Job Duties
Advertising designers create visual and print ideas for advertising and marketing campaigns. They tackle communication problems regarding how to best convey their message to consumers and stimulate demand for their products. In doing so, they consider a range of factors, including cognitive, social, physical, and cultural ones that can help them determine the most appropriate and effective design for the given advertisement. They use various combinations of print, electronic, and film media to create designs that visually solve communications problems. They create designs that best address the specific needs of their clients. They develop the layout of magazines and newspapers, create promotional displays for products and services, and design logos. More and more designers work on multimedia projects for Web sites and other computer-driven technologies.
Job Skills
Advertising designers must be able to work independently and effectively communicate their ideas in written, verbal, and visual ways. They should have well-developed artistic abilities and a desire to create. They need to have self-discipline, imagination, and persistence. It is also important for them to Problem-solving skills are essential, as well as sharp business and sales ability for those who start their own business or do freelance work. Above all, a strong esthetic sense is the most important trait a graphic designer can possess.
Income
In 2002, advertising designers earned a median annual salary of $39,510. In fact, advertising and related services represents the highest salaries in this area of the graphic design field.
Training and Education
Most entry-level positions in advertising design require a bachelor's degree, and many potential employees obtain a master's degree to increase their likelihood of being hired. Some candidates receive certificates or associate degrees from 2- and 3-year professional schools. Graduates of 2-year programs usually qualify for assistant positions or go on to enter bachelor's degree programs. There are over 200 postsecondary schools with programs in art and design that are accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design. Beginning designers receive 1 to 3 years of on-the-job training before they qualify to advance to higher management positions. For those interested in freelance work or business ownership, courses in business management, marketing, and art are recommended. More employers are requiring candidates to be familiar with computer-aided design software. Click on this link to a list of Advertising Design Schools and to contact their admissions departments for more information.
Employment
In 2002, advertising designers, including all other graphic designers, held about 212,000 jobs. About one third were self-employed.
Job Outlook
Between 2002 and 2012, the number of advertising designers is expected to increase about as fast as the average. However, compared to other design professions, advertising and graphic design will provide the most new jobs. This is largely due to the rapid expansion of the Web-based and video entertainment markets.
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