Visual Communication Career Overview
Visual Communication professionals make good use of both their creativity and their training in traditional and computer drawing, design and photography to create memorable, artistic graphic works. Essentially, they learn how to communicate messages, emotions and ideas through the use of images instead of simply with words. Possible job titles in this field include:
- Illustrator
- Animator
- Graphic designer
- Web designer
Visual Communication professionals are trained in courses which emphasize both the technical and the esthetic aspects of design, and they are usually very well trained in computer design and graphics. Students choosing to take some business courses in addition to their design courses are able to work in commercial jobs in Visual Communications.
Finding a jobs in the industry is quite competitive, so education is of the utmost importance, as is relevant on-the-job training. Most Visual Communication professionals find jobs with website development companies, publishing houses, design companies, printers, and advertising agencies.
Visual Communication Training & Education
Visual Education students may choose a general course of study in visual communications, or they may choose to specialize in a particular area such as photography, web design, graphic art, illustration or animation.
The job market for this type of career is quite competitive, so education in this field is very important. With a certificate or AA degree, , Visual Education students can expect to be eligible for entry and immediate-level positions in design jobs that have an emphasis in web or print production.
Students wishing to attain senior level design positions will usually have to get at least a Bachelor’s degree. Senior-level design positions can be transitioned into with the proper training, and they include careers in animation and package design. Some of the many topics students might study in this field include design and graphic software, mechanical techniques, typography, color use, digital media and portfolio development.
Visual Communication Career & Salary
Visual Communication jobs are quite competitive as more and more companies search for qualified graphic design specialists for production, layout, illustration and multi-media projects. Students graduating with a degree in Visual Communications may pursue jobs with:
- Website development companies
- Publishing houses
- Design companies
- Printers
- Advertising agencies
A Bachelor’s degree allows students to compete for more senior-level positions in companies, in addition to having a few years of experience. The salaries for this type of career range from about $36,000 for new graphic artists and designers to over $62,000 for Senior Art Directors. Art Directors and Senior Graphic Designers earn about $39,000 and Print Production Managers ear about $42,000. Web Designers and Developers earn about $48,000. According to a 2004 edition of The Monthly Labor Review, opportunities for Web design and desktop publishing are expected to grow more than 30% between 2002 and 2012.
Career Fields/Specializations
Visual Website Developer Career
Website Developers are basically graphic designers who use the World Wide Web as their canvas. Websites are becoming very important sources of advertising income for companies, and Website Developers play an important role because they create attractive Websites that capture the audiences’ attention. Website Developers are responsible for a Website’s functionality (how well it works), as well as the look, layout and overall impact of the site.
Some Website Developers also write text for sites, but outside writers are usually hired. It can be helpful to have knowledge of:
- Computer Science
- Programming
- Advertising
- Graphics
- Art and Design
A Bachelor’s degree in computer science or design will help, although unlike most other technical professions, the level of education is not as much a factor in salary as is design talent and hands-on technical skills. Average starting salaries for Website Developers and Designers is about $48,000.
Visual Illustrator Career
An illustrator uses takes Visual Communications courses and combines them with their own creativity and the technical skills of painting and drawing to communicate ideas, facts and emotions. Illustrators are trained to produce work which can either inform, persuade, or entertain a client's intended audience, adjusting the mood and style of images accordingly. Oftentimes, an Illustrator’s work is overwhelmingly freelance, though many professionals also find stable positions within companies and get hired full time. It is common in this industry to start off with internships.
Illustrators can work in a wide variety of settings, and some of the many markets for their work include editorial (magazines, newspapers and comics); books; advertising (posters, story boards, press); fashion (forecasting); merchandising (greetings cards, calendars, t-shirts, ceramics, etc.); corporate work (brochures, catalogues); multimedia (video games, Websites, animation). Illustrators who choose to specialize in their field sometimes focus on scientific, technical or medical illustration. These specializations sometimes mean higher pay.
Visual Ad designer Career
Ad Designers make attractive and effective advertisements in order to sell products. Ad Designers can design everything from produce price signs in grocery stores to television spots and bus billboards. Ad Designers are trained to do much more than create the visual; their finished products need to meet client needs as well as sell whichever product is being marketed. Skills needed in this field include expertise in:
- Photoshop
- Adobe InDesign
- PageMaker
- Quark or Illustrator
- and web layout
There are many support programs which need to be mastered as well. The field is very competitive, and while a degree is important, experience is just as important. Most Ad Designers start at the very bottom and work their way up to the top of their field. These professionals can work in a variety of work settings and some Ad Designers work purely as freelancers.
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