Georgia 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 have a typical 9 to 5 job or can work on a contract, or job, basis as consultants or freelance designers. Graphic artists may work for corporate businesses, design firms or media companies of all sizes. They may also work at newspapers, magazines or publishing companies.

Graphic Design Schools in Georgia

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 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 take courses in studio art, principles of design, website design, computerized design, printing techniques and commercial graphics production. 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. It is important to note that graphic artists 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 Georgia graphic design schools is the first step to becoming a graphic artist.

Graphic Designer Salaries in Georgia

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. Those with animation and website expertise may be preferred as the demand for interactive media projects increases. There are 5,440 graphic designers in the state of Georgia. To join them, enroll in one of the following Georgia graphic design schools. In May 2009, designers in Georgia earned an hourly median wage of $20.96, or $43,590 per year, according to the BLS. Opportunities for graphic designers can be found statewide, but are most common in the metropolitan areas of Atlanta, Chattanooga TN-GA and Augusta-Richmond County GA-SC.

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