Graphic Artist
Comprehensive Sites
ADigitalDreamer.comA graphic design career information center is offered at this page, in addition to departments for schools and education, free downloads, and information on working in digital entertainment. You can read articles on jobs in various specialties of graphic design, such as game design and video. You can also access a game development blog, or link into tutorials on Photoshop, Flash, and Illustrator.
AllGraphicDesign.comFree downloads for graphic design are offered here, as well as information on design careers, links to printing tips, templates, fonts and typography, and software information. The site hosts a wide variety of tools for the graphic designer or student and even has layout tips and free stock photography sources.
Bureau of Labor Statistics: Graphic DesignersThe U.S. Department of Labor created this site to give you an excellent overview of the work of a graphic designer. From a general job description to information earnings, this site contains everything you need to get started on the exploration of a graphic design career.
Graphic Arts Information NetworkThis organization is a service of the Printing Industries of America and the Graphic Arts Technical Foundation. Here, you will find quick links to technical information, printing details, a bookstore, and a job bank. Click on the student link, and you can locate an interactive guide to careers in graphic communications, in addition to scholarships, internships, and other important opportunities.
Occupational Titles
Advertising Designer
Advertising Layout Worker
Art Director
Artist
Catalogue Illustrator
Composing Room Supervisor
Designer
Desktop Publisher
Digital Artist
Food Stylist
Forms Designer
Graphic Art Designer
Graphic Artist
Graphic Communications
Graphic Designer
Label Maker
Layout Artist
Mac Artist (Macintosh)
Multimedia Designer
Multimedia Developer
Multimedia Specialist
Online Producer
Photo Stylist
Presentation Specialist
Production Artist
Studio Designer
Visual Designer
Accredited Academic Programs
AllArtSchools: Graphic Design SchoolsGraphic design schools are the focus of this site, with online distance program centers and a state listing of available programs. Click on the school that interests you to be directed to its home page, or request information about the college or university directly from this resource.
Salary Levels
AIGA Survey of Design SalariesChoose which specific design career interests you and calculate the findings from a salary survey, with summaries, observations, and more details about the survey process used.
PayScale: Graphic Artist/DesignerThe median salary of a graphic designer is displayed at the chart at the top of this page, which was created by taking years of experience into consideration. If you go a little further down the page, you will find similar information on salary according to city of employment or employer type.
Professional Organizations
American Institute of Graphic ArtsThe American Institute of Graphic Arts is a professional association and is the oldest and largest organization of its kind. You will find membership details here, along with information on events of the organization, opportunities for networking, a career section, and resources for continuing your education in graphic design.
Art Directors ClubThis organization is dedicated to providing a forum for creativity and networking in the visual communications field. You will find descriptions of programming for leaders in advertising, design, and interactive media. Read about these events, download podcasts, hear about student competitions, or discover the site’s job board for advertising, exhibit design, graphic design, and internet creativity.
Graphic Artists GuildThe Guild is a national union of graphic artist professionals and other creative people who have joined together to share their experience and pursue common goals. Members of this organization work in many disciplines, including illustration, graphic design, and photography. Join the Guild at a discounted student membership rate, and reap the benefits of discounts on art supplies, award-winning publications, and group health insurance, among others.
Job Opportunity Sources
Indeed.com: Graphic Artist JobsIndeed hosts nearly 3,000 graphic artist positions at this page, collected from a variety of nationwide job databases. Search the database, and click on your selection to be taken to information on job details. Sort your results by relevance or date posted.
Publications
Communication ArtsThis publication hosts competitions in advertising, design, illustration, and interactive digital arts. Find departments on jobs and talent location, or link to information on student subscriptions to this magazine. In it, you will find fresh insights, exhibits, webpicks, and news in visual communications.
Computer Graphics WorldThe current issue of this magazine is available at this site, as well as issue archives, a gallery of graphics and illustration, portfolios, news, a job board, and computer graphics forum.
Graphic ExchangeGraphic design resources are collected here, where you can find details on upcoming learning events, graphic news, conversations with important people in the area of graphics training, and video tutorials of such programs as Photoshop.
Online Forums & Blogs
Design: TalkBoardIf you are new to design, you might be interested in reading about the differences between web page, graphic, and poster design jobs. You’ll find design news discussions, reviews, links, and glossaries to help you cut through the jargon quickly so you can focus on the real concepts in design.
Indeed.com: Graphic Artist ForumPost questions and answers or simply read what is here regarding freelance work, earning money in the field of graphic design, getting ahead, and interview preparation.
Web Design & Graphics BlogDesign forum and design communities are available here, where you can join graphic design and web design discussions across many different artistic categories. Software forums, business discussions, many leads, tool, and opportunities await at these active communication boards and blogs.
Career Videos
Career Explorer.net: Graphic Artist VideoIf you have an eye and passion for art and graphic design, you will want to hear about all the options out there in this field. Learn about different types of graphic artists, the different arenas they work in, and the qualities and interests you’ll need to get ahead in this occupation.
CollegeGrad.com: Commercial ArtistHear information about commercial artists at this video, with details on the work of commercial artists and how they use their artistic abilities at ad agencies, in newspapers and magazines, and T.V. commercials. If you are interested in commercial art, you will hear about how they usually work, the training that might be needed, and the traits you will need to be successful in this field are presented.
