Look around today and it will be hard to miss seeing a graphic designer’s work. From large billboard signs to small matchbook covers or business cards, graphic designers combine art and message to create visual solutions to a variety of communications problems. A flair for the artistic and creative, combined with solid computer skills, are important for those interested in the graphic design field. Graphic designers put their skills and vision to work in service of commercial clients such as major corporations, or labels and marketing for companies such as Coke or Pepsi. Some also work with web design and interactive media. “Graphic designers may take a job from any point or stage and complete it,” said Suzanne Wood, professor at JCC who developed the College’s graphic design program. Jackson Community College offers both a certificate and an Associate of Applied Science degree in graphic design. Depending on the individual’s goals, both can lead to successful career opportunities. The certificate program focuses primarily on classes that teach the basic computer programs, while the associate degree offers more general, liberal arts core courses that provide a broader educational background.
used in design, such as Adobe® InDesign®, Photoshop®, Illustrator® and others. “You definitely need imagination,” said JCC student Krystal Snow, a graphic design student who completed an internship at Crossing Photography. “It is also good to work well with computers and learn how to use the programs. Going to JCC was a really good experience, I loved working with the Mac computers and all the programs offered.” While some artistic talent is necessary, there are positions available at all levels of creativity, Wood said. An artistic background helps in recognizing what is aesthetically pleasing to the eye, recognizing symmetry and balance, and using color combinations that work well together. JCC graduate Chris Adams had a background in the arts and interior design when he decided to pursue graphic design. “You have to have a willingness to adapt, because every year the technology expands, Chris Adams and you know something that happened this year may not be what’s happening next year,”
Adams said. “Just go at your own pace and don’t get discouraged. Use all the tools that are available to you, whether it’s your professor or your other classmates. It can help to just bounce things off each other.” Having good English and grammar skills are important, and strong business and people skills come in handy when working with clients. Photography and web design skills are a plus. Many students who go into graphic design would like to start their own business, so some business and entrepreneurship skills, such as marketing, are important. Graphic designers need to be motivated to get their design ideas across, and possess the people skills to attract and keep clients, Wood said. The creativity and fast pace of the field is rewarding to those in graphic design. Demand for graphic designers is strong and expected to increase 13 percent over the next several years, though competition is keen and individuals with Web site design and animation experience will have the best opportunities. Graphic designers need to be motivated get their design ideas across, and possess the people skills to attract and keep clients. Web design skills can help improve their job prospects.
“I work with many students who already have bachelor’s degrees and want to enhance their career options with a certificate in graphic design and knowledge of the Adobe® software,” Wood said. “Many times, an individual’s educational level determines their rate of pay for a position.” Sue Wood Graphic designers need to be creative, know how to manage deadlines, think and problem solve quickly, and enjoy working on a computer. A variety of graphics and layout computer software programs are
Looking for more information? E-mail us at careerchoices@jccmi.edu
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