If you are good at getting your message across, would enjoy working in print, electronic and film media, and get pleasure from experimenting with a variety of media like color, type, illustration, photography, and animation, maybe you should consider a career as a Graphic Designer. Among the five design occupations, graphic designers are expected to have the most new jobs through 2014; however, job seekers are expected to face keen competition for available positions. This means you would need to study hard and take the right classes.

A bachelor’s degree is required for most entry-level positions; however, an associate’ degree may be sufficient for technical positions. In addition to postsecondary training in graphic design, creativity, communication and problem-solving skills are crucial. Graphic designers also need to be familiar with computer graphics and design software. A good portfolio – a collection of examples of a person’s best work – often is the deciding factor in getting the job.

Graphic designers with website design experience will have the best opportunities because of the rapidly expanding market for web-based information and expansion of the video entertainment market, including television, movies, video, and made-for-Internet outlets. Graphic designers with web site design and animation experience will especially be needed as demand for design projects increase for interactive media – web sites, video games, cellular telephones, personal digital assistants [PDAs], and other technology. Besides developing materials for internet web pages, interactive media, and multimedia projects, graphic designers also may produce the credits that appear before and after television programs and movies.

If you are a middle or high school student and are interested in this type of graphic design job, make sure to concentrate your efforts in school on English, writing, marketing, business, art and design, computer, and technology classes.