Advertising Jobs, Graphic Design Jobs

Job opportunities are increasing for graphic designers with digital and traditional skills.

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Graphic designers work in design studios and advertising agencies, printing and packaging companies, publishing companies and in marketing departments at larger organizations. In 2010, around 279, 200 people worked in graphic design jobs, with job opportunities expected to grow by about 13 percent between 2010 and 2020, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Graphic Design

Graphic designers create designs for marketing material, such as company logos, brochures, leaflets, posters, displays or exhibition graphics. They work in design studios, where they create designs for clients, or in the marketing departments of companies that need a lot of graphic design. Graphic designers create initial designs and manage projects to completion, working with specialists, such as photographers, illustrators, copywriters and printers. Depending on their experience, they may take complete responsibility for a project or work under the supervision of a senior designer or creative director.

Digital Design

Designers require knowledge of digital techniques in their day-to-day work to create digital versions of traditional print-based marketing materials. However, the importance of the Internet has created opportunities for graphic designers with strong digital skills to specialize in this aspect of design. Digital designers create designs for websites, working with web developers who carry out the detailed coding for the site. They also work in advertising agencies and video production companies, creating animations for advertisements or videos.

Related Reading: The Five Line Types of Graphic Design

Editorial Design

Magazine, newspaper and book publishing companies offer job opportunities for graphic designers with editorial design skills. Designers are responsible for creating layouts for newspapers and magazines, collaborating with writers, editors and photographers to create a balance between text and graphics. In book publishing companies, designers create concepts for book covers and layouts for promotional material.

Packaging Design

Packaging companies require designers with good three-dimensional design skills. Packaging must protect products in transit and create an impact on retailers’ shelves, so designers must have a good knowledge of materials, in addition to creative design skills. They must also take account of the environmental impact of packaging and create designs suitable for recycling.