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

Graphic Design Schools in Ohio

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 in graphic design are also available from 2-year and 3-year programs, but are usually for those who already hold a bachelor's degree in another field and wish to learn the technical aspects of graphic design. Coursework often includes, but is not limited to, studio art, website design, printing techniques, computerized design and commercial graphics production. Many graphic artists may find it helpful to take additional courses in writing, psychology, marketing, foreign languages and business. However, formal education is not the only thing you'll need--graphic designers must also be creative, have an eye for detail and excellent communication and problem solving skills. Earning an online or traditional degree from one of the many Ohio graphic design schools is the first step to becoming a graphic artist.

Graphic Designer Salaries in Ohio

Between 2008 and 2018, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) expects employment of graphic designers to grow 13 percent. Those with animation and website design experience will be the most in demand. There are more than 7,600 graphic designers in the state of Ohio. Earning your degree from one of the many Ohio graphic design schools can help you become one of them. BLS data from May 2009 (latest available data), shows that graphic designers in Ohio made $18.88 an hour (median hourly wage), which equates to $39,260 annually. In addition, they tend to migrate towards Columbus, the Cleveland area and Dayton, were job opportunities are more common. Graphic designers in Springfield, Columbus and the Cleveland area earned the highest annual median salary.

If you're interested in this creative and rewarding job, get more information from one of the following graphic design schools in Ohio.

Fast Facts for Graphic Designers in Ohio

• Cities with highest percentage of jobs relative to population: Cincinnati, Akron and Columbus
• Cities with lowest percentage of jobs relative to population: Youngstown, Springfield and Mansfield
• Cities with the highest absolute number of jobs: Cincinnati, Columbus and Cleveland

Salaries for Graphic Designers in Ohio

• Metro areas with the highest median salaries: Cincinnati, Springfield and Columbus