The graphic design field is a fast-paced, continually expanding job market. Graphic design jobs cover the spectrum of creative employment opportunities. Therefore, whichever area of graphic design interests you chances are the field is in high demand. Here are details on a few graphic design jobs to show you just a sample of the many opportunities available in this exciting field.
Creative/Art Director
- Summary: Creative/Art directors are in charge of a creative team consisting of artists, graphic designers, photographers and others that produce artwork for magazines, TV, the Internet and more. As an art director, you would make sure that each worker completes his or her work on time and that it is completed to the client’s satisfaction. Directors play a significant role in the development of the project, make choices on visual elements and have the final say on many aspects of the process. To become a creative/art director, you need advance training in graphic design, as directors often participate in the design and execution of the artwork.
- Training: In addition to advanced graphic design training, creative/art directors must have a degree in advertising and design. These two fields give you the expertise to both create the artwork concepts for an advertising campaign and run that campaign.
- Opportunities: Art director openings can be found with advertising agencies, magazines, newspapers, public relation firms and manufacturers. You can also be a self-employed or freelance art director. The average salary is $50,000-$80,000 a year, and there is the possibility of earning bonuses if the company you work for offers such incentives.
Multimedia Designer
- Summary: A multimedia designer produces sketches, scale models, plans and drawings for a variety of purposes, including designing props, sets and costumes, directing assistants on design interpretations, and offering advice on areas of technical production such as lighting and sound.
- Training: You should consider getting a degree in multimedia design, as this will give you training in digital media, visual effects and motion graphics, animation, information technology and more. You will also become familiar with production, editing, layout design and other aspects of this field.
- Opportunities: TV, film production, animation companies, audio production, set design and other multimedia and production fields need multimedia designers. You can also work with live theater or live concert productions. These jobs are competitive, so employers seek designers who are well-trained, open to new ideas and able to adapt well to trend changes. The average salary can range from $35,000-$60,000 a year.
Layout Artist
- Summary: A layout artist handles the structure and layout of images and texts for such printed media as magazines, brochures, flyers, books, posters, and more. The goal is to produce designs that are eye catching and pleasing to viewers so their attention is drawn to the product. Things that must be considered are color, typeface, text formatting and arrangement. Several graphic design layout computer programs will likely be used.
- Training: This job requires graphic communication training with various kinds of computer software. There are a variety of programs, including both 2-year associate degree and 4-year bachelor degree programs. These programs will teach you both software uses and design theory.
- Opportunities: Advertising agencies, magazines, newspapers, public relation firms and manufacturers need layout artists. You can also be a freelance artist. The average salary can range from $25,000-$50,000 a year.
Other graphic design jobs in the field also include brand identity designers, flash designers, illustrators, photo editors, photographers and web designers. Graphic design is a diverse and expanding field, so if you are interested, look into graphic design opportunities in your area and soon you will be on your way to a fun and creative career.