DB Graphic design

Graphic Design Tools – Graphic Design Software And Books

If you are going to begin agraphic design career, the first thing you need to do is get your degree. There are many degree options to choose from at different colleges, universities and trade schools. No matter what school you choose to obtain your degree from, you will be required to have some specific tools of the trade. So what tools are used by graphic design majors? They are different from the tools you would traditionally think of art majors using; these are the art tools of the 21st century.

Graphic artists don’t need paintbrushes, charcoal pencils and other tools typically associated with the arts, although they might enjoy painting and drawing as hobbies. A computer is the most essential of all tools and graphic design software used for graphic arts majors. You simply can’t expect to complete a graphic design degree and enter this career field without your own computer and graphic design software to design with and to use for networking. The choice then comes to whether a Mac or PC is preferable. Although some artists have one type of computer as a laptop and another as their desktop, most graphic designers are pretty loyal to one brand.

Graphic design software will allow you to create all sorts of art and illustrations, work with type, touch-up photos and complete layouts. In addition to graphics software, there are also some business-related software tools that graphic design professionals might need as they enter their careers. Some software products, such as Photoshop and Illustrator, focus on the creative end of design. There are also project management and time tracking software products that allow graphic artists to stay organized and manage the business end of design.

As a graphic art major you will also need books and sketchpads. Many art students just get the books they need for their classes, but it’s smart to build up your own small library of graphic design books because you will need them for inspiration, technical help, and business assistance. Since sketching out ideas is a great way to begin a project and brainstorm, it’s also always important to keep sketchpad handy. With these graphic design books, software and the help of other artists, who can inspire you and provide second opinions on your work, you should have everything you need for a career in graphic design.

Cheap Online Colleges to Study Graphic Design Degree

If you have always loved to draw and are good with computers then graphic design may be a career path for you.

Below is a list of affordable online colleges that offer graphic design degrees and some basic information about graphics designing and the job market.

The Art Institute of Pittsburgh – Online Division: The Art Institute of Pittsburgh – Online Division is well known for its online creative approach to arts education. Graphics design graduates are prepared to seek entry-level employment in areas such as computer artist, advertising designer, layout artist and freelance artist among others.

International Academy of Design & Technology– Online: International Academy of Design & Technology Online offers career focused graphics design degree program where you will gain the real-world skills and knowledge to turn your passion into a rewarding career.

Westwood College – Online Campus: Westwood College Online Campus offers courses that incorporate sophisticated audio/video technologies to ensure you receive an engaging virtual learning experience.

American Intercontinental University Online- American Intercontinental University (AIU) Online is committed to providing all students academically, personally and professionally for successful and rewarding careers.

Academy of Art University – Online: Established in 1929, Academy of Art University is the largest private art and design school in the nation.

Rasmussen College Online- Rasmussen College Online offers a variety of degree programs as well as certificates and diplomas in a variety of career areas including Graphic and Web Design.

University of Phoenix Online- University of Phoenix offers convenient and accessible online classes. Your career goals are within reach much sooner than you think with University of Phoenix online degree programs.

Strayer University Online- At Strayer University Online you will receive quality higher education designed for working adults. The online programs are designed to provide you with a foundation for career and professional success.

Education in Graphics Design

An Associate of Arts degree and certificate will prepare you for entry-level positions in graphics design or you can earn a Bachelor’s Degree with an emphasis on graphics design. Whatever route you take make sure you keep a portfolio of a collection of your best work to shown prospective employers.

Qualities of Graphic Designers

Graphics designers must have the ability to communicate well with their clients in order to create a message through a visual form. Consumer tastes are always changing and you will need to keep up with current computer software and applications to be successful in this field. Creativity and the ability to work under pressure are also essential in this field. Equally important is a good business sense, management skills and sales ability especially for the self-employed.

Job Outlook for Graphics Designers

The market for graphics designers looks promising. Individuals holding a bachelor’s degree and knowledge of computer design software will have the best opportunity. Graphic Designers are likely to find work in advertising, computer design firms and publishing. You can also work in print, electronic media, and film, creating everything from business logos to the overall layout and design of newspapers, magazines and brochures. Some graphic designers teach, open their own firms or specialize in one specific area of graphic design.

Salary of Graphics Designers

According to the American Institute of Graphic Arts, median annual total cash compensation for entry-level designers was ,000 in 2007. Staff-level graphic designers earned a median of ,000. Senior designers, who may supervise junior staff or have some decision-making authority that reflects their knowledge of graphic design, earned a median of ,000. Solo designers who freelanced or worked under contract to another company reported median earnings of ,000.

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Choose a Graphic Design School to Excel in Your Career

Are you interested in launching a career in graphic design? Graphic design is one of the most innovative and growing creative industries in the word. New design schools are appearing all the time to meet the growing demand and interest of wannabe designers. If you are interested in educating yourself as a professional graphic design, then where should you begin? Should you choose a two-year degree program at a graphic arts school? Or should you choose a traditional four-year Bachelor’s program? Here is a brief overview that will show you some insight into deciding on the right graphic design program and school for you.

1) What to look for in a graphic design program.

What should you look for in different graphic design programs? You can compare many aspects of a graphic design program. Some aspects include the curriculum, the type of degree awarded at the end of the study program, the ration of students to instructors, the facilities, and the mix of academic and hands-on courses in which the school offers.

2). Consider your personal and career goals.

You want to choose a graphic design program that fulfills your personal, academic and career goals. If you are interested in gaining entry-level employment in the graphic arts industry, you may be satisfied with a fast-track program that allows you to graduate in two years or less. If you want a fuller program with the possibility for graduate study or teaching, you will want a four-year degree program.

3) Examining the four types of graphic design programs and schools.

In general, you can find four basic graphic design programs. The most conventional academic program is the college or university four-year degree program; this leads to a Bachelor of Science or a Bachelor of Arts. Many schools also offer a graduate degree in graphic design, usually designated as a Master of Fine Arts, or MFA. At most universities, you will find the graphic design program is part of the College of Fine Arts. At smaller universities, graphic design courses may be part of a Fine Arts major.

4) Choosing a Specialized Art School.

Another popular choice to study graphic design is the typical art school. These are often described as “institutes of design.” They offer an intensive, hands-on experience focused solely on graphic design. If you are not interested in anything but graphic design, a specialized art school may be right for you.

5) The two-year graphic design program.

Many community colleges have two-year programs leading to an Associate Degree (AA) in graphic design. Some colleges may offer a certificate in graphic design. Usually you can transfer these credits to a four-year institution and apply them toward a Bachelor’s degree.

6) Which graphic design program is right for you?

You may wonder which graphic design program suits you best. You need to consider many things in regards to which degree you want in graphic design. Look closely at the different curriculums and degree requirements. Some programs may offer more classes that appeal to your personal interests. Are you more interested in receiving a broad liberal arts education, or finding fast employment in the graphic design industry? Are you interested in the history and aesthetic of graphic design, or are you intrigued by hands-on instruction? The answer to these questions can point you in the right direction.

Whether you choose hands-on instruction or a more broad-based four-year program, always keep in mind the preparation and quality of instruction that you will receive at one of these schools.

john stossel does a short report on the three common design mistakes americans make. picked the link up from jessica helfand’s site. www.winterhouse.com
Video Rating: 4 / 5

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Careers for the Future: Web Design and Development

Take a moment to examine this Web page. Everything in your browser window–the blue-and-yellow color scheme, the twelve-point Verdana bold font, and the stock image of the Web-browsing brunette–is a decision under the control of a Web designer. On the technical side, Web developers create and maintain the databases behind some sites and design sites so that search engines could bring you here. If you have a head for code and an eye for design, a career in Web design and development may offer the perfect opportunity to put your skills to work.

A career for the digital age, Web design and development involves the design, construction, and maintenance of Web sites–as well as the files that keep them online. Web designers combine text, photography, animation, and sound to create an intuitive interface–also identifying problems through testing and user feedback. Because Web designers and developers work in a digital medium, their profession combines the creative disciplines of art and design with the technical aspects of computer science and computer system design.

The Final Frontier: Web Design and Development
If you’re interested in a Web design career, you couldn’t have picked a better time. With the dot-com bust now almost ten years behind us, the next generation of Web pioneers is forging a new frontier. Over the next decade, continued growth in the online community is expected to expand job prospects for Web designers and developers by 14 to 20 percent–faster than the average for all occupations. Computer systems design and related services (a sector of the economy that includes Web designers and developers) is expected to add 489,000 new jobs during the decade between 2006 and 2016.

While your career prospects are bright, your potential to earn a competitive living may prove even more attractive. According to a 2007 Salary Guide released by Robert Half International, annual salaries for Web designers range from ,500 to ,500. For Web developers, annual salaries ranged from , 750 to ,500. Senior Web developers enjoyed even more competitive earnings, with salaries ranging from ,000 to 2,000.

Education for Web Design and Development
If you aspire to the income of today’s most senior Web design and development pioneers, postsecondary education is an important stepping stone. Although you can find entry-level Web design or Web development work with an associate’s degree or certificate, employers generally prefer applicants with a bachelor’s degree and professional experience. Thankfully, you can gain education and relevant experience through a number of college degree programs.

Design coursework can provide you with a solid aesthetic foundation in typography, color theory, and writing for interactive media–while courses in scripting language, content management systems, digital media, Web page scripting, scalable vector graphics, interactive motion scripting, and interface design can help prepare you for the more tech-heavy responsibilities of a Web design career. Additionally, college degrees for Web designers and developers often include elective courses in project management, argument and debate, English composition, and mathematics to round out your professional skill set.

Between the attractive compensation, expanding job opportunities, and the wide availability of education for careers in Web design and development, you have ample reason to check out degree programs at local colleges and universities, or even online programs. Don’t wait, though–after all, the final frontier won’t wait for you!