5 Jobs for Graphic Designers

Graphic Designer Jobs

In a graphic design job, you turn colors, photographs, objects, words and shapes into a piece of art that moves the viewer to action or connection with a brand or idea. The types of graphic design jobs that are available often depend on the platform for which the design may be destined. Thanks to the Internet and wireless devices that can fit in your hand, many jobs for graphic designers are marriages of technological acumen to creativity.

Brand or Logo Designer

Logos often define companies, political campaigns, organizations, and brands. The designer is tasked with creating a timeless piece that reflects the tone and purpose of the client to be associated with the mark. For example, toy companies may want colorful and playful logos. A financial institution likely will prefer something more professional and serious. According to the Art Career Project, most logo designers freelance. You can also find a job as a logo graphic designer with advertising and graphic design houses.

Print Designer

Print designers lend their creativity for books, newspapers, magazines, brochures and packages. As tablets, laptops and other digital devices are the preferred platforms, this family of graphic design jobs likely will shrink. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts a 35 percent drop between 2014 and 2024 in employment of graphic designers for printed materials The print design field, though, is not totally barren. Manufacturers and retailers, according the New York Film Academy, desire print designers for product packages. Even in the print field, you’ll likely need experience with publishing software.

Web Designer

The Internet has turned computers, tablets, and smart phones into billboards. Businesses, governments and even nonprofits turn to web designers to generate high-tech presentations for shoppers and customers using the Internet. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs for graphic designers for websites and other computer-related platforms will grow by 21 percent from 2014 to 2024. Designing digital content means you can work from home and freelance. Depending on your ability to code websites, your salary can range from $30,000 to $70,000 a year.

User Interface Designer

In the user interface sphere, you design applications and websites to be easy for users to accomplish their tasks, as well as appealing to the eyes. You might think of these types of jobs in graphic design as software/application development. The societal exodus to e-commerce, online transactions, and entertainment and information through tablets and smart phones have heightened demand for useful applications for these devices. For instance, users of these devices can perform banking and enroll for health or other insurance in or away from the bank or insurance agent. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, software developer jobs (in the application arena) should rise by 19 percent between 2014 and 2016.

Art Director

As an art director, you employ your graphic design talents to oversee the layout of print and online publications and presentations. The duties include determining how to present the concept, selecting photographs and art, leading the designers, learning and understanding the client’s needs and formulating the budget and deadlines for the project. Citing the decline of print publications in favor of online media platforms, the Bureau of Labor Statistics says demand for art directors for print-based publishing houses will decline, but should rise for online media companies. Overall, from 2014 to 2024, projects the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of art directors should inch upward by 2 percent.

Conclusion

Becoming a graphic designer lets you display your creative side and your creations become tools for organizations to shape public opinion or influence action. To find a job as a graphic designer, you might, depending on the field, need technological knowledge to meet the demand of the public and the companies or groups that try to sway it.

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