Program Disclosures

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This degree program is designed to give the student a wide range of study in various areas of commercial art and computer graphics. With the knowledge acquired in this program, the student will establish a broader scope of visual communications skills which are beneficial in preparing for an entry-level position in a competitive profession. Upon graduation, examples of employment opportunities include production artist, graphic designer, layout artist, art director, computer artist in advertising, Web Page Designer, etc. Read our Graphic Design Success Stories.

 

NATURE OF THE WORK:  Graphic designers, or graphic artists, plan, analyze, and create visual solutions or communications problems. They decide the most effective way of getting a message across in print, electronic, and film media using a variety of methods such as color, type, illustration, photography, animation, and various print and layout techniques. Graphic designers develop the overall layout and production design of magazines, newspapers, journals, corporate reports, and other publications. They also produce promotional displays, packaging, and marketing brochures for products and services, design distinctive logos for products and businesses, and develop signs and signage systems, called environmental graphics, for business and government. An increasing number of graphic designers are developing material for Internet Web pages, interactive media, and multimedia projects. Graphic designers also may produce the credits that appear before and after television programs and movies.

 

The first step in developing a new graphic design is to determine the needs of the client, the message the design should portray, and its appeal to customers or users. Graphic designers consider cognitive, cultural, physical and social factors in planning and executing designs for the target audience. Designers gather relevant information by meeting with clients, creative or art directors, and by performing their own research. Identifying the needs of consumers is becoming increasingly important for graphic designers as the scope of their work continues to focus on creating corporate communicant strategies in addition to technical design and layout work.

 

Graphic designers prepare sketches or layouts, by hand or with the aid of a computer, to illustrate the vision for the design. They select colors, sound artwork, photography, animation, style of type, and other visual elements for the design. Designers also select the size and arrangement of the different elements on the page or screen. They also may create graphs and charts from data for use in publications and often consult with copywriters on any text that may accompany the visual part of the design. Designers then present the completed design to their clients or art or creative director for approval. In printing and publishing firms, graphic designers also may assist the printers by selecting the type of paper and ink for the publication and reviewing the mock-up design for errors before final publication.

 

Graphic designers use a variety of graphics and layout computer software to assist in their designs. Designers creating Web pages of other interactive media designs also will use computer animation and programming packages. Computer software programs allow ease and flexibility in exploring a great number of design alternatives, thus reducing design costs and cutting the time it takes to deliver a product to market.

 

Graphic designers sometimes supervise assistants who carry out their creations. Designers who run their own business also may devote a considerable about of time to developing new business contacts, examining equipment and space needs, and performing administrative tasks, such as reviewing catalogues and ordering samples. The need for up-to-date computer and communications equipment is an ongoing consideration for graphic designers.

 

View portfolio items from some of our graduates in the Art Gallery!

 

WORKING CONDITIONS:  Working conditions and places of employment vary. Graphic designers employed by large advertising, publishing, or design firms generally work regular hours in well-lighted and comfortable settings. Designers in smaller design consulting firms, or those who freelance, generally work on a contract, or job, basis. They frequently adjust their workday to suit their clients' schedules and deadlines. Consultants and self-employed designers tend to work longer hours in smaller, more congested, environments.

 

EMPLOYMENT:  Graphic designers held about 228,000 jobs in 2004. About 7 out of 10 were wage and salary designers. Most worked in specialized design services, advertising and related services, printings related support activities, or newspaper, periodical, book, and directory publishers. Other graphic designers produced computer graphics for computer systems design firms or motion picture production firms. A small number of designers also worked in engineering services or for management, scientific, and technical consulting firms.

 

JOB OUTLOOK:  Employment of graphic designers is expected to grow about as fast as average for all occupations through the year 2018, as demand for graphic design continues to increase from advertisers, publishers, and computer design firms. Among the five different occupations, graphic designers will have the most new jobs. Many talented individuals are attracted to careers as graphic designers. Individuals with a bachelor's degree and knowledge of computer design software, particularly those with Web site design and animation experience will have the best opportunities.

 

EARNINGS:  Median annual wages for graphic designers were $42,400 in May 2008. The middle 50 percent earned between $32,600 and $56,620. The lows 10 percent earned less than $26,110, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $74,660.

 

- Information taken from the Occupational Outlook Handbook 2010-2011

 

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