Types

• People interested in becoming graphic designers usually start off studying for a degree in the field. Graphic design degrees include the two-year associate degree (from a community or technical college), four-year bachelor's degree and advanced master's and doctorate degrees. The College Crunch website rates schools such as Carnegie Mellon University, Virginia Commonwealth University, Rhode Island School of Design and the Pratt Institute as some of the best places to pick up the skills and training needed to become a designer. All degrees cover education areas such as typography (font/the way lettering appears on a screen), color and layout.
  
  

The Facts

• Education is important to learning the foundation and framework of graphic design, but designers spend a great deal of time on the computer taking advantage of a variety of software programs. Graphics editing software such as Adobe Photoshop and Windows Paint and desktop publishing programs such as Microsoft Publisher and Adobe InDesign may find their way into the "requirements" list for a designer. Other options a designer may work with include a screen capture program, such as SnagIt or Camtasia, and word processing programs such as Microsoft Word and WordPerfect.
  
  

Function

• Other skills useful (and sometimes required) for a graphic design career include the ability to operate a digital camera, scanner, drawing tablet, slide machine and the ability to interview subject matter experts, the people who know the most about the product or service the employee is designing for.
  
  

Outlook

• People interested in becoming graphic designers may appreciate knowing that the United States Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics projects the field to continue an average growth rate through the year 2018, adding 13 percent or 36,900 new jobs. The BLS suggests aspiring graphic designers study up in the fields of animation and website design to have the best chance at securing employment.