Maryland Graphic Design Schools and Careers

A graphic designer, also called a graphic artist, communicates ideas visually by creating effective and appealing web pages, illustrations, marketing campaigns and other print and media art. Employment can vary for graphic designers as they can work regular hours at a large company or on a job basis as consultants or freelancers. They can typically find employment at newspapers and magazines as well as in corporate businesses, advertising agencies, marketing companies and design firms.

Graphic Design Schools in Maryland

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. Most schools require students to successfully complete a year of basic art and design classes before entry into a bachelor's degree program. Degree coursework often includes, but is not limited to, studio art, website design, printing techniques, computerized design 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. Creativity, communication and problem solving skills are also important; as is the ability to work under pressure. Earning a degree from one of the many graphic design schools in Maryland is a great way to start your career as a graphic artist.

Graphic Designer Salaries in Maryland

Between 2008 and 2018, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) expects employment of graphic designers to grow 13 percent. Many new interactive media jobs will be created, making designers with website design and animation expertise more favorable. There are more than 4,000 graphic designers in the state of Maryland. Earning your degree from one of the many Maryland graphic design schools can help you become one of them. Maryland graphic designers earned an hourly median wage of $23.08, or $48,000 annually, in May 2009, which is the latest available data. Employment opportunities for graphic designers can be found statewide, but are most common in the areas of Baltimore-Towson, Bethesda and Hagerstown-Martinsburg MD-WV.

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

Fast Facts for Graphic Designers in Maryland

• Cities with highest percentage of jobs relative to population: Bethesda and Baltimore
• Cities with lowest percentage of jobs relative to population: Salisbury and Hagerstown
• Cities with the highest absolute number of jobs: Baltimore and Bethesda

Salaries for Graphic Designers in Maryland

• Metro areas with the highest median salaries: Bethesda and Baltimore