Graphic Designers

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.

Artistic - Artistic occupations frequently involve working with forms, designs and patterns. They often require self-expression and the work can be done without following a clear set of rules.

1. Create designs, concepts, and sample layouts based on knowledge of layout principles and esthetic design concepts.

2. Determine size and arrangement of illustrative material and copy, and select style and size of type.

3. Confer with clients to discuss and determine layout design.

4. Develop graphics and layouts for product illustrations, company logos, and Internet websites.

5. Review final layouts and suggest improvements as needed.

6. Prepare illustrations or rough sketches of material, discussing them with clients or supervisors and making necessary changes.

7. Use computer software to generate new images.

8. Key information into computer equipment to create layouts for client or supervisor.

9. Maintain archive of images, photos, or previous work products.

10. Prepare notes and instructions for workers who assemble and prepare final layouts for printing.

11. Draw and print charts, graphs, illustrations, and other artwork, using computer.

Active Listening - Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

Speaking - Talking to others to convey information effectively.

Judgment and Decision Making - Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.

Complex Problem Solving - Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.

Critical Thinking - Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

Reading Comprehension - Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.

Time Management - Managing one's own time and the time of others.

Design - Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.

Communications and Media - Knowledge of media production, communication, and dissemination techniques and methods. This includes alternative ways to inform and entertain via written, oral, and visual media.

English Language - Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.

Computers and Electronics - Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.

Fine Arts - Knowledge of the theory and techniques required to compose, produce, and perform works of music, dance, visual arts, drama, and sculpture.

Sales and Marketing - Knowledge of principles and methods for showing, promoting, and selling products or services. This includes marketing strategy and tactics, product demonstration, sales techniques, and sales control systems.

Customer and Personal Service - Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.

Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed

Education: Most of these occupations require a four - year bachelor's degree, but some do not.

Training: Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.

The college search results are undergraduate programs associated with Graphic Designers. Further education may also be required to pursue this career.

The training search results include both short and long-term programs associated with Graphic Designers, and may be more appropriate for adult and non-traditional students. Further training may also be required to pursue this career.

In NY the average wage for this occupation was:

$35,220 for entry level workers, and $67,890 for experienced workers.

Based on the total number of annual openings and its growth rate, the employment prospects for this occupation are described as Very Favorable.

During 2006, there were approximately 23,890 Graphic Designers employed in NY.

We estimate that in 2016 there will be 25,390  employed in NY. This represents an increase of 150 job(s) each year, and a total of 640 job openings each year.

Camp Game:Intensive Video Game Creation - Camp Game is a unique five-week experience in intensive video game creation, visualization, and production. Work with a faculty of game industry veterans to create concepts and prototypes for games using the latest software, hardware, and development tools. The program provides the optimal balance between creativity and application, evaluation and analysis, and instruction-based learning and hands-on practice.

Designers - Visit this link for additional information on this career from the Occupational Outlook Handbook; a publication produced and maintained by the United States Department of Labor.

Think Quest New York City - ThinkQuest New York City creatively brings together learning and technology for students and educators. Be a part of the greatest adventure of our time, the Internet. Build an interactive Web site that will be freely available to others in the ThinkQuest New York City Library.

Columbia University Summer Program For High School Students, Junior - Senior Division - The Summer Program for High School Students in New York City is renowned for its academic rigor, instructional excellence, and the unique opportunity to experience college life in the Ivy League and life in New York City. Intensive summer study includes a variety of coursework in Engineering, Mathematics, and Science and Computers.

Graphic Designers and Illustrators - Visit this link for information on this career in the military.

Art Directors - Formulate design concepts and presentation approaches, and direct workers engaged in art work, layout design, and copy writing for visual communications media, such as magazines, books, newspapers, and packaging.

Fine Artists, Including Painters, Sculptors, and Illustrators - Create original artwork using any of a wide variety of mediums and techniques, such as painting and sculpture.

Commercial and Industrial Designers - Develop and design manufactured products, such as cars, home appliances, and children's toys. Combine artistic talent with research on product use, marketing, and materials to create the most functional and appealing product design.

Fashion Designers - Design clothing and accessories. Create original garments or design garments that follow well established fashion trends. May develop the line of color and kinds of materials.

Interior Designers - Plan, design, and furnish interiors of residential, commercial, or industrial buildings. Formulate design which is practical, aesthetic, and conducive to intended purposes, such as raising productivity, selling merchandise, or improving life style. May specialize in a particular field, style, or phase of interior design.

Set and Exhibit Designers - Design special exhibits and movie, television, and theater sets. May study scripts, confer with directors, and conduct research to determine appropriate architectural styles.

Directors- Stage, Motion Pictures, Television, and Radio - Interpret script, conduct rehearsals, and direct activities of cast and technical crew for stage, motion pictures, television, or radio programs.

Camera Operators, Television, Video, and Motion Picture - Operate television, video, or motion picture camera to photograph images or scenes for various purposes, such as TV broadcasts, advertising, video production, or motion pictures.

Makeup Artists, Theatrical and Performance - Apply makeup to performers to reflect period, setting, and situation of their role.