside the U.S. 21% Age of students Percentage of students 25 or older 30% Tuition
	Annual costs for full-time undergraduate students (Costs are for the 2012-2013 academic year.) In-state tuition $35,052 Out-of-state tuition $35,052 Fees $500 Cost information website http://www.artcenter.edu/accd/admis sions/financial_aid/net_price_calcu lator.jsp Tuition payment plans available Installment plan (you can pay tuition in several payments over the course of the term) Tuition waivers available to School employees and their children
	Financial Aid Contact for counseling or more information Clema McKenzie Director of Financial Aid 626.396.2215 Financial aid office website http://www.artcenter.edu/accd/finan cial_aid/financialaid.jsp Applying for financial aid Submit these forms FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) Application deadline (for fall term) March 1 Financial aid awarded to undergraduates (2011-2012)   Freshmen All undergraduates (includes freshmen) Typical financial aid package $24,074 $17,803 Average amount of financial aid awarded   Loan $9,242 $10,169   Scholarship or grant $20,208 $14,627 Who received financial aid   Freshmen All undergraduates (includes freshmen) Number who received financial aid 97 1,478 Financial aid programs at this school Loans Institution loans (from the school) Need-based scholarships and grants Federal Pell Grants Federal Supplemental Education Opportunity Grant (FSEOG) Privately-sponsored scholarships and grants School-sponsored scholarships and grants State-sponsored scholarships and grants Merit-based scholarships and grants School-sponsored scholarships in art Student employment Work study
	Admissions Contact for more information Kit Baron Vice President, Admissions and Enrollment Management kit.baron@artcenter.edu Electronic application website http://www.artcenter.edu/accd/admis sions/undergraduate/applicationreq. jsp Entrance difficulty For incoming students Very difficult (about 60% of all applicants accepted) Open admissions policy applies to Strength of portfolio for one major and academic record Last year's applicants   Men Women Total   Number who applied 183 267 450   Number accepted 137 228 365 Education required for admission High school education High school diploma required and GED accepted. Application dates   Due Notified by Fall admission* Continuous Continuous Transfer Continuous Continuous * Application dates for winter, spring, or summer term admission are likely to be different. Application requirements Online application available http://www.artcenter.edu/accd/admis sions/undergraduate/applicationreq. jsp Application fee $50 Submit these items: High school transcript or GED certificate Required for all students Interview Recommended, but not required Written essay or personal statement Required for all students Other application materials Portfolio, required for all students Factors considered by schools when evaluating applicants   Very important Important Considered Not considered High school GPA       Difficulty of high school courses       Standardized test scores       High school class rank       Recommendations       Application essay       Character/personal qualities       Interview       Talent or ability       Extracurricular activities       Level of applicant's interest       Religious affiliation/commitment       Work experience       Related to a school graduate       First generation college student       Racial/ethnic group       Other admissions information Accepted students can defer admission for a period of time High school performance of students who enrolled at this school Average GPA (on 4.0 scale) 3.25 Undergraduate retention and graduation Percentage of freshmen who returned for their sophomore year 83% Percentage of full-time students who complete their bachelor's degree: In four years or less 25% Between four and five years 31% Between five and six years 11% Academics Degrees offered Bachelor's Master's Faculty and instruction Academic calendar Trimesters Number of faculty on campus 431 Student faculty ratio 9:1 Graduation requirements Required number of credits for a bachelor's degree 135 credits Alternative credit opportunities International Baccalaureate Computing Computer lab available to students Computer network can be accessed from off campus Discount computer purchase plan available Online registration for classes Student services Health and legal services available on campus for all students Low-cost health insurance Other services for all students Orientation Campus security 24-hour emergency phone and alarms on campus Campus patrolled by trained security personnel Seattle Pacific University Seattle Pacific University 3307 Third Avenue West Seattle, WA 98119-1997 Main telephone 206.281.2000 General information Public or private Private Type of school University Denomination Methodist Date founded 1891 Degrees offered Bachelor's, Master's, Doctorate, Other advanced degrees School accreditation Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities School mascot Falcons School setting Setting Urban (in a large city) Closest major metropolitan area Seattle Population of city the school is in 617,334 Distance from campus to city center Two miles Campus size 35 acres County King School visits Visitor information website http://www.spu.edu/depts/ugadm/visi ts/ Contact to set up school visit Admissions Office; 800.366.3344 Student body Enrollment   Men Women Total Freshmen         Full time 247 537 784   Part time 0       Total 247 537 784         All undergraduates (including freshmen)         Full time 1,044 2,064 3,108   Part time 37 93 130   Total 1,081 2,157 3,238         Graduate students 275 644 919         Total all students 1,356 2,801 4,157 Racial-ethnic background of undergraduate students American Indian/Alaskan Native Less than 1% Asian 9% Black 3% Hispanic 8% Multiracial 6% Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander Less than 1% White 67% Race/ethnicity unknown 2% These figures reflect responses of people who chose to indicate their racial-ethnic background. All categories except Hispanic represent non-Hispanic students. International students are not included in these figures so they may not add up to 100 percent. Out-of-state students Percentage of students from out of state 37% Number of states and territories represented 43 International students Percentage of students from outside the U.S. 1% Number of countries represented 36 Age of students Percentage of students 25 or older 7% Costs Annual costs for full-time undergraduate students (Costs are for the 2013-2014 academic year. Full-time costs are based on three quarters per year.) In-state tuition $33,444 Out-of-state tuition $33,444 Fees $369 Books and supplies $1,026 Room and board (live on campus)* $9,867 Board and transportation (live with parents) $3,558 * Room and board costs may vary by housing facility and number of meals in meal plan Cost information website http://spu.edu/depts/sfs/StudentAcc ounts/Costs/index.asp Estimated annual costs for miscellaneous personal items is $1,881 and $1,032 for transportation. Tuition rates vary by Academic program/major Class load (number of credits taken) Course level (e.g., 100, 200) Degree level (e.g., certificate, associate, bachelor's) Tuition payment plans available Deferment plan (you can pay part of your tuition at the start of the term and the rest at the end of the term) Installment plan (you can pay tuition in several payments over the course of the term) Tuition waivers available to School employees and their children Senior citizens Financial aid Contact for counseling or more information Student Financial Services Director of Student Financial Services sfs-info@spu.edu 206.281.2061 Financial aid office website http://www.spu.edu/depts/sfs/ Scholarship list website http://spu.edu/depts/sfs/FinancialA id/GrantsScholarships/index.asp Applying for financial aid Submit these forms FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) Application deadline (for fall term) February 1 Financial aid awarded to undergraduates (2012-2013)   Freshmen All undergraduates (includes freshmen) Typical financial aid package $28,411 $27,783 Percentage of need* met by aid package 82% 77% Average amount of financial aid awarded   Loan $5,028 $5,145   Scholarship or grant $22,292 $22,786   Work study award $2,766 $1,419 * "Need" as defined for financial aid results from a formula based on a student's situation. The formula considers family and student income, family size, unusual expenses, and the school's costs. Who received financial aid   Freshmen All undergraduates (includes freshmen) Number who applied for financial aid 704 2,572 Number who received financial aid 600 2,242 Loans Percentage of students who took out loans to pay for school 67% Average student loan debt for last graduating class $28,263 Financial aid programs at this school Loans Federal Perkins loans Federal PLUS loans (for parents) Federal Stafford loans (subsidized) Federal Stafford loans (unsubsidized) Institution loans (from the school) Nursing loans Need-based scholarships and grants Federal Pell Grants Federal Supplemental Education Opportunity Grant (FSEOG) Privately-sponsored scholarships and grants School-sponsored scholarships and grants State-sponsored scholarships and grants Merit-based scholarships and grants School-sponsored scholarships in academics School-sponsored scholarships in art School-sponsored scholarships for special characteristics Student employment Work study Admissions Contact for more information Jobe Korb-Nice Director of Admissions admissions@spu.edu 206.281.2021 800.366.3344 Admissions office website http://www.spu.edu/depts/ugadm/ Electronic application website http://www.spu.edu/depts/ugadm/appl yingtospu/applynow.asp Entrance difficulty For incoming students Moderately difficult (about 85% of all applicants accepted) Last year's applicants   Men Women Total   Number who applied 1,432 3,127 4,559   Number accepted 247 537 784   Number who enrolled 247 537 784 Education required for admission High school education High school diploma required and GED accepted. Application dates   Due Notified by Fall admission* February 1 March 1 Early action (apply early, but not required to attend if accepted) November 15 January 5 Transfer August 1 Continuous * Application dates for winter, spring, or summer term admission are likely to be different. http://www.spu.edu/depts/ugadm/makecontact/deadlines.asp Application requirements Online application available http://www.spu.edu/depts/ugadm/appl yingtospu/applynow.asp Application fee $45; if admitted and registered for classes, a one-time $80 matriculation fee is required. Submit these items: High school GPA 2.5, required for all students High school transcript or GED certificate Required for all students Interview Recommended, but not required Letters of recommendation 2, required for all students Written essay or personal statement Required for all students Exams Required exams SAT or ACT Factors considered by schools when evaluating applicants   Very important Important Considered Not considered High school GPA       Difficulty of high school courses       Standardized test scores       High school class rank       Recommendations       Application essay       Character/personal qualities       Interview       Talent or ability       Extracurricular activities       Level of applicant's interest       Religious affiliation/commitment       Work experience       Related to a school graduate       First generation college student       Racial/ethnic group       Other admissions information Early admissions (select high school students can enroll for college credit) School uses a waiting list Transfer student admissions Admission requirements Go to http://www.spu.edu/depts/ugadm/tran sfer/ for information. Age limit on courses to be transferred No limit Credits accepted for transfer students College-Level Examination Program (CLEP) general Yes College-Level Examination Program (CLEP) subject Yes Test scores of freshmen who enrolled at the school SAT Score Critical reading Math Writing   Under 400   1%     400 - 499 22% 22% 24%   500 - 599 43% 45% 47%   600 - 699 29% 29% 23%   700 - 800 5% 3% 5% ACT Score     12 - 17 3%   18 - 23 36%   24 - 29 50%   30 - 36 11% High school performance of students who enrolled at this school Average GPA (on 4.0 scale) 3.54 Percentage in top 50% of their high school class 87% Percentage in top 25% 57% Percentage in top 10% 26% Undergraduate retention and graduation Percentage of freshmen who returned for their sophomore year 84% Percentage of full-time students who complete their bachelor's degree: In four years or less 55% Between four and five years 13% Between five and six years 3%   Academics Degrees offered Bachelor's Master's Doctorate Other advanced degrees School catalog School catalog website http://spu.edu/acad/UGCatalog/20134 / Academic index website http://spu.edu/acad/UGCatalog/20134 /GeneralInfo/academicprogram.asp Faculty and instruction Academic calendar Quarters Grading system Letter grade (A, B, etc.), pass/fail, audit for no credit (There are restrictions on pass/fail use toward graduation.) Number of faculty on campus 348 Student faculty ratio 15:1 Graduation requirements Required number of credits for a bachelor's degree 180 credits All students must meet: Core curriculum or school-wide requirements Yes Foreign language requirement Yes Internship requirement Depends on major Math or science requirement Yes Senior project requirement Depends on major http://spu.edu/acad/UGCatalog/20134/GeneralInfo/policies.asp#Graduatio n Attendance options Evenings On-line/distance learning Part time Summer school Weekends Optional academic programs Double major Graduate courses open to undergraduates Honors program Student-designed major Off-campus study Domestic exchange available Yes At these U.S. schools or through this program 13 members of the Coalition for Christian Colleges and Universities Study abroad available Yes In these countries Austria/Switzerland, Belize; British Isles Quarter; London; China; European Quarter; Galapagos Islands; Guatemala; Ireland/Scotland; Israel/Palestine; Paris, France; Morocco; Philippines; Rome, Italy; South Africa; Vietnam http://www.spu.edu/acad/study-abroad/ Military officer training (ROTC) Army ROTC Air Force ROTC Naval ROTC http://www.spu.edu/acad/rotc.html Alternative credit opportunities Advanced Placement External degree program (earn credits through options that require little or no classroom attendance) Independent study International Baccalaureate Internships Computing Computers on campus for student use Computer lab available to students Computer network can be accessed from dorm rooms Computer network can be accessed from off campus Online registration for classes Libraries Main library name Seattle Pacific University Library Number of books and documents in libraries 217,369 Number of subscriptions (periodicals, newspapers) 2,729 Sports Athletic association membership National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Sports website URL http://www.spufalcons.com/index.asp x Intercollegiate and intramural sports available Intercollegiate Intramural Sport Men Women Men Women Archery Yes Yes Basketball Div 2 $ Div 2 $ Yes Yes Bowling Yes Yes Crew Yes Div 2 $ Cross-country running Div 2 $ Div 2 $ Yes Yes Football Yes Yes Gymnastics Div 2 $ Rugby Club Club Soccer Div 2 $ Yes $ Yes Yes Softball Yes Yes Tennis Yes Yes Track and field Div 2 $ Div 2 $ Volleyball Div 2 $ Yes Yes Weight lifting Yes Yes $ indicates scholarships offered. For intercollegiate sports, the division is given when that information is available. “Yes” is used if a sport is offered, but the school has not specified the division. “Club” indicates intercollegiate competition is at the club level. For intramural sports, “Yes” indicates a sport is available. Student life Student activities Choral groups Drama or theater groups Newspaper Orchestra Radio station Student government Clubs and associations Number of student clubs and associations with open membership 50 Largest clubs and organizations on campus Centurions, Falconettes, forensics organization, Amnesty International, University Players Student clubs and associations website http://www.spu.edu/depts/studentpro grams/   Housing Contact for more information Residence Life & Housing Office housing@spu.edu 206.281.2188 Housing office website http://www.spu.edu/depts/reslife/ Campus housing Percentage of students who live on campus 54% School owns or operates housing Yes Highest year that students are required to live on campus Sophomore Housing availability for first year students Guaranteed Housing options Co-ed Housing is available for students with disabilities Yes Application deposit $300 Campus housing for graduate students School owns or operates housing for Married graduate students, single graduate students Housing availability for single graduate students First come, first served Housing availability for married graduate students First come, first served Housing application deadline August 1
	Student services Academic services for all students Academic advising Remedial education courses Health and legal services available on campus for all students Health clinic Low-cost health insurance Psychological counseling http://www.spu.edu/depts/healthservices/index.asp Other services for all students Orientation Services for students with disabilities Angela Tucker Program Coordinator for Disability Support Service dss@spu.edu 206.281.2272 Disabilities services website http://www.spu.edu/depts/cfl/dss/in dex.asp Designated parking Yes Housing Yes Readers for the blind Yes Services for students with learning disabilities Yes Tutors Yes Campus security 24-hour emergency phone and alarms on campus Campus patrolled by trained security personnel Late night transport service Graduate study Contact for more information John Glancy Director, Graduate Admissions and Marketing jglancy@spu.edu 800.366.3344 Graduate school website http://www.spu.edu/prospects/grad/ Enrollment   Men Women Total Graduate Students         Full time 87 223 310   Part time 188 421 609   Total 275 644 919         Undergraduates 1,081 2,157 3,238         Total all students 1,356 2,801 4,157 Costs for full-time graduate students (Costs are for the 2013-2014 academic year. Full-time costs are based on six credits per quarter per year.) In-state tuition* $22,596 Out-of-state tuition* $22,596 Fees Visit http://www.spu.edu/depts/sfs/Studen tAccounts/Costs/index.asp for more information. Books and supplies Visit http://www.spu.edu/depts/sfs/Studen tAccounts/Costs/index.asp for more information. * Tuition may vary by program Costs for the clinical psychology program are higher. Graduate admissions Admission requirements See http://www.spu.edu/acad/GRCatalog/2 0134/admission.asp for information on requirements. Application deadline See http://www.spu.edu/prospects/grad/a dmission/ for information on deadlines. Application fee $50 - $75; depending on the program http://spu.edu/acad/GRCatalog/20134/

Career Option

Graphic Designers

Graphic Design Overview:

Graphic designers create designs using print, electronic, and film media.

Graphic designers create brochures and ads to promote products or services. They produce logos for products or businesses. They create visual designs for company reports and other print materials. Some graphic designers work on design and layout for magazines or other publications. Others work on website design. They choose the colors and images, and design the layout of the website.                                                                                                                                    

                                                                                          http://www.bing.com/images/searchq=graphic+design&FORM=HDRSC2#view
                                                                                          =detail&id=D694E5CA188C0F2B6AD13E434ADF1E60A95D6149&selectedIndex=4website.

Graphic designers usually use computers to do their work. They begin a design project by talking to the client or supervisor. They prepare sketches or images according to the client's needs. Graphic designers draw a sample of the proposed layout, or create the layout on a computer. They present sketches and layout to the art director or client for approval.
Once approved, graphic designers proceed with the project. They select the style and size of the font. Sometimes they take photos of the layout for approval by the client or supervisor. They collect all the materials and present the finished design or product to the client. In some cases, they give detailed instructions to other workers who will help with the project.
Some graphic designers work in television or film. They may design the credits that appear at the beginning or end of a television show or movie. They may create storyboards for film production. Storyboards are drawings that show the sequence of the story to be developed on film.

Specific Work Activities

The following list of occupational tasks is specific to graphic designers.

• Talk to clients or supervisors about design project.
• Prepare sketches of images or logos. Consider supervisors' instructions and clients' needs. Make changes if necessary.
• Draw sample of proposed layout or design, or create screen layout. Present to art director or client for approval.
• Draw and print charts, graphs, illustrations, and other images using computer software.
• Decide on size and arrangement of images. Select size and style of type.
• Prepare layouts for printer or create final screen layouts.
• May photograph layouts and develop film for supervisor or client.
• Develop design and layout for magazines, business reports, or Internet websites.
• Produce credits for television or other film media, using electronic video equipment.
• Prepare drawings to show sequence for story development for film production.
• Maintain archives of images, photos, and past

Common Work Activities

Graphic designers perform the following tasks. These tasks are common to many occupations.

• Think creatively.
• Use computers.
• Get information needed to do the job.
• Make decisions and solve problems.
• Communicate with supervisors, peers, or subordinates.
• Update and use job-related knowledge.
• Organize, plan, and prioritize work.
• Communicate with people outside the organization.
• Establish and maintain relationships.
• Explain the meaning of information to others.
• Convince others to buy goods or change their minds or actions.
• Provide advice and consultation to others.
• Identify objects, actions, and events.
• Judge the value of objects, services, or people.
• Estimate sizes, quantities, time, cost, or materials needed.
• Develop and build teams.
• Coordinate the work and activities of others.
• Monitor and control resources.
• Develop goals and strategies.

Working Conditions

In a typical work setting, graphic designers:
Interpersonal Relationships

• Have a high level of social contact. They regularly talk to supervisors and clients.
• Communicate by telephone, e-mail, and in person on a daily basis. They communicate less often by letters and memos.
• Are responsible for project outcomes and results. Designs must meet client needs and expectations.
• Regularly work in a group or as part of a team.

Physical Work Conditions

• Usually work indoors.

Work Performance

• Must be sure their work is exact. Errors could cause clients to need to reprint brochures, for example.
• Make decisions that affect clients and coworkers on a weekly basis. They make most decisions with consulting a supervisor.
• Set most daily tasks, goals, and priorities without consulting a supervisor first.
• Abide by strict deadlines on a daily basis. This makes the work environment fairly competitive.
• Often repeat the same physical activities, such as drawing or using a computer mouse.

Hours/Travel

• Generally work a set schedule.
• May work part time or full time. Most work full time, however.
• May work overtime to meet deadlines.

Physical Demands

Graphic designers frequently:

• Sit for long periods of time.
• Repeat movements over and over.
• Use hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools, or controls.

It is important for graphic designers to be able to:

• See details of objects that are less than a few feet away.
• See differences between colors, shades, and brightness.
• Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
• Understand the speech of another person.
• Use fingers to grasp, move, or assemble very small objects.

It is not as important, but still necessary, for graphic designers to be able to:

• See details of objects that are more than a few feet away.
• Hold the arm and hand in one position or hold the hand steady while moving the arm.
• Make quick, precise adjustments to machine controls.
• Use one or two hands to grasp, move, or assemble objects.
• Determine the distance between objects.
• Focus on one source of sound and ignore others.
• Hear sounds and recognize the difference between them.

Skills and Abilities

Graphic designers need to:
Communicate

• Express ideas clearly when speaking or writing.
• Listen to others, understand, and ask questions.
• Read and understand written information.

Reason and Problem Solve

• Think of new ideas or original and creative ways to solve problems.
• Analyze ideas and use logic to determine their strengths and weaknesses.
• Identify problems and review information. Develop, review, and apply solutions.
• Judge the costs and benefits of a possible action.
• Combine several pieces of information and draw conclusions.
• Develop rules or follow guidelines for arranging items.
• Use reasoning to discover answers to problems.
• Concentrate and not be distracted while performing a task.
• Notice when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong.
• Understand new information or materials by studying and working with them.

Manage Oneself, People, Time, and Things

• Manage the time of self and others.
• Check how well one is learning or doing something.

Work with People

• Be aware of others' reactions and change behavior in relation to them.
• Persuade others to approach things differently.

Perceive and Visualize

• Imagine how something will look if it is moved around or its parts are rearranged.

Knowledge

Graphic designers need knowledge in the following areas:

• Design: Knowledge of making and using plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
• Communications and Media: Knowledge of producing, sharing, and delivering information or entertainment. This may be through written, spoken, or visual media.
• English Language: Knowledge of the meaning, spelling, and use of the English language.
• Computers and Electronics: Knowledge of computer hardware and software.
• Fine Arts: Knowledge of the methods and concepts needed to create or perform works of art. Areas of knowledge may include music, dance, visual arts, drama, and sculpture.
• Sales and Marketing: Knowledge of advertising and selling products and services.
• Customer and Personal Service: Knowledge of providing special services to customers based on their needs.

Interests

Graphic designers are people who tend to:

• Consider achievement important. They like to see the results of their work and to use their strongest abilities. They like to get a feeling of accomplishment from their work.
• Consider independence important. They like to make decisions and try out ideas on their own. They prefer jobs where they can plan their work with little supervision.
• Consider recognition important. They like to work in jobs which have opportunities for them to advance, be recognized for their work, and direct and instruct others. They usually prefer jobs in which they are looked up to by others.
• Consider good working conditions important. They like jobs offering steady employment and good pay. They want employment that fits their individual work style. They may prefer doing a variety of tasks, working alone, or being busy all the time.
• Have artistic interests. They like work activities that deal with artistic forms, designs, and patterns. They prefer work which allows for self expression.
• Have realistic interests. They like work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They like to work with plants, animals, and physical materials such as wood, tools, and machinery. They often prefer to work outside.
• Have enterprising interests. They like work activities that involve starting up and carrying out projects, especially in business. They like to lead and persuade others, make decisions, and take risks for profit.

Preparation

To work as a graphic designer, you typically need to:

• have a high school diploma or GED; and
• have a bachelor's degree in art or design.

Education after high school
Graphic designers almost always have a bachelor's degree in art or design. However, some graphic designers work their way up into the position after demonstrating significant creativity and artistic ability, as well as advanced skills using graphic design software. Because these skills are taught in an undergraduate program in graphic design, college graduates have an edge with employers.
Formal training helps you develop your talent and skills. Programs in art and design also provide training in the computer software used in the visual arts. Training programs may also offer internships, where you can gain work experience.

Work experience
During and after college, graphic designers prepare for this work by developing a portfolio. A portfolio is a collection of your best work. It demonstrates your skills to clients or employers. A portfolio may include hand drawings, computer images, photos, and print samples.
Participating in an internship while in college is excellent preparation for this occupation. An internship helps you build your skills, demonstrate your talent, and make job contacts.

On-the-job training
Beginning designers usually receive on-the-job training. You can spend up to a year working with an experienced designer, but usually training lasts just a few months.

Military training
Some branches of the military train people to be graphic designers and illustrators. Training lasts up to 12 weeks, depending on your specialty. Additional training occurs on the job.

Helpful High School Courses

In high school, take classes that prepare you for college. A college preparatory curriculum may be different from your state's graduation requirements.
You should also consider taking some advanced courses in high school. This includes Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB) courses if they are available in your school. If you do well in these courses, you may receive college credit for them. Advanced courses can also strengthen your college application.
Helpful electives to take in high school that prepare you for this occupation include:

• Art
• Commercial Art
• Computer Applications
• Desktop Publishing
• Drawing and Painting
• Graphic Arts and Printing
• Graphic Design
• Web Page Design

Many graphic designers are self-employed. If you want to run your own business some day, you should consider taking these courses as well:

• Accounting
• Entrepreneurship
• Introduction to Business

The courses listed above are meant to help you create your high school plan. If you have not already done so, talk to a school counselor or parent about the courses you are considering taking.
You should also check with a teacher or counselor to see if work-based learning opportunities are available in your school and community. These might include field trips, job shadowing, internships, and actual work experience. The goal of these activities is to help you connect your school experiences with real-life work.
Join some groups, try some hobbies, or volunteer with an organization that interests you. By participating in activities you can have fun, make new friends, and learn about yourself. Maybe one of them will help direct you to a future career. Here are examples of activities and groups that may be available in your high school or community.

Hiring Practices

Employers prefer to hire graphic designers who have excellent portfolios. They want to see work that demonstrates the talent and skills they require for the job. Employers also prefer applicants with strong computer skills. In addition, employers prefer graphic designers who can present their ideas clearly to clients. Most employers require that graphic designers have a bachelor's degree. Some may require a bachelors degree plus a few years of direct work experience.
Employers may take a criminal record into account in the hiring process. For most jobs, employers look at criminal records on a case-by-case basis.

Wages

Graphic designers (SOC 27-1024)

Location	Pay Period
		Entry	Median	Top
Oregon	Hourly	$15.85	$21.33	$26.44
	Monthly	$2,747	$3,696	$4,582
	Yearly	$32,964	$44,370	$54,996
United States	Hourly	$16.13	$21.22	$28.55
	Monthly	$2,795	$3,677	$4,948
	Yearly	$33,550	$44,150	$59,390

Wages vary by area of the country. Wages also vary based on the type of project and the skill of the graphic designer. Experienced, self-employed graphic designers can earn much more than those who earn salaries. However, when they are starting out, they can earn much less. Wages tend to be higher in some industries, such as advertising.

Full-time graphic designers usually earn benefits such as sick leave, paid vacation, and health insurance. Self-employed designers must provide their own insurance.

Employment and Outlook

The table below provides information about the number of workers in this occupation in various regions. It also provides information about the expected growth rate and future job openings.

Location	2010 Employment	Growth Rate through 2020		Annual Openings
		This occupation	All occupations
Oregon	2,446 Large	19.1%	18.1%	130 High
Central Oregon and Columbia Gorge	162 Large
Eastern Oregon	19 Small
North and South Coast	48 Medium-sized
Portland Metro	1,408 Large
Southern Oregon	195 Large
Willamette Valley	413 Medium-sized
United States	279,200 Large	13.4%	14.3%	123,800 High

Employment
In Oregon, 2,446 people work as graphic designers in this large occupation.
Nationally, 279,200 graphic designers work in this large occupation. About 26 percent of them are self-employed.
Major employers:

• Graphic design companies
• Advertising agencies
• Newspaper, magazine, and book publishers
• Printing and business form companies

occupations through the year 2020. Good job opportunities are expected. Nationally, the number of jobs for graphic designers is expected to grow about as fast as the average for all occupations through the year 2020.Outlook
In Oregon, the number of jobs for graphic designers is expected to grow about as fast as the average for all
The demand for graphic designers will be due in part to the growth of the Internet. Graphic designers will be needed to design and lay out web pages. In addition, businesses will continue to want visually appealing ideas for their products, publications, and videos. All these items require the skills of graphic designers.
Despite high demand, competition will be strong for the best jobs. This is because employers will pay high wages to the most talented designers. Opportunities will be best for graphic designers with a bachelor's degree and knowledge of computer design software, especially website design and animation.

Advancement

Experienced and successful graphic designers may advance to assistant art director, art director, or design director. In some companies, they may advance to creative director of an art or design department. Graphic designers may develop their skills to the point that they can specialize in one area, such as website design. Some may gain enough success to open their own business.