Design Careers: Creativity in Demand
The field of design is competitive and creative and continues to see a demand for talented workers. A design degree from an art school will stregthen your skills and allow you to build a career out of your flair for creativity.
Here’s a look at a few careers that an art school design degree can help you prepare for:
Graphic Design
Graphic designers create logos, promotional products, signage, and more for print, electronic and interactive media. Most graphic designers work in advertising, printing, and publishing companies, or for computer design firms. Designers in general should have an eye for detail, and be able to convey their ideas visually and verbally. According to Department of Labor statistics, the median annual wages for graphic designers were $42,400 in May 20081.
Industrial Design
Industrial designers combine the fields of art, business, and engineering to design everyday products. Industrial designers usually specialize in one particular product category, such as vehicles, medical equipment, housewares, toys, or many other types. Industrial designers work closely with engineers, accountants, and others. Median annual wages for commercial and industrial designers were $57,350 in May 2008, the Department of Labor says2.
Interior Design
Interior designers enhance the function or look of a space or location. Although interior designers work on large projects, many specialize in certain types of design, like bathrooms and kitchens. Interior designers should have a wide variety of skills under their belts to collaborate with architects, electricians, and building contractors. Many interior designers work in small firms or on a contract basis. Median annual wages for interior designers were $44,950 in May 2008, according to the Department of Labor3.
Advertising
Many advertising managers are employed in small or large firms, working with marketing, sales, and art teams on promotional campaigns. Those in the advertising industry should have a high level of creativity and strong communication and computer skills. Median annual wages in May 2008 were $80,220 for advertising managers, according to Department of Labor statistics4.
1 Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-11 Edition, Graphic Designers
2 Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-11 Edition, Commercial and Industrial Designers
3Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-11 Edition, Interior Designers
4Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-11 Edition, Advertising, Marketing, Promotions, Public Relations, and Sales Managers