Though the term “graphic design” was coined in 1922, the field has expanded rapidly in the age of the internet. While traditional graphic design still exists, many of the most lucrative careers for graphic designers use digital mediums. Digital images now have the potential to reach millions of viewers within a short amount of time, and the job market for graphic designers reflects these dynamic possibilities. If you are interested in obtaining a career in graphic design without prior experience, the best first step is to enroll in a graphic design bachelor degree program. For reference to some of the best options for graphic design bachelor degrees, check out our ranking of the Top 30 Best Bachelor’s in Graphic Design. Once you have earned your degree, you will be qualified for any of these graphic design careers with high salaries:
- Multimedia Artist or Animator: Multimedia artists and animators create images, animation, and other visual effects for movies, video games, and advertisements. While there are many salaried positions where multimedia artists and animators work traditional office hours, there is also a wide range of freelance positions available where they can work in the comfort of their own homes. The number of employed multimedia artists and animators is currently 73,700, though that number is expected to increase by 8% over the next decade. The average salary for multimedia artists and animators is $70,530, which comes out to $33.91 per hour.
- Art Director: Art directors create the overall visual style for periodicals, movies, and television, product packaging, and other consumer products. Most art directors oversee the work of other graphic designers to make sure they are all working as a team on a cohesive stylistic theme. Around 60% of art directors are self-employed, while others work for publishers, producers, and specialized design firms. The number of employed art directors is currently 90,300, though that number is expected to increase by 5% over the next decade. The average salary for art directors is $92,500, which comes out to $44.47 per hour.
- Marketing Managers: Marketing managers are expected to plan and execute advertisement and promotional campaigns to create interest in products and services. Marketing managers coordinate art directors, marketing analysts, accountants, and other professionals in order to efficiently execute an overall marketing plan. Having a graphic design degree will inform marketing managers as to how they can create engaging visual content that reaches targeted demographics. The number of marketing managers that are currently employed is 249,600, and that number is expected to increase by 10% over the next decade. A marketing manager is one of the most lucrative careers for graduates with graphic design degrees, as their average salary is $129,380 per year, which comes out to $62.20 per hour.
If you think you are cut out of one of these graphic design careers, earning a bachelor’s degree in graphic design is a great first step. If any of the schools on our list of the Top 30 Best Bachelor’s in Graphic Design interests you, be sure to visit their website to request more information.
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15 Best Online Bachelor’s in Multimedia Design
