Florida Graphic Design Schools and Careers

Graphic designers, also known as graphic artists, use a variety of visual elements to promote or enhance a product, brand or company. They 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. Graphic designers can find employment at newspapers and magazines as well as in corporate businesses, advertising agencies, marketing companies and design firms.

Graphic Design Schools in Florida

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 certificates are also offered at 2-year and 3-year professional schools, but usually result in assistant positions or roles that require technical skills only. As a graphic design student, you'll learn principles of design, printing techniques, commercial graphics production and website design. Some designers may find it helpful to take additional courses in psychology, writing, marketing, business and foreign languages. Creativity, communication and problem solving skills are also important; as is the ability to work under pressure. There are many graphic design schools in Florida--both online and campus-based--that can teach you everything you need to know to become a graphic designer.

Graphic Designer Salaries in Florida

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. Designers with animation and website expertise will be preferred as the demand for interactive media projects increases. There are more than 12,000 graphic designers in the state of Florida. Earning your degree from one of the many Florida graphic design schools can help you become one of them. In May 2009, Florida graphic designers earned an hourly median wage of $18.58, or $38,650 per year, according to the BLS. The 10th percentile earned $24,900 a year, while the 90th percentile earned $61,140. The metropolitan areas of Miami, Orlando-Kissimmee and Tampa have the most graphic designers.

Check out the list of Florida graphic design schools to find a location that's most convenient for you.

Fast Facts for Graphic Designers in Florida

• Cities with highest percentage of jobs relative to population: Miami, Palm Bay and Fort Lauderdale
• Cities with lowest percentage of jobs relative to population: Ocala, Lakeland and Naples
• Cities with the highest absolute number of jobs: Miami, Orlando and Tampa

Salaries for Graphic Designers in Florida

• Metro areas with the highest median salaries: West Palm Beach, Fort Lauderdale and Sarasota