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.
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
Physical Work Conditions
Work Performance
Hours/Travel
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:
It is important for graphic designers to be able to:
It is not as important, but still necessary, for graphic designers to be able to:
- 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
Reason and Problem Solve
Manage Oneself, People, Time, and Things
Work with People
Perceive and Visualize
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:
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.
- have a high school diploma or GED; and
- have a bachelor's degree in art or design.
Education after high schoolGraphic 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:
Many graphic designers are self-employed. If you want to run your own business some day, you should consider taking these courses as well:
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.
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.
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)
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.
| 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.
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.
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:
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.
| 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.
best blog...graphic design college
ReplyDelete