Graphic Design Education Resources

Graphic designers plan, analyze, and visualize solutions to communications problems. Designs are implemented for a specific context, taking into account the necessary cultural, cognitive, social, and physical considerations for various media and technologies. For instance, they use computer software to create and organize the layout and production design for periodicals, newspapers, corporate reports, and other publications. They produce promotional displays and brochures for marketing services and products, design unique logos for products and businesses, and create signs and signage systems for business and government. Creativity and the ability to solve problems are essential in determining the clients’ needs, as well as assessing the function and appeal of the design.

Graphic design will see highest growth among the various design fields. The growing markets for Web-based information and video entertainment are expected to spur the demand for graphic designers. In 2002, graphic designers filled 212,000 jobs, the majority of design industry positions, and earned a median income of $36,680. Almost 75,000 new positions are expected to open through 2012, a 21.9-percent increase. Source: 2002-2012 Occupational Employment Outlook compiled by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics

Source: 2002-2012 Occupational Employment Outlook compiled by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics

• Advertising and related services
• Printing and related support activities
• Newspaper, periodical, book, and directory publishers
• Specialized design services