Graphic Design

Job Summary:
Graphic designers create designs using print, electronic, and film media. They create brochures and ads to promote products or services. They produce logos for products or businesses. They create visual designs for company reports and other print materials. Some work on design and layout for magazines or other publications.

They begin a design project by talking to the client or supervisor. Next, they prepare sketches or images according to the client's needs. Then they draw a sample of the proposed layout, or create the layout on a computer screen. They present their sketches and layout to the art director or client for approval. They decide how the final product will be arranged and how large the images will be. They also select the style and size of the type or font. For a business report, they might design and print charts, graphs, or other images on a computer. For a large publication that will be sent to a printer, graphic designers mark, paste, and assemble the layout. Then they collect all the materials and present the finished design or product to the client. Some work in television or film designing the credits that appear at the beginning or end of a television show or movie. They may create storyboards for film production. Graphic designers also work in website design choosing the colors and images and design the layout to make the website more appealing.

Qualification:
A tertiary qualification in graphic design such as a certificate, diploma or degree in Graphic Design is preferred. Useful experience for graphic designers would be any art or design work or courses, advertising or marketing work, publishing or printing work, production work in the media, typographical work, and experience in graphic design.

Salary Range:
The average monthly salary for a fresh graduate is around $1,200-$1,800. For a designer with 5 or more years of experience, the monthly average is $2,000-$3,000. Nationally, the median wage for graphic designers is $3,000 per month ($17.32 per hour). Half of all graphic designers earn between $2,330 and $3,940 per month ($13.42 and $22.71 per hour). Wages vary in different parts of the country. Wages also vary based on the type of project and the skill of the graphic designer. Wages tend to be higher in some industries, such as advertising.

Prospects:
Experienced and successful graphic designers may advance to assistant art director, art director, or design director. They may advance to creative director of an art or design department. Graphic designers may develop their skills to the point that they can specialize in one area, such as website design.