What is Graphic Design?
Graphic design, in the modern day, generally involves using computer software to design media messages used for communication purposes. There are many types of graphic designers including:
- Logo designers
- Website designers
- Flash designers
- CAD designing
- Multimedia designers
- Photo editing/art
Most graphic designers start with designing banners, brochures, stationary, business cards, logos, websites and other corporate related design requirements. If you decide to pursue a career in graphic design, this flexibility gives you a great opportunity to expand your experience. You may easily branch out into other fields once you are an expert at using graphic design programs.
Self Employment
Graphic design has a high rate of self employment due to the ease of delivering graphic design work. Graphic design can be undertaken solely at home on a computer and as such many people simply find clients through word of mouth, advertising and via the internet. It is certainly possible to make a good living running a graphic design business right from your home or from your own office.
A self employed graphic designer does not have the advantage of the regular income that a paid employee has. There are also no retirement benefits. However there are other benefits to self employment including:
- Tax breaks
- Flexible hours
- Possibility to earn more money
- Choose your own clients
- Being your own boss
The negatives of being self employed are often significantly outweighed by the positives.
Graphic Designer Salary Guide
So how much does a graphic designer earn? That is the question asked by many budding graphic designers, but the answer is not black and white. In fact, compared with most other industries there is a wide variation in the salary of graphic designers worldwide. The average salary of a graphic designer in the U.S. is listed at about $45,000. However people who are self employed may earn double this amount, as will designers in higher positions in corporations.
Graphic design can incorporate many different paths including web design and corporate stationary design. There are many avenues for designers to take in order to earn high salaries in this exciting career. Graphic design was once a volatile line of work, however, now jobs are relatively stable and wages are on the increase. Despite the threat of overseas outsourcing, many graphic designers can still find work locally as companies see the value of having a designer on site rather than having to communicate with those in countries like India.
Web design is a popular avenue for graphic designers to take due to the increased demand for high quality designers. Every business needs a website these days and if a graphic designer can offer a package of business card design, stationary and web design then they can earn significantly more money and outperform other designers who solely focus just on business card and logo design.
A graphic designer salary is never set in stone as there is so much scope for extra work and up-selling when it comes to offering your services. Being innovative and having good business sense will ensure that your career as a graphic designer is a successful one. If you’re artistic, creative, and like working with technology, consider a career in graphic design.
Careers in Graphic Design provide unlimited and diverse opportunities. Careers abound in print and technology media. Careers in Graphic Design continue to be in high demand; however, salary ranges in are fluid depending on employment. Print media tends to be on the lower end of the pay spectrum while technology offers higher salary potential. Graphic Design provides the added benefit of allowing the artist to earn income while doing what they love. Factors such as education, experience, employment, and skills, affect salaries.
Education is essential. Obtaining a certificate or Associate Degree by BlueSkyGraphics graphic design will land a job; however, opportunities for advancement and higher pay are limited. A Bachelor Degree in Fine Arts or Graphic Design will pave the way to a higher base salary. Because technology continues to evolve, staying current with industry trends, and continuing education will insure yearly increases.
Graphic Design careers in print include working for magazines and newspapers designing layouts or creating illustrations. Average pay is $36,000 a year, with those who progress to staff or management positions increasing their salaries to $45,000 per year. Careers in advertising provide a higher pay scale, with an average yearly income of $44,000. Computer System Design is the highest paid career option; these salaries begin around $48,000 a year. On average, employees need 1-3 years of experience before receiving increases in income.
Free lancing is prevalent in Graphic Design. Firms often contract free lancers when highly specialized skills are required for a project, or when they have an abundance of projects and are under pressure to meet deadlines. Full or part time, free lancing can prove quite profitable with earnings upwards to $57,000 a year.
Firm size and location further influences a designer’s opportunity for higher income. Larger advertising and design firms are located in metropolitan areas. Graphic Designers seeking more competitive wages will need to look for job opportunities in larger cities. In addition, the most competitive and sought after firms are on the West Coast. Senior designers and supervisors employed by these companies make on average $ 60,000 a year, while directors and department heads, increase their pay to $95,000 per annum. The highest paid jobs in the industry go to the owners and partners, who bring home in excess of $100,000 per year.
Smaller advertising firms and jobs in print media, such as working for a local newspaper, have significantly lower pay scales. Salaries range from $26,000 to $57,000 per annum. Although salaries are not as competitive, working for a small firm, or local newspaper office, does have its benefits. Designers work under less pressure and do not have to uproot families to move to a bigger city.
Graphic Design provides a variety of career choices and a wide range of income opportunities. Those who are creative, skilled in problem solving and can communicate well, choosing a career in Graphic Design can prove rewarding and profitable.
