Also known as graphic artists, graphic design specialists create visual solutions to communication problems, meaning they are particularly adept at telling stories or communicating messages using graphic elements. When words are part of the message, they use skills with type fonts to augment the power of the words.

Graphic artists have an understanding of all the visual arts and apply them as needed to advertising, newspapers and magazines, Internet pages, and virtually anything that can be a visual communication. They employ type, illustration, composition, photography and other visual arts into one graphic design. Most graphic designers work on computers, using graphic design software to help them create works faster.
Average Salary:

Advertising graphic designers (salaried) average $44,000. Those on the staffs of newspapers and magazines average $35,000. Many graphic designers are freelance, too.
Average Hours (per week):

Salaried graphic designers work a typical 40-hour week. Freelance designers often have to work after hours when they can meet the client, or otherwise be available when the client needs them.
Union:

Possibly those designers working in newspapers are required to join unions.
Certifications:

A portfolio of one’s best work is the best certification. There are technical certificates for those without a bachelor’s degree who wish to master the technical side of composing ads, or putting together the work of others under their direction.
Training Period:

A college degree in graphic design is useful, as are courses in computer design, psychology, marketing, and general liberal arts.

Strongest Market(s):

The fifty cities with the largest populations are the best bet. Graphic designers must count on a certain level of clients other than grocery stores or the average retail business or small-town newspaper.
Entry Level Salary:

$25,000 – $34,000
Top Salary:

For salaried graphic artists, before moving on to a supervisory role, the top salary is $64,000. Self-employed graphic designers in demand can make more than twice that.
Job Growth Forecast:

The ten-year job forecast is 10 percent growth, about par with the general growth of the job market.

Related posts:

1. Senior Graphic Design Specialist
2. Fashion Designer
3. Advertising Coordinator
4. Book Designer
5. Advertising Art Director