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Graphic designers, also called graphic artists, create effective and visually aesthetic designs, layouts and corporate communication strategies for clients. 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 be employed by small and large companies; printing and publishing services; or advertising and design firms. They may also work for magazines and newspapers.
Graphic Design Schools in Virginia
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 certifications are also available, but these graduates usually qualify as assistants to graphic designers or for positions that require technical skills only. Coursework in graphic design may include studio art, website design, commercial graphics production, computer artwork and drawing. Many graphic artists may find it helpful to take additional courses in writing, psychology, marketing, foreign languages and business. It is important to note that graphic designers must also be creative and have the ability to showcase their ideas to clients or art directors. Earning an online or traditional degree from one of the many Virginia graphic design schools is a great way to start your career as a graphic artist.
Graphic Designer Salaries in Virginia
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) expects employment of graphic designers to grow 13 percent between 2008 and 2018. Many new interactive media jobs will be created, making designers with animation and website design expertise more favorable. There are more than 5,000 graphic designers in the state of Virginia. If you're interested in joining them, earn your degree from one of the many graphic design schools in Virginia. BLS data shows that as of May 2009, Virginia graphic designers earned a median salary of $48,220 a year. In addition, the 10th percentile earned a median salary of $28,690 per year, while the 90th percentile earned $81,980 per year. Although there are opportunities throughout the state, graphic designers are concentrated in Richmond, Roanoke and Charlottesville. These three cities are also where graphic designers earned the highest annual median salary.
Browse the list of graphic design schools in Virginia below and get started on your path to becoming a graphic artist today.
Schools for Graphic Designers in Virginia 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
Arlington, Chesapeake, Manassas
Started in 1931, DeVry has grown into one of the largest private universities in the U.S., with locations in many major metro areas.
Sanford Brown College
Vienna
Students attend the school to gain practical skills directly useful in their chosen fields. Multiple campuses around St. Louis plus one in Milwaukee.
The Art Institutes
Arlington, Sterling
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.
ECPI University
Newport News, Virginia Beach
ECPI University has offered many different campuses, as well as online, education for several different programs for almost 40 years.
ITT Technical Institute
Chantilly, Norfolk, Richmond, Springfield
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Central Virginia Community College | Lynchburg | Associate | 4,926 |
| Danville Community College | Danville | Associate | 4,016 |
| Emory and Henry College | Emory | Masters | 1,026 |
| Germanna Community College | Locust Grove | Associate | 5,899 |
| Marymount University | Arlington | Doctorate | 3,609 |
| Northern Virginia Community College | Annandale | Associate | 41,266 |
| Patrick Henry Community College | Martinsville | Associate | 2,948 |
| Radford University | Radford | Doctorate | 9,122 |
| Thomas Nelson Community College | Hampton | Associate | 9,368 |
| Tidewater Community College | Norfolk | Associate | 25,857 |
| Virginia Commonwealth University | Richmond | Doctorate & First Professional | 31,700 |
| Virginia Intermont College | Bristol | Bachelor | 224 |
| Virginia Western Community College | Roanoke | Associate | 8,653 |
The map below shows job statistics for the career type by metro area, for Virginia. 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
VIRGINIA | |||
| Charlottesville | 200 | $46,050 | 1.4 |
| Richmond | 870 | $50,010 | 0.9 |
| Roanoke | 200 | $42,800 | 0.8 |
| Virginia Beach | 840 | $44,850 | 0.7 |
| Blacksburg | 60 | $37,030 | 0.7 |
| Harrisonburg | 50 | $38,050 | 0.6 |
| Winchester | 40 | $41,330 | 0.5 |
| Lynchburg | 80 | $37,120 | 0.5 |
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