Using
graphic design, animation and publishing software, they create or design things
on computers. They edit or create images, graphics, sounds and video files,
websites, 3D images, CDs and multimedia presentations that appeal to the tastes
of the video, TV graphics viewers or site's users and client.
They can
also create applications for the Web, play station station and computers.
A graphic designer may
take part in the initial planning of a programs, montages, commercials, promo
stingers, continuity links ,news graphics, virtual graphics and Web site,
meeting with the client to discuss ideas for the layout and organization of the
site, the types of colors or images to use (photos, illustrations, videos,
etc.), and other matters concerning overall graphic design.
Graphic designers are therefore responsible for the layout,
visual appearance and usability of a video, news, presentations, Video games
and website.
Publishing
, producing and writing news, programs, videos or web pages in a combination of codes, such as
HTML and XHTML, CSS, Javascript, Actionscript, ColdFusion, .Net, php, Flash,
photoshop, quarkexpress or using code-generating programs, such as Dreamweaver
and Visual Studio.
Testing
the site for functionality in different browsers and at different resolutions
and fixing errors.
The graphic designer may work in a team with other graphic designers and other specialists, such as animators, other
web design language designers, ecommerce developers, video producers and 3D modelers,
who create the multimedia features. Because of the size and complexity of some
applications, there may be several programmers working on one or more aspects
of the application
Together they create websites or programs that draw together
multimedia features, such as text, sound, graphics, digital photography, 2D/3D modeling,
animation and video, according to a designer's specification.
They
determine the information that the site will contain and how it will be
organized, and may use Web development software to integrate databases and
other information systems
Employment
Opportunities
Graphic designers and
animators may work full, contract or part time. They can also work on a
consulting or temporary basis for specific projects. Employment fields include:
Publishing, advertising,
television and film, web design and multimedia.
Employment settings
include:
Computer systems design and related services
companies, telecommunications companies, Press, Advertising companies, movie
and video production companies, financial firms and insurance providers, business
management organizations, schools, banks and government agencies. Self-employment as a freelancer.
Expanding Opportunities for the 21st Century
The increasing adoption of mobile
technologies means that more establishments will use the Internet to conduct
business online. This growth translates into a need for graphic and web
designers who can help organizations use technology to communicate with
employees, clients, and consumers.
Demand for graphic designers will also be
strong. More of these workers will be needed to accommodate the increasing
amount of data and advertisements sent
over the Internet, as well as the growing number of Internet users, TV Ads and
Video games. In addition, as the number of services provided over the Internet and media expands,.
EARNINGS
Graphic
and Web designers earn from $20,000 to $60,000 plus. Factors affecting earnings
include the education, experience, and responsibilities of the individual as
well as the specific employment situation and location.
The
more education and experience, the higher the earnings will be. Those just
entering the field may earn between $20,000 and $23,000. With more experience, web
designers can earn between $25,000 and $60,000 or more.
Also, some graphic
designer with certain graphic or web design language generally earn more than other
languages.
Skills
Employers also
usually look for knowledge and experience in a combination of:
- relevant software: eg
Flash, Photoshop, Flex;
- programming languages:
eg C++, ASP, Java, .NET;
- Scripting languages:
Actionscript 2 + 3, Javascript including AJAX, Ruby, SQL, PHP, XML, CSS, XHTML.
·
In-depth
knowledge of graphic and Web design and
operating languages; analytical thinking; attention to detail; organization;
communication skills. fine arts, graphic design and computer sciences.
ADVANCEMENT OPPORTUNITIES
Individuals
starting out as junior graphic designer may, with experience and education,
become senior graphic designer. They can also obtain managerial,
administrative, or supervisory positions such as lead web developer.
EDUCATION AND TRAINING
A
four-year college degree in computer science, web design, graphic design,
ecommerce, computer programming, or information science is usually preferred
but is not mandatory. Other degrees may be in engineering, physical science, or
math. Though not mandatory, the degree may be necessary for advancement.
Many
individuals learn graphic and web design in high school or vocational-technical
school. Others choose degree programs in two-year or four-year colleges,
Some
employers who hire entry-level designer offer training classes. Most Graphic
designer continues their education throughout their career because of
constantly changing technology.
EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS
Individuals
usually work under close supervision until they obtain adequate experience.
While not always a requirement, certification is available. Individuals who are
college graduates with little or no experience in the field can be certified as
assistant graphic or web designers. Senior graphic designers can receive a
certificate in graphic design.
The
credentialing process is handled by the Institute for Certification of Computer
Professionals. In order to obtain the assistant credential, individuals must
take an examination. Senior graphic designer must have experience in addition
to passing a core examination plus two more exams in specialty areas.
Credential holders may be preferred for some positions as it is an indication
of experience and professional competency.
FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Individuals interested in
learning more about careers in graphic and web design can contact the
Association of Computer Programmers and Analysts (ACPA), the Association for
Computing Machinery, Special Interest Group on Programming Languages, (SIGPL),
the Data Processing Management Association (DPMA), the Microcomputer Software
Association (MSA), and the Institute for Certification of Computer
Professionals (ICCP), Association for
Computing Machinery (ACM).
TIPS
Look
in computer magazines for the names and addresses of major software firms. Send
your resume and a short cover letter requesting an interview.
Jobs
are often advertised in the classifieds under the headings
"Computers," "web designer," "Graphic designer,"
"desktop publishing," "Animation," "flash player designer,"
"HTML editor," etc.
Job
openings are advertised in the trade journals of many industries.
Many
jobs are available in federal or state government in this field. Contact your
state or federal employment service for information.
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