New York Graphic Design Schools and Careers

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.

Fast Facts for Graphic Designers in New York

• Cities with highest percentage of jobs relative to population: New York, Rochester and Kingston
• Cities with lowest percentage of jobs relative to population: Utica, Glens Falls and Poughkeepsie
• Cities with the highest absolute number of jobs: New York, Nassau and Rochester

Salaries for Graphic Designers in New York

• Metro areas with the highest median salaries: New York, Nassau and Albany