
A graphic designer, also called a graphic artist, communicates ideas visually by creating effective and appealing web pages, illustrations, marketing campaigns and other print and media art. Graphic designers can be full-time employees who work regular hours at a company or they can work on a contract basis as consultants and freelance designers. They can work for corporate businesses, advertising and design agencies or publishing companies.
Graphic Design Schools in New York
To become a graphic designer, you'll need to earn a bachelor's degree in graphic design or fine arts from a college, university or private design school. Associate degrees and certificates in graphic design are also available from 2-year and 3-year programs, but are usually for those who already hold a bachelor's degree in another field and wish to learn the technical aspects of graphic design. Coursework often includes, but is not limited to, studio art, website design, printing techniques, computerized design and commercial graphics production. Some designers may find it helpful to take additional courses in psychology, writing, marketing, business and foreign languages. Creativity, openness to new ideas, communication and problem solving skills are also crucial for the job. Earning an online or traditional degree from one of the many graphic design schools in New York is a great way to start your career as a graphic artist.
Graphic Designer Salaries in New York
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment of graphic designers is expected to increase 13 percent between 2008 and 2018. Those with a background in website design or animation will see an increased demand for their services as more clients and companies move towards interactive media. There are almost 20,000 graphic designers in the state of New York. Earning a degree from one of the many New York graphic design schools can help you become one of them. BLS data from May 2009, shows that graphic designers in New York earned a median wage of $24.79 an hour, which equates to $51,570 per year. Although there are opportunities throughout the state, graphic designers are concentrated in the New York-North New Jersey area, Nassau-Suffolk area and Rochester where jobs are most common.
If you're interested in this creative and rewarding job, get more information from one of the following New York graphic design schools listed below.
Schools for Graphic Designers in New York are listed below.
These schools offer particularly quick info upon request, and we have written detailed profiles for each (click school names to see the profiles).
Request info from multiple schools, by clicking the Get Info links.

The Art Institutes
New York
The Art Institutes (AI) provides programs that stimulate the minds of its students with programs in design, the arts, game programming, culinary cuisine, and fashion.

Sanford Brown Institute
Melville
Students develop career skills in several health-related fields (such as Ultrasound) and criminal justice. Some programs can be finished in as little as 9 months.

Anthem Institute
New York
Offers career training in healthcare and technology. Located at six campuses in New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania

Briarcliffe College
Bethpage, Patchogue
Career-oriented college with 35 years experience teaching useful job skills to its attendees. Offers intercollegiate athletic programs.
| School | Locations | Degrees | |
|---|---|---|---|
| DeVry University Online | Online | Bachelor | |
| AIU Online | Online | Associate, Bachelor | |
| The Art Institute of Pittsburgh Online Division | Online | Associate, Bachelor, Diploma | |
| Ashworth College | Online | Diploma | |
| Herzing College | Online | Associate, Bachelor |
The map below shows job statistics for the career type by metro area, for New York. A table below the map shows job popularity and salaries across the state.
Listed below are metro areas ranked by the popularity of jobs for Graphic Designers relative to the population of the city, as of 2008. Salary data was obtained from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
A Relative Popularity of 1.0 means that the city has an average number of the particular job, for its population, compared to the rest of the US. Higher numbers mean proportionally more jobs of that type.| Metro Area | Jobs | Salary (2008) | Relative Popularity |
|---|---|---|---|
NEW YORK | |||
| New York | 17,050 | $57,050 | 2 |
| Rochester | 820 | $45,200 | 1 |
| Kingston | 80 | $33,280 | 0.9 |
| Nassau | 1,880 | $52,980 | 0.9 |
| Syracuse | 420 | $45,460 | 0.8 |
| Buffalo | 710 | $40,960 | 0.8 |
| Albany | 530 | $49,960 | 0.7 |
| Binghamton | 110 | $35,050 | 0.7 |
| Ithaca | 40 | $38,450 | 0.7 |
| Poughkeepsie | 250 | $45,940 | 0.6 |
| Glens Falls | 40 | $44,780 | 0.5 |
| Utica | 80 | $40,100 | 0.4 |
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