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Graphic designers, also known as graphic artists, use a variety of visual elements to promote or enhance a product, brand or company. Employment can vary for graphic designers as they can work regular hours at a large company or on a job basis as consultants or freelancers. Graphic designers can work in a variety of environments, including advertising or communications companies, newspapers, magazines or design firms.
Graphic Design Schools in Oregon
A four-year degree in graphic design from a college or university is typically required for most graphic design positions. Associate degrees and certifications are also available, but these graduates usually qualify as assistants to graphic designers or for positions that require technical skills only. As a graphic design student, you'll take courses in studio art, principles of design, website design, computerized design, printing techniques and commercial graphics production. Some may find it helpful to take additional courses in writing, psychology, marketing, foreign languages and business. Graphic designers also need to have good communication and problem solving skills as they must be able to work with clients, copywriters, vendors and anyone else involved in a design project. Earning an online or traditional degree from one of the many Oregon graphic design schools is a great way to start your career as a graphic artist.
Graphic Designer Salaries in Oregon
As the demand for graphic designers continues to increase, employment should grow 13 percent between 2008 and 2018, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Graphic designers with animation and website expertise will be preferred as the demand for interactive media projects increases. There are more than 2,700 graphic designers in the state of Oregon. If you're interested in joining them, there are a number of graphic design schools in Oregon that can help you achieve this goal. BLS data from May 2009 (latest available), shows that Oregon graphic designers made a median hourly salary of $19.44, which equates to a salary of $40,440 a year. In additon, graphic designers tend to migrate towards the Portland metropolitan area, the Eugene-Springfield area and Medford, were job opportunities are more common.
Whether you want to work for a big advertising company, start your own design firm or do part-time freelance work, earning a degree from one of the following Oregon graphic design schools will help you achieve your goals.
Schools for Graphic Designers in Oregon 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.
DeVry University
Portland
Started in 1931, DeVry has grown into one of the largest private universities in the U.S., with locations in many major metro areas.
The Art Institutes
Portland
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.
ITT Technical Institute
Portland
With over 100 campuses in 34 states nationwide and online programs offered as well, the ITT Technical Institutes may have a program that is convenient for you. ITT Tech is dedicated to teaching technology.
| 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 |
| School Name | Campus | Highest Award | Enrolled |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chemeketa Community College | Salem | Associate | 7,255 |
| Lane Community College | Eugene | Associate | 8,618 |
| Linn-Benton Community College | Albany | Associate | 5,290 |
| Mt Hood Community College | Gresham | Associate | 7,588 |
| Pacific Northwest College of Art | Portland | Masters | 432 |
| Portland Community College | Portland | Associate | 24,353 |
| Portland State University | Portland | Masters | 24,963 |
The map below shows job statistics for the career type by metro area, for Oregon. 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
OREGON | |||
| Bend | 140 | $38,440 | 1.4 |
| Eugene | 320 | $36,740 | 1.4 |
| Medford | 170 | $44,040 | 1.3 |
| Corvallis | 50 | $39,140 | 1.2 |
| Portland | 1,830 | $44,460 | 1.1 |
| Salem | 140 | $38,680 | 0.6 |
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