California Graphic Design Schools and Careers

Graphic designers, also referred to as graphic artists, help clients communicate with a target audience by planning and developing effective visual prints and electronic media. Designers can work regular hours at a company or may work on a job basis as consultants or freelance artists. They can work for corporate businesses, advertising and design agencies or publishing companies.

Graphic Design Schools in California

A bachelor's degree in graphic design is typically required for most graphic design positions and is offered at many colleges and universities as well as private design schools. Most schools require students to successfully complete a year of basic art and design classes before entry into a bachelor's degree program. Graphic design programs usually cover coursework in principles of design, studio art, commercial graphics production and printing techniques. In addition to art and design classes, a liberal arts education that includes courses in marketing, writing, sociology, cultural studies and business may also be beneficial. Creativity, openness to new ideas, communication and problem solving skills are crucial for the job. California graphic design schools offer both online and traditional campus-based programs to give you the education and skills you need to become a graphic artist.

Graphic Designer Salaries in California

Between 2008 and 2018, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) expects employment of graphic designers to grow 13 percent. As projects for interactive media--such as websites and mobile phones--continue to grow, those who have experience in website design and animation will be able to find better employment opportunities. To join the almost 28,000 graphic designers in California, begin earning your degree from one of the following California graphic design schools. According to BLS data from May 2009, California graphic designers earned a median hourly wage of $24.70, which equates to an mean annually salary of $51,370. You'll find the most graphic designers in the metropolitan areas of Los Angeles, San Francisco and Santa Ana-Anaheim, while those in the San Jose and San Francisco areas earned the highest annual median salary.

Below is a list of graphic design schools in California to help you start you career as a graphic artist.

Fast Facts for Graphic Designers in California

• Cities with highest percentage of jobs relative to population: San Francisco, Santa Ana and Oakland
• Cities with lowest percentage of jobs relative to population: Bakersfield, Visalia and Stockton
• Cities with the highest absolute number of jobs: Santa Ana, San Francisco and San Diego

Salaries for Graphic Designers in California

• Metro areas with the highest median salaries: San Francisco, San Jose and Vallejo