Alabama Graphic Design Schools and Careers

A graphic designer, or graphic artist, creates layouts, designs, promotional displays and other visual solutions to help their clients communicate information. They can have a typical 9 to 5 job or can work on a contract, or job, basis as consultants or freelance designers. Graphic designers can work in a variety of environments, including advertising or communications companies, newspapers, magazines or design firms.

Graphic Design Schools in Alabama

A bachelor's degree from a college, university or design school is usually required to become a graphic designer. 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. As a student, you'll take courses in studio art, principles of design, website design, computerized design, printing techniques and commercial graphics production. In addition to these art and design courses, it may be helpful to take classes in psychology, foreign languages, cultural studies, marketing and business. However, formal education is not the only thing you'll need--graphic designers must also be creative, have an eye for detail and excellent communication and problem solving skills. Whether online or campus-based, graphic design schools in Alabama can help you gain the education and training you need to become a successful graphic designer.

Graphic Designer Salaries in Alabama

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment of graphic designers is expected to increase 13 percent between 2008 and 2018 and those with animation and website design experience will be the most in demand. There are 1,880 graphic designers in the state of Alabama. To join them, enroll in one of the following Alabama graphic design schools. Graphic designers in Alabama earned an hourly median wage of $18.86, or $39,220 annually in May 2009 (latest available data). Graphic designers tend to migrate towards the Birmingham-Hoover metropolitan area, Huntsville and Montgomery, were job opportunities are more common.

If you're interested in this creative and rewarding job, get more information from one of the Alabama graphic design schools listed below.

Fast Facts for Graphic Designers in Alabama

• Cities with highest percentage of jobs relative to population: Huntsville, Montgomery and Dothan
• Cities with lowest percentage of jobs relative to population: Mobile, Decatur and Tuscaloosa
• Cities with the highest absolute number of jobs: Birmingham, Huntsville and Montgomery

Salaries for Graphic Designers in Alabama

• Metro areas with the highest median salaries: Birmingham, Huntsville and Montgomery