A career in graphic design essentially involves conveying information by means of varying visual solutions with a view to enhancing the prospects of a product, a service, or an entity. The term implies a collaboration of skills pertaining to creativity, an eye-for-detail, marketing, and a thorough understanding of the widely preferred electronic media software and tools. For individuals planning to pursue a career in the prospective art of graphic design, it is important to get well versed with a variety of media, including animation, audio, video, images, illustrations, and film media.

Recent times are witness to an ever-increasing number of jobs and business opportunities for a graphic designer as the Internet gains prominence. People look forward to having a significant web presence with emphasis on the use of graphics.

Let us delve deep into the job profiles or employment opportunities that constitute the world of graphic design, and the job description of a designer.

Employment opportunities may include designing a website for a client, conceptualizing and designing a video game, branding and advertising, and designing for the textile industry. You may look forward to being a part of an industry, or working as a freelancer for independent clients.

You may further look forward to assuming the roles and responsibilities of a:

• layout artist

• logo designer

• brand designer

• creative or art director

• illustrator

• photo editor

• photographer

• multimedia designer

• flash designer

Educational Requirements

Education plays an important role in defining the career path of a graphic designer. You may have to pursue a formal training course on a short or long term basis based upon your present skill sets. A majority of employers look forward to working with individuals who have been a part of a 4 years bachelor's degree in the discipline of graphic design. Such a degree program can make you eligible to apply for internships with companies of repute.

Though there are other training programs of a shorter duration, a bachelor's degree would give a head-start to your career.

The course curriculum may enhance your awareness concerning-

• the various computer tools or software that serve as effective and preferred means for designing

• designing principles

• various forms of multimedia

• designing for the World Wide Web

• basics of printing media

• commercial forms of graphics

The other training courses can be either a 2 year associate degree program or several short term certification modules. These programs focus more on the technical aspects of working with graphics, ignoring the domain of liberal arts or general education.

Earning Potential

The salaries in the field of graphic design may vary greatly based upon whether you are working for a firm or are self-employed as a freelance professional. While a freelancer earns on a project basis, a full-time employee can expect an average salary that ranges between 30,000 to 60,000 US dollars a year.

Again, the numbers may vary greatly based upon the level of expertise and practical experience. The numbers may further go up considerably as a graphic designer moves up from an entry-level position to a position of repute, in the form of a creative director or a project manager.