Is graphic design a good career?

Heaven91 · May 11, 2017

Hello, So I really love spending my time drawing or "doodling" as some would say. However Art college is just too expensive. But graphic design seems like it would be great for me. But how stable is this career choice? Can I make a decent income?

Where I live the college does not have graphic design which saddens me. But I've noticed a school called SNHU it's online but they have graphic design. I've read many reviews on the college and most people seem to like it. But I don't know if I should actually attend it or not.

Any advice would be appreciated Thank you in advance! Also would it be better to get a B.A in Graphic Design?

Albion · May 11, 2017

Some employers look down on degrees earned online. That's especially true if the college operates online exclusively--which is not the case with SNHU, although the school advertises its online degrees rather widely. So this might be a consideration, but I don't really know the answer.

As for the field you're contemplating, I know that certain jobs that formerly were done by skilled employees drawing charts, graphs, blueprints, and the like have largely changed over to being done electronically by people trained in how to do it by computer instead. Whether this has affected your particular field, I don't know, but this is something I would suggest you ask about, whoever the right person to speak with may be.

Heaven91 · May 11, 2017

Albion said:
Some employers look down on degrees earned online. That's especially true if the college operates online exclusively--which is not the case with SNHU, although the school advertises its online degrees rather widely. So this might be a consideration, but I don't really know the answer.

As for the field you're contemplating, I know that certain jobs that formerly were done by skilled employees drawing charts, graphs, blueprints, and the like have largely changed over to being done electronically by people trained in how to do it by computer instead. Whether this has affected your particular field, I don't know, but this is something I would suggest you ask about, whoever the right person to speak with may be.

Thank you! I will keep that in mind.

NothingIsImpossible · May 11, 2017

Well if you mean graphics done on a computer its a great field and will be around a long time. But if you mean offline, by hand design... its a dying field. As for online degrees you have to research what is considered a good place that is accepted by jobs. For example if I had done my schooling through university of phoenix, people would have accepted that online degree. But if it was through a more unknown place, it may not be accepted by someone.

Left · May 11, 2017

A better question is, "Is graphics design good compared to X?"

Then insert something for X.

For example, if X is fast food, graphics design is better than a fast food job.

If X is computer science, well, graphics design will probably pay significantly less.

timewerx · May 11, 2017

Computer graphics especially in 3D design is in high demand.

Many of the 3D artists I know are well-to-do enjoying middle class living.

timewerx · May 11, 2017

TailsFox said:
If X is computer science, well, graphics design will probably pay significantly less.

Not entirely true man. I know many who works in IT software development and also in 3D graphics design.

They both seem to be making as much money as the other and both are highly marketable.

While it's true there are many very rich and high profile people in IT, both careers are doing as good as each other for the majority of average career people.

HereIStand · May 11, 2017

My advice would be to pursue information or data visualization, rather than graphic design. In this field, you would be visually representing or summarizing data using graphic design, but also using some JavaScript and/or Python coding. You could teach yourself from books. Once you've progressed, create a data visualization project and post it on GitHub. Then, use this project when applying for jobs.

Heaven91 · May 11, 2017

timewerx said:
Computer graphics especially in 3D design is in high demand.

Many of the 3D artists I know are well-to-do enjoying middle class living.

Cool! Yeah my cousins g/f lives in Japan as a graphic designer and does really well for herself. Thank you for the kind comment.

Heaven91 · May 11, 2017

HereIStand said:
My advice would be to pursue information or data visualization, rather than graphic design. In this field, you would be visually representing or summarizing data using graphic design, but also using some JavaScript and/or Python coding. You could teach yourself from books. Once you've progressed, create a data visualization project and post it on GitHub. Then, use this project when applying for jobs.

Thank you for the comment. What a good idea you have.

Heaven91 · May 11, 2017

TailsFox said:
A better question is, "Is graphics design good compared to X?"

Then insert something for X.

For example, if X is fast food, graphics design is better than a fast food job.

If X is computer science, well, graphics design will probably pay significantly less.

Sorry I guess I was a little vague LOL. I was just wanting to know how other graphic designers felt in this career. Originally I went to college for a dental assisting degree because it made my parents happy.... sadly I live in a small southern town with 2 dental offices and couldn't get hired. I've always been more of the creative type. So seeing as I'm still young only 25 I figured why not do something I actually wanted to do. But seeing as college didn't pan out the first time I feel a little nervous about making a decision so just trying to make a good one. Thank you for the kind comment.

timewerx · May 11, 2017

HereIStand said:
My advice would be to pursue information or data visualization, rather than graphic design. In this field, you would be visually representing or summarizing data using graphic design, but also using some JavaScript and/or Python coding. You could teach yourself from books. Once you've progressed, create a data visualization project and post it on GitHub. Then, use this project when applying for jobs.

I'm not sure about that man.

I currently work as data analyst and my clients are also letting me do the work on data visualization. So it may not be as lucrative unless you know data analysis as well.

And data visualization may not be interesting to many artists. Graphic design is really doing good, like in advertisement, web design, product design, and 3D graphics.

HereIStand · May 11, 2017

timewerx said:
I'm not sure about that man.

I currently work as data analyst and my clients are also letting me do the work on data visualization. So it may not be as lucrative unless you know data analysis as well.

And data visualization may not be interesting to many artists. Graphic design is really doing good, like in advertisement, web design, product design, and 3D graphics.

Based on my limited experience, programmers are less interested in data visualization than in things like machine learning. My sense is that there's an opening for someone with some programming skills, but with even more skill (and interest) in visualization.

FutureAndAHope · May 18, 2017

I did a Degree in Computer programming, and also some Graphic Design study. I know many Graphic Designers, and they seem to be doing ok. Personally myself if I did not do computer programming I would have chosen graphic design. Now days Graphic Design and computer programmming are related fields. They compliment each other.

I would say if you like drawing etc, give graphic design a go, Graphic Design is a great field. Also if you do Graphic Design learn some computer programming on the side in some thing like CSS, PHP, and JQuery/javascript (theres are used for web design).

I say to do a bit of programming as it will really help you in a design career. I do both design and programming, and I love it.

Daniel9v9 · May 25, 2017

I think Graphic Design is like any other industry - it varies. I've worked as an Artist for 12 years and my feeling is that it depends on your discipline within the profession. That is to say, if you strictly do 2D Graphic Design, your choices are perhaps a bit limited, though it's entirely possible to find work. Basically, if you have a knack for contemporary design, mixed with some fine art understanding and maybe some basic 3D and animation skills, there is a pretty broad spectre of opportunities.

If I were to give some practical advice, I'd say:
1. It's good to specialize in one art discipline, but at the same time, it's also a good idea to have a general knowledge of other types of art. (But of course, this is subject to your interests)

2. Very few people, at least in my experience, care about degrees -- what people are looking for are skills. This is certainly my view. I used to work as a Lead Artist, and part of this was hiring other Artists, and all I looked for was their skills (aesthetic and technical)

3. Freelance, whilst possible, may be challenging. It might be better to try and get a position in a studio. I used to work for the same company for 7 years, which was quite a blessing! Now I work freelance, and I like it, but it isn't for everyone. Both have pros and cons. (Working in a studio can pay OK, and you normally get company benefits like holiday and sick pay etc. Freelance usually pays more than working in a studio, but you have to do your own taxes and you don't get any company benefits)

Hope this isn't out of line; not sure how busy you are, or if your local church has any needs, but perhaps by offering to serve the church in helping out with some graphics, you can practice art and get to do something meaningful. Test the waters a bit.

Is graphic design a good career?

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