Colorado Graphic Design Schools and Careers

Graphic designers, also called graphic artists, create effective and visually aesthetic designs, layouts and corporate communication strategies for clients. 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. A designer 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 Colorado

To become a graphic artist, formal education is required to enter the profession--you'll need to earn a bachelor's degree in graphic design from a college or university. 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 learn principles of design, printing techniques, commercial graphics production and website design. Many graphic artists may find it helpful to take additional courses in writing, psychology, marketing, foreign languages and business. Creativity, communication and problem solving skills are also important; as is the ability to work under pressure. Earning an online or traditional degree from one of the many graphic design schools in Colorado is a great way to start your career as a graphic artist.

Graphic Designer Salaries in Colorado

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the demand for graphic designers should increase and employment is expected to grow 13 percent between 2008 and 2018. Many new interactive media jobs will be created, making designers with website design and animation expertise more favorable. There are more than 3,600 graphic designers in the state of Colorado. Earning your degree from one of the many Colorado graphic design schools can help you become one of them. BLS data shows that as of May 2009, Colorado graphic designers earned a median salary of $42,570 a year. In addition, the 10th percentile earned a median salary of $26,700 per year while the 90th percentile earned $67,600 per year. The Denver-Aurora area, Colorado Springs and Boulder have the most graphic designers, whereas, those in Boulder, the Denver-Aurora area and Grand Junction earned the highest annual median salary.

Browse the list of Colorado graphic design schools and start your career today.

Fast Facts for Graphic Designers in Colorado

• Cities with highest percentage of jobs relative to population: Boulder, Fort Collins and Denver
• Cities with lowest percentage of jobs relative to population: Grand Junction, Pueblo and Colorado Springs
• Cities with the highest absolute number of jobs: Denver, Boulder and Colorado Springs

Salaries for Graphic Designers in Colorado

• Metro areas with the highest median salaries: Boulder, Denver and Colorado Springs