Graphic Design

Graphic design is not just one job, it’s more like twenty. There are so many different categories of this occupation. Graphic designers assemble images or motion graphics to create a piece of art. Having a degree is not always considered essential for all graphic design positions. Usually the graphic designer's experience and number of years in the business are heavily weighted in this field. A good portfolio proving one’s talent is usually required and built through the career. A portfolio is always shown at job interviews. Because of all its uses, graphic design has many job opportunities in and of itself.

Graphic Design

I. Thesis: Because of all its uses, graphic design has many job opportunities in and of itself.

II. Education

A. High school

1. Helpful courses to take

2. Experience and getting involved

B. College

1. A year of basic art and design courses are required before being accepted into the bachelor’s degree program

2. Bachelor’s Degree Program

a. Proof of artistic ability

b. Computer proficiency

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III. Job outlook

A. Salary

1. Varies from about $23,000 to $85,000+

2. Depends on your level of training

B. Artistic and creative personality is needed for this career

C. Robert Lindstorm is an example of great works by many

IV. Conclusion

Graphic design is not just one job; it’s a career that encompasses many different types of jobs. There are so many different categories of this occupation, such as advertisement, education, entertainment, journalism, and web designing and commercials. The more appealing something looks the better chance it has of selling. A graphic designer has the ability to assemble images or motion graphics to create an elaborate piece of art. For some people it comes naturally, but for others it may take a little more effort. Having a degree is not always necessary for all graphic design positions. The position one obtains depends on how experience they are and number of years they have spent in this business. A good portfolio proving one’s talent is usually required and built through the career. Because of all its uses, graphic design has many job opportunities in and of itself.

During high school, it is a good idea to take as many art courses as possible. Some of the art courses may include sculpture, drawing and painting, and basic art. Other than art classes, there’s also computer education. Becoming familiar with different programs is an advantage in this field today. It’s become more common for graphic designers to present their work on computers. So it is important to know how to work with different programs such as Adobe Photoshop, or any other design programs out there. Getting involved with different types of projects is a good way to gain more experience. Some projects may be as little creating advertisements for school or church events or bigger ones like creating web pages for organizations. For college, a year of basic art and design courses are required before being accepted into the bachelor’s degree

Program. Not only are different art and computer courses required, but it is also mandatory that a good portfolio is presented. It’s also important to keep an updated portfolio to show one’s growing skills. The portfolio should demonstrate artistic and creative ability as well as advanced computer knowledge. Presently, most graphic artists do the majority of their projects on the computer using various programs.

It is said to be that computer graphics is expected to grow at a faster than average rate. With all the new technology, it is most definite that this is a strong growing field. Everyday something new is being created, and in order for it to be known, some sort of advertisement needs to be created for it. (Ferguson) As an artist, it is a graphic designer’s job to be as expressive as possible to create something appealing. The use of colors, type, illustration, and photography are all put into consideration when creating a project. (Eskilson)

Approximately one third of graphic designers are self employed,