I spend most of my time building online tools for artists to share and monetize their work.
CAREER
Graphic Designers
Overview
Salary Median (2020)
$53,380
Projected Job Growth (2019-2029)
-3.8% (decline)
Most Common Level of Education
Bachelor's degree
Career
Roadtrip Nation Leaders in This Career
What Graphic Designers Do
Design or create graphics to meet specific commercial or promotional needs, such as packaging, displays, or logos. May use a variety of mediums to achieve artistic or decorative effects.
Other Job Titles Graphic Designers May Have
Artist, Designer, Graphic Artist, Graphic Designer, Online Producer, Production Artist, Publications Designer
How Leaders Describe a Typical Day at Work
Designer, Graphics & more
All depends on what is on the agenda at the time; Graphic design, Logo design, Model making, industrial design, Interior design, Sign design, Sign painting, Wood working, Steel work and on and on. I am what people call a "Jack of all trades".
Tasks & Responsibilities May Include
- Determine size and arrangement of illustrative material and copy, and select style and size of type.
- Confer with clients to discuss and determine layout design.
- Create designs, concepts, and sample layouts, based on knowledge of layout principles and esthetic design concepts.
- Develop graphics and layouts for product illustrations, company logos, and Web sites.
- Use computer software to generate new images.
Education
Level of Education Attained by Graphic Designers
Most common level of education among people in
this career: Bachelor's degree (60%)
Some college, no degree
14%
Associate's degree
13%
Bachelor's degree
60%
Other*
14%
*All other responses combined for clarity.
Majors Related to Career
Educational Paths Suggested by Leaders
Freelance Designer
Suggested Path
High School
Bachelor
Graphic Design
Suggested Path
Bachelor
Graphic Design
Additional Skills & Experiences That Can Help You Excel
I think it's great to pursue formal education but it's even more important to take initiative to learn things on your own outside of school.
Always be working on your own projects on the side. If you keep creating projects and work for yourself, you'll have a full portfolio that will help you stand out from everyone else.
Getting Started
Recommended First Step for:
Middle School Students
I picked middle school because I think of it as the wasted years. Middle school is set up because your body is in a weird hormone growing stage. You must be kept away from little kids and away from big kids that want to beat you up. If you want to do what I do, learn to play some music, you better already like drawing, soak up all pop culture (good or bad), and learn to not get punched in the face.
High School Students
College Students
Everyone
This page includes information from theO*NET 25.0 Databaseby the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under theCC BY 4.0license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.
