Is Graphic Design Still a Good Career Choice for 2019 and Beyond?
Although graphic design has a history spanning thousands of years, the term only became a buzzword in the past couple of decades. These days, you’d be hard pressed to find someone who doesn’t know at least something about the design world, but that doesn’t mean it’s no longer a viable career path. Check out this quick guide to help you determine whether the world of graphics is the right career path for you.
Graphic Designers Are Still in High Demand
Graphic designers do more than create websites, which is why companies are still regularly seeking talented designers, especially if they can handle more than one job. Consider your personal set of skills or interests when determining whether you want to become a designer. If you can design and build an awesome website but also create infographics, design packaging or work as a user interface designer, you’ll be more likely to find work at a prestigious company that offers a comprehensive benefits package.
Designers Make a Good Base Salary
The demand for top talent is outpacing the supply of it, which means that people who want to become graphic designers often receive a strong salary to start. In fact, in 2016 alone, the average graphic designer made nearly $48,000 per year. Those who have a stronger skill set or more experience can earn even more. In fact, art directors and UX designers earned between $83,000 and $93,000 per year in 2018.
Designer Can Learn Special Skills
When most people imagine graphic designers, they tend to stop at someone who creates a logo and maybe tosses together a basic website. Branding a company goes far beyond that, though. Branding involves creating the company’s overall branding standards, designing mood boards, ensuring advertising campaigns align with the overall branding and building an overall customer experience that extends from the website to social media, in-store campaigns, email marketing, and much more. In addition to all the facets of branding, many companies seek out designers who also understand how to oversee and direct projects, including 3D and video designs.
The Specifics of the Job Are Versatile
Perhaps the biggest reason that becoming a graphic designer is still a good career choice in 2019 is that the job is so versatile. The many specialties you can choose to work in is just the start. While some design jobs do include a 40-hour workweek in a traditional office, many designers have a much more flexible schedule. You may choose to work from home sometimes, work as an independent contractor who takes on projects for many different companies or do some combination thereof. A unique schedule is especially helpful for people who have families, are still in college, or who have other obligations that make it difficult to work a traditional schedule.
When it comes to working as a graphic designer, the best idea is to decide what specialization you want to have and what type of control you want to have beforehand. Remember, some clients will want to give you full creative control, but many others will want to provide some direction. The more skills you have, the better a portfolio you can create, and the more creative freedom you’ll gain. Finally, while self-teaching is acceptable in many cases, you’ll look more professional should you decide to enter a design program at a reputable college.
