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What Does a Career in Graphic Design Entail?
Are you interested in pursuing a career in graphic design? If you enjoy using computer software to create visual concepts and communicate ideas through digital media and creative projects using technical skills, then you might want to consider one of several available graphic design careers. Graphic designers can create and develop imagery both by hand and using a broad range of technical graphic design skills, and they strive to inspire others with their work using a visual language. Many are employed full-time, using the design thinking process and technical expertise as a layout artist for a magazine or in web design to maintain a company's digital presence, but some prefer to offer their services on a contractual basis. While specific responsibilities vary drastically from job to job, many professionals with a graphic design degree are tasked with generating layouts for advertising materials such as brochures, magazines, or corporate reports, or they might work in web design, digital media design, 3D modeling, video game design, and more. Other common duties using critical skills include:
- Meeting with clients to gain a better understanding of and gather info about a current project’s purpose and scope
- Utilizing digital illustration tools, project layout software or another graphic design program, and photo editing methods to generate designs for a site or print item
- Creating visuals for logos, as well as illustrations and original images for an entire office building, company, or marketing staff using graphic design skills
- Designing project layouts that use the right colors, images, and fonts
- Presenting design concepts and drafts to clients using good communications skills
- Incorporating client-recommended edits and offered suggestions
- Reviewing projects for possible errors before submitting them for printing and publishing
How to Become a Graphic Designer
Becoming a graphic designer is relatively simple. While being successful in the field requires hard work and dedication, one of the hardest parts of the process is utilizing and strengthening an abstract artistic talent into a useable, functioning skill set. You can do this by completing the necessary coursework after being admitted to a college or university online bachelor's degree in graphic design program. A streamlined, step-by-step explanation of the admissions process consists of the following:
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Develop and hone your interest in and skill with graphic design programs and techniques, such as 3D modeling
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Decide what level of education best suits your career goals (associate, undergraduate, or graduate)
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Research possible college or university bachelor's degree programs
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Create, request, and organize any needed application materials
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Determine which on-campus or online graphic design bachelor's best meets your personal studies and career objectives
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Submit applications to at least three different programs (first, second, and third choices) after reviewing their admission requirements, financial aid options, and send your high school transcript
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Enroll in courses that align with your specific interests in the field, such as digital media or 3D modeling
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Graduate from your chosen college or university
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Create a compelling portfolio to showcase during interviews and consider earning a certificate to support your main interests
What is a Graphic Designer?
Graphic designers create and design visuals that convey a specific message or information. They often work for themselves as a freelance contractor or for a company, such as one that is working on a video game or needs a graphic designer full-time in their marketing department. While their skillset generally means they have the ability to develop many types of materials or content, some of the most common graphics they offer include:
- Posters
- Bus Wraps
- Billboards
- Packaging
- Logos
- Marketing Materials
- Brochures
- Magazines
- Corporate Reports (infographics)
These professionals can find work within almost any industry that has an advertising and/or marketing department. Some of the most popular employers include magazines and marketing agencies.
Typical Online Graphic Design Degree Requirements
At minimum, professional graphic designers must attain an associate degree. Many people, however, choose to pursue a Bachelor's in graphic design. Graduate programs are also available. Program specifics at every academic level vary from university to university, but often require enrolled graphic design students to take classes like principles of design and color, desktop publishing, graphics for the web, digital photography, and animation.
Typically, a bachelor’s in graphic design can be completed within a four-year period. Some schools offer accelerated programs for people who want to join the workforce as soon as possible or an online graphic design degree for those who have other responsibilities.
While graphic designer students are not required to pursue a graduate degree, it can be quite beneficial. These programs cover more advanced skills which can greatly enhance the quality of products they design. This can also result in higher pay. It is not uncommon for graduates to work as community college instructors or senior graphic designers.
Typical Graphic Design Certifications Needed
Once a degree in graphic design has been attained, there are no field-specific certifications needed in order to work professionally. That said, there are a few certifications that can be extremely beneficial. Two very popular options include the Project Management Professional (PMP) certification and the Adobe Certified Expert (ACE) certification.
Academic Standards for Graphic Designers
Every college and university’s graphic design program is different, but there are a number of basic expectations most of them share. Common admittance standards include:
- High School Transcript(s)
- Application Fee
- College Admission Tests (either ACT or SAT)
- Letter(s) of Recommendation
- Application Essay
- An Interview
- A Portfolio
It is important to keep in mind that GPA requirements, application fees, and test score expectations can vary significantly. You will need to carefully research each potential institution prior to applying to ensure you meet all of the necessary requirements.
Exam / Experience Needed for Graphic Designers
The mass majority of colleges and universities that offer graphic design degrees expect students to take a college admission test prior to admittance. This means you will need to take either the ACT or SAT.
Both are similar and both are generally accepted by higher education institutions in the United States, but there are a number of minor distinctions. For example, the ACT consists of more questions that must be answered within a shorter time period. It also allows students to utilize calculators and includes a science section.
Additionally, the ACT and SAT are scored differently. The total SAT score range is between 400 and 1600; each of the two sections (math and reading and writing) range from 200 to 800. Test-takers also receive three scores ranging between 2 and 8 for the essay section. Overall, ACT scores range from 1-36; the number is determined based on the scores earned in each of the four sections of the exam.
Research both exam options thoroughly before registering. You should select the one that aligns best with your personal preferences and testing style. It is also a good idea to verify the test score expectations of your favorite colleges and universities ahead of time.
Important Questions to Ask (FAQ)
Individuals interested in a career in graphic design should ask the following questions before committing to the field:
How long does it take to earn a graphic design bachelor’s degree online?
On average, it will take four years for a full-time student to complete a traditional bachelor’s degree. Online programs are ideal for individuals who are unable to attend courses on campus, but the graduation requirements are generally the same. It is important to note that most people who need the flexibility of distance learning often work full-time or have other personal obligations that may impact the number of credit hours they can complete each semester. As a result, it is not uncommon for traditional online bachelor’s degree programs to take five or eight years to complete.
How much does an online graphic design bachelor’s degree cost?
Graphic design course titles will vary from one institution to another, but class topics commonly include:
- Design Fundamentals
- Intro to Typography
- Color Theory
- Web Design
- Art History
- Design History
- Digital Image Illustration
- Drawing
- Concept Development
- Design Marketing
- Packaging and Advertising Design
- Graphic Symbolism
- Portfolio Creation
Does the school have the major(s) you are considering?
Many colleges and universities offer a graphic design major, but not all of them will. If this is your intended online degree program, it is imperative that you verify the institution in question has it as an option before applying. Keep in mind that some schools will offer an art major with a concentration in graphic design. This may or may not be acceptable, depending on your specific career goals.
How many students graduate “on time,” or within four years?
Before selecting an art and design college or university for its online graphic design degree, it is important to find out what the typical graduation timeframe is. Knowing whether or not students usually complete requirements on time, or at all, will help you determine if the program is right for you. While most students graduate from traditional undergraduate programs within four years, some institutions have a reputation for taking longer. Additionally, knowing the overall graduation rate is also helpful.
This type of information is generally found on the college or university website. If, however, you cannot find it, contact the graphic design department directly. Someone should be able to provide these important statistics, along with additional insight into the program’s job placement, employment success, and average starting salaries after graduation.
How many students graduate “on time,” in four years?
This is known as the graduation rate and it’s a metric most schools provide. If the schools you’re looking at do not provide it on their website, you can usually find it online. This number, if very low, can indicate that there are issues within the school or individual program that may make it more difficult to graduate. Be sure to also look at student reviews of the programs you are interested in to get a more in-depth view.
What kind of accreditation does the program hold? How it is regarded in the field?
The most reputable colleges and universities choose to have their graphic design program accredited by an international or regional accreditation agency. While institutions are not required to go through the accreditation process, most do because it confirms that they meet a certain academic standard.
The most prominent international accreditation organization for online design degrees is the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD). This agency currently accredits programs provided by 363 schools, conservatories, colleges, and universities. The national standards it has established for online undergraduate and graduate degrees give these institutions direction and ensures art students across the world receive similar quality educations.
A college or university may also seek accreditation from a regional agency. While these organizations do not accredit the specific art or graphic design degree program, they do affirm that the institution as a whole meets certain standards. Regional accreditation organizations include:
- Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
- New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC)
- North Central Association Commission on Accreditation and School Improvement (NCACS)
- Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACS COC)
- Western Association of Schools and Colleges Accrediting Commission for Schools (WASC ACS)
It is important to realize that degrees earned from schools that are regionally accredited may not prepare you to work as a professional graphic designer everywhere in the world. These organizations are meant to ensure that a specific college or university meets the expectations set within a certain region. This means that employers in the region will be satisfied with the degree. And, though most employers outside the region will recognize the accreditation as well, you may want to check if you have a dream job you’re hoping to land, that they also accept the accreditation. Or, you can plan to attend a school accredited by NASAD.