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Graphic Design Careers

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Graphic Design at Angelo State

Graphic Design Career Information
Area Employer Information/Strategies

Print Design

  • Type Design
  • Magazine Design
  • Newspaper Design
  • Book Publishing
  • Publication Design
  • Brochure/Newsletter Design
  • Cover Design:
    • Book
    • CD
    • Video
  • Label Design
  • Publicity Pieces
  • Advertising Layout
  • Photo Editing/Photoshop Art
  • Illustration
  • Identity Design
    • Logo Design
  • Branding
  • Publishers including:
    • Magazine
    • Periodical
    • Book
    • Directory
    • Newspaper
  • Design firms
  • Advertising agencies
  • Publishing houses
  • Business form companies
  • Publicity firms
  • In-house creative departments
  • Large retail stores
  • Nonprofit organizations
  • Government agencies
  • Universities
  • Self-employed (freelance)
  • Graphic designers have a hand in creating countless items, large and small, from posters to identity systems and much more. Research all the niche areas and then gain the tools and technological skills to succeed in that area.
  • Assemble an impressive portfolio of work samples.
  • Complete a related internship to gain relevant experience and to contribute to your portfolio.
  • Work on campus publications in design or layout or find a part-time position with a local publication.
  • Develop excellent communication skills and learn to work well on a team of professionals.
  • Volunteer to create brochures, newsletters or other publications for campus organizations.
  • Develop problem-solving skills, attention to detail and the ability to meet deadlines.
  • Join professional associations as a student member.
  • Become knowledgeable in production and printing processes.
  • Develop broad software application skills in MAC and PC based programs but not at the cost of developing a solid background in design.
  • Participate in local or campus design contests.

Three Dimensional Design

  • Signage
  • Signage Systems
  • Packaging
  • Exhibition Design
  • Environmental Design
  • Promotional Display Design
  • Design firms
  • Product design divisions of large corporations
  • In-house creative departments
  • Advertising agencies
  • Museums and attractions
  • Government agencies
  • Self-employed (freelance)
  • Find an internship in a design studio that specializes in 3D design especially for signage, exhibition, promotional display and environmental design which are very specialized.
  • Gain skills in model building and three-dimensional design. Develop a willingness to experiment.
  • Join a related professional association such as the Package Designers Council.
  • Develop excellent computer skills and strong written and oral communication skills.
  • Participate in design contests.

Electronic Media Design / 4D Design

  • Digital
  • Multimedia
  • Film Title
  • Television Graphics
  • Video Games
  • Computer Graphics
  • Motion Graphics
  • Animation
  • Website Design
  • Interactive Media
  • Film studios
  • Motion picture production firms
  • Television stations
  • Computer systems design firms
  • Video game designers
  • Software firms
  • Video production houses
  • internet media companies
  • Online publishers
  • Online retailers
  • This is a highly specialized area of design that is not widely taught in all design programs. Research programs carefully to find ones that emphasize this area. Consider attending specialized programs in order to learn about television and motion graphics, animation and video game design.
  • Develop excellent computer skills in a variety of platforms and design software.
  • Gain relevant experience through part-time jobs and internships.
  • Volunteer to design the website for a student or local community organization.
  • Work for the campus television station.
  • To work in television and film, consider relocating to areas of the country where the entertainment industry is more prevalent.
  • Stay current with media and cultural trends.
  • Participate in design contests.

Advertising

  • Creative Services
  • Art Direction
  • Production
  • Copywriting
  • Corporate Identity Design
  • Branding
  • Logo Design
  • Advertising agencies
  • In-house creative departments
  • Television
  • Radio
  • Newspapers
  • Magazines
  • Supplement curriculum with course work in advertising or business.
  • Complete an internship in an advertising agency.
  • Work on the campus newspaper in the advertising division.
  • Learn to work well in team environments and to communicate your ideas effectively.
  • Develop the ability to meet deadlines and work under pressure.
  • Be prepared to move to larger cities for the most job opportunities.
  • Learn to work with a variety of media.
  • Create a strong portfolio of a work samples.

General Information and Strategies

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