The graphic design industry offers a wide array of career options for those with creativity, attention to detail, computer skills, problem solving skills, and an eye for design. Graphic designers have the opportunity to work in a number of fascinating industries where they can demonstrate their ability to creatively present images and text in a way that makes information and knowledge accessible and visually interesting for the viewer. Corporate branding, web design, film and television design, newspaper and book design, and educational layout and illustration all require the skill of a graphic design artist.

A career in graphic design will require exceptional skills in visual presentation, an eye for color, and the ability to lay out text and images for online and print media. A quality graphics design education will prepare you for work in each of the following areas:

• Visual arts—creation of graphic elements including photography, computer generated graphics, and traditional artistic media
• Page and screen layout—the arrangement of elements such as text and images on a page or screen
• Chromatics—the field of color and how it is perceived by the human eye
• Typography—creation and arrangement of letters and fonts intended for the page or screen
• Interface design—the use of digital art to create visual elements that enhance the interactive experience of a user with a web site or software program
• Illustration—the conceptualization of ideas and the creation of images to represent those ideas
• Photo editing—preparing photographs for use on billboards, in magazines, and in advertisements
• Multimedia design—creating sketches and designs that bring different media elements together in order to interpret a story or idea for the stage or screen

Once you have mastered these commercial art skills, you can put them to use in a wide variety of fields including corporate branding, the entertainment industry, information design, digital art for web design, book, newspaper, and magazine design, and textbook design.

In order to be considered for a graphic design position, you’ll need to build a portfolio that showcases your skills in commercial art. Most employers will want you to demonstrate proficiency in graphic design software and in production methods. Graphic design can be a difficult field to enter, since most jobs require a minimum of several years’ experience, but you can begin building your experience level by interning with a reputable company, volunteering for a non-profit organization, and doing freelance jobs.

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