Web Design Careers

Many of the original professional web designers were graphic designers who regarded web sites as merely another medium in which to publish graphic design and information, and as a first level of design this worked quite well. However today the story is quite different, with professional web design owing much to graphic design principles, but also needing in depth knowledge of the technology that allows different effects to be used, and a new way of looking at websites which are shown on screen, not on paper.

There are many courses available at Web design schools, giving a background of design principles and ways to apply artistic talent, techniques to help work out with a client how to reach their target markets, the technical knowledge that enables designers to utilize the web technology features that can be effectively used in web design, and many other subjects. Some courses feature a large business studies element, enabling designers to learn the basic principles of running their own business, as many web-designers work on contract as self-employed designers. Web design courses range from one year certificates to two and four year courses, resulting in associate degrees and bachelor degrees.

Earnings are still difficult to assess, as this field is relatively new, but it looks like earnings are around the $35,000 mark for a web designer employed by a large corporation working full-time on design.

http://www.education-online-search.com/articles/careers/design_careers/web_design_careers

Video Game Designer

The first question to answer is what exactly does a games designer do, apart from dress in black? Well, the answer varies from job to job, but basically they have ideas for video games, and are able to work them out in a logical fashion, present these ideas clearly and concisely both verbally and on paper. To this end designers have to be able to at least give a thumb-nail graphical representation, or alternatively be able to produce mock-up screen shots, maple menu layouts, flowcharts and other graphical content.

Although as a designer it is unlikely that programming will be required, in order to be able to make the most of the technology it is increasingly necessary to know a reasonable amount about software and hardware platforms. Games designers work in teams, so teamwork and the ability to be able to both give and take constructive criticism is necessary, as well as a reasonable knowledge of the functions surrounding games production – sales, marketing, programming, artistic design, and legal and financial issues.

It is possible to get into games design without a good background, but it is incredibly difficult. There are many more wannabes than there are places, so the better qualified are much more likely to get a look in. There are some really good Games Design degrees available, which will give the knowledge and skills that are necessary to succeed in this competitive business.

Earnings are about the same as graphic designers, around $34,000 according to the US Department of Labor. Obviously if your ideas take off and you have negotiated the right deal it is possible to make much more money, but this only happens rarely.

http://www.education-online-search.com/articles/careers/design_careers/video_game_designer

Set Designers

Set and exhibit designers design sets for film, television, and theatre, as well as for exhibitions. Set designers work closely with directors and use the script and additional research to determine the appropriate visual style for a production. They produce sketches of the architecture, apparel, and other stylistic aspects that are then used to construct the actual set. Exhibit designers work alongside curators, art and museum directors, and trade-show sponsors to create the most efficient and effective use of the space available for the exhibit.

Job Skills

Set and exhibit designers must 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 be able to work independently and to effectively communicate their ideas in written, verbal, and visual ways. 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 visual merchandiser can possess.

Income

In 2002, Set and exhibit designers earned a median annual salary of $33,870. Earnings ranged from the lowest 10 percent, who earned less than $17,830, and the highest 10 percent, who earned more than $63,280.

Training and Education

Most set and exhibit designers obtain a college degree in design. 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. Other candidates earn a Master of Fine Arts degree, which considerably enhances their credentials and chances of employment. For those interested in freelance work or business ownership, courses in business management, marketing, and art are recommended.

Employment

Out of the nearly 532,000 design jobs in 2002, about 12,000 people were employed as visual merchandisers, the lowest number of all the design professions.

Job Outlook

Between 2002 and 2012, the number of visual merchandisers is expected to increase about as fast as the average. Even though the category will experience faster-than-average growth, the industry will produce very few job openings because of its small size.

http://www.education-online-search.com/articles/careers/design_careers/set_designers

Interior Designer

Interior designers consider the tastes, needs, and budget of their clients, and then prepare drawings and specifications to enhance the interior of homes, businesses, and public buildings. Most specialize in residential or business design, while others may further specialize in specific types of rooms. Their designs may include specifications for interior construction, furnishings, lighting, finishes, bookshelves, floor coverings, and many other aspects of an interior. Their designs must meet Federal, State, and local laws and codes, and public designs must include disabled and elderly access.

Job Skills

Interior designers must 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 be able to work independently and to effectively communicate their ideas in written, verbal, and visual ways. 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 an interior designer can possess.

Income

In 2002, interior designers earned a median annual salary of $39,180. Earnings ranged from the lowest 10 percent, who earned less than $21,240, and the highest 10 percent, who earned more than $69,640. The highest median annual salaries were found in architectural, engineering, and related services, and the lowest in furniture stores.

Training and Education

Unlike all other design professions, interior design is subject to governmental regulation. In 22 States and the District of Columbia, State governments register or license interior designers. In order to be eligible to take the National Council for Interior Design Qualification examination, an applicant must possess at least 6 years of combined interior design education and experience, including at least 2 years of postsecondary education. A bachelor's degree in interior design can be very helpful, and is obtained by enrolling in a professional accreditation program certified by the Foundation for Interior Design Education Research. For those interested in freelance work or business ownership, courses in business management, marketing, and art are recommended.

Employment

Out of the nearly 532,000 design jobs in 2002, about 60,000 people were employed as interior designers.

Job Outlook

Between 2002 and 2012, the number of interior designers is expected to increase about as fast as the average, due to a general rising demand for interior designs.

http://www.education-online-search.com/articles/careers/design_careers/interior_designer

Industrial Designer

Commercial and industrial designers research the production, customer needs, and marketing of a potential product, and then use their artistic talent to create the most efficient, functional, and appealing design for that product in order to make it competitive in the marketplace. They work on developing a vast array of products, from furniture to medical equipment to jetliners.

Job Skills

Commercial and industrial designers must 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 be able to work independently and to effectively communicate their ideas in written, verbal, and visual ways. 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 commercial or industrial designer can possess.

Income

In 2002, commercial and industrial designers earned a median annual salary of $52,260. Earnings ranged from the lowest 10 percent, who earned less than $28,820, and the highest 10 percent, who earned more than $82,130. The median annual salary in architecture and engineering was $61,530.

Training and Education

Most entry-level positions 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. For those interested in freelance work or business ownership, courses in business management, marketing, and art are recommended.

Employment

Out of the nearly 532,000 design jobs in 2002, about 52,000 people were employed as commercial or industrial designers.

Job Outlook

Between 2002 and 2012, the number of commercial and industrial designers is expected to increase about as fast as the average. Competition for positions is also expected to increase. Continued demand for safe, quality products that are easy to use, as well as advanced technology products will ensure demand for these types of jobs.

http://www.education-online-search.com/articles/careers/design_careers/industrial_designer

Graphic Designer

Graphic designers utilize a number of various print, electronic, and film media to create designs that visually solve communications problems. Considering cognitive, cultural, physical, and social factors, 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, design logos, produce the credits for television shows and movies. More and more designers work on multimedia projects for Web sites and other computer-driven technologies.

Job Skills

Graphic designers must 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 be able to work independently and to effectively communicate their ideas in written, verbal, and visual ways. 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, graphic designers earned a median annual salary of $36,680. Earnings ranged from the lowest 10 percent, who earned less than $21,860, and the highest 10 percent, who earned more than $64,160. The highest median annual salaries were found in advertising and related services, and the lowest in newspaper, periodical, book, and directory publishers.

Training and Education

Most entry-level positions 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. 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.

Employment

Out of the nearly 532,000 design jobs in 2002, about 212,000 people were employed as graphic designers, the largest group in the design category.

Job Outlook

Between 2002 and 2012, the number of graphic designers is expected to increase about as fast as the average. However, compared to other design professions, graphic design will provide the most new jobs. This is largely due to the rapid expansion of the Web-based and video entertainment markets.

http://www.education-online-search.com/articles/careers/design_careers/graphic_designer

Floral Designer

Floral designers cut and arrange live, dried, or artificial flowers and foliage into designs that meet the desires of their customers. Their duties depend largely on the size of the store in which they work. If they own their own small shop, they may perform virtually all of the tasks necessary to running the business, from bookkeeping to growing and buying flowers. If they work for a larger retail outlet, they may be responsible for any of the many duties, including meeting with customers, writing orders, and determining the location and time of delivery.

Job Skills

Floral designers must 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 be able to work independently and to effectively communicate their ideas in written, verbal, and visual ways. 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 floral designer can possess.

Income

In 2002, floral designers earned a median annual salary of $19,480. Earnings ranged from the lowest 10 percent, who earned less than $13,440, and the highest 10 percent, who earned more than $29,830. The median annual salary in grocery stores was $21,610, and $18,950 in florists.

Training and Education

Because many floral designers are trained on the job, requirements can be as simple as a high school diploma, a certain degree of artistic talent, and a desire to learn. However, for those interested in advancing to higher-level positions or starting their own business, obtaining formal training is essential. Vocational and technical schools offer one-year programs, while community and junior colleges offer more specialized 2- and 4-year programs. For those interested in freelance work or business ownership, courses in business management, marketing, and art are recommended.

Employment

Out of the nearly 532,000 design jobs in 2002, about 104,000 people were employed as floral designers.

Job Outlook

Between 2002 and 2012, the number of floral designers is expected to increase about as fast as the average. Floral design is the only design profession in which candidates are not expected to face keen competition for jobs. Relatively low starting salaries and limited advancement opportunities will result in a high rate of employee turnover.

http://www.education-online-search.com/articles/careers/design_careers/floral_designer

Creative Careers

A picture is worth a thousand words. That's why people will pay you, if you're a designer, to create a picture or design an image they need; a picture that grabs others, attracts them, entertains them, informs them, serves them, and makes them want to buy. If you have that talent, you could be one of over a half-million designers who are working in America, according to the U.S. Dept. of Labor. These designers are creating photos, logos, publications, dresses, products, interiors, websites and more. You can survey the possibilities here as you explore schools offering art & design programs.

The Design Salary Spectrum:
• Advertising & Design
• Computer Aided Design
• Computer Animation
• Digital Media Production & Design
• Photography
• Fashion Design
• Interior Design
• Graphic Design
• Web Design & Development.

The Design Salary Spectrum

A talent for visualization can take you down dozens of exciting art & design career paths. Starting out by enrolling for the right design program can help to ensure that your talents translate into a good salary.

But competition is keen, says the U.S. Dept. of Labor, even though it projects 10-20% growth in the design field by 2012. Many people want these jobs, because they're creatively satisfying. A great portfolio, hard work and top training are key to your success.

How much can you make? Median salaries range from $19,000 for floral designers up to $52,000 for commercial and industrial designers, according to the Dept. of Labor. Senior designers in a number of fields can make $100,000 and up. Here are some specialties to consider:

Advertising & Design

A career in advertising can bring fast rewards to people, perhaps like you, who are good brainstormers. One of them is Kirk Citron, an award-winning copywriter who started his own ad agency in San Francisco and quickly built it into one of the largest independent ad agencies on the west coast. He's evaluated and hired over a hundred art/design school graduates over the years. He has this to say to you,

"I can't stress enough how important the portfolio is. You need to get beyond the stack of easily 50 applicants there are for every art director job. In school, focus on ideas more than on how polished the ideas are in execution. There are many slick portfolios coming out of art schools. But what I look for is a quality of mind or thinking - something I haven't seen before."

Computer Aided Design

CAD (computer aided design) tools make it easier to visualize a final product faster. They help designers quickly explore alternative ideas, cutting costs and saving time to market. CAD tools can also pass automated instructions to machines that will make the product. Good CAD skills could open many doors for you.

Computer Animation

Headlines were made when the Walt Disney Company closed its last hand animation studios in Florida, because 3-D computer animation seems destined to take over. But what's important in learning 3-D animation? Christian Lowe, a New York-based freelance 3-D animator shares this with you,

"People think the computer does everything, but you need to know how to draw and have traditional art skills. People think they have to understand the computer tools, but really you have to understand the art aspect of animation."

Digital Media Production & Design

There is a growing demand for professionals who can produce, edit, and manipulate a range of multimedia content. Whether your interests lie in Graphic Design, Animation, Film & Video Production, or Visual Journalism, there are degree programs available that can give you the competitive edge in the workplace.

Photography

About 130,000 photographers worked in the U.S. in 2002, the Labor Department reported. More than half are self-employed. The job attracts many people and competition is challenging. Median annual earnings of salaried photographers were about $24,000. Could this be the career for you?

Fashion Design

Many well-known fashion designers whose creations adorn all our favorite glamour magazines started in Fashion Design school. This could be you! Competition for the approximately 15,000 fashion design jobs in the United States is very strong, reports the Dept. of Labor. Computers are increasing designer productivity and reducing the number of openings. But offshore assembly sites are increasing their output and fashions are changing faster. Those trends are boosting the need for designs. Median annual earnings for fashion designers were about $51,000 in 2002, the Dept. of Labor reported. Maybe this is the field for you?

Interior Design

Making waves in American TV these days, Interior Design is a hot field for you to be in. Demand for interior designers, according to Labor Department statistics, is rising. The American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) says there are about 34,000 interior designers in the U.S. working at about 10,000 firms. Fledgling designers, according to ASID, earn about $30,000 a year. Mid-level designers make $35,000 to $40,000, and the elite receive $75,000 to $100,000 or more.

Graphic Design

There are about 212,000 jobs in graphic design, says the Labor Department, covering everything from publications to movie graphics. You might like to consider that median annual earnings in this category were about $37,000 in 2002.

Web Design & Development.

After weathering the dot-com bust, web usage and e-commerce are growing steadily - as is demand for web designers. You could be a web designer of the future.

Jo Beck, co-founder of Beck Interactive, a full-service digital media agency in California's Silicon Valley, has hired art school graduates had this to day:

"Make sure your portfolio is solid in illustration, design and color use. We can teach anyone web development skills. But fundamental design ability and core art skills are harder to find. Flash is really hot and I love to see Flash examples."

About the author:

Alan Drummer is a writer and video producer based in Burlingame, California. His specialties include outdoor adventure, travel, technology and advertising and marketing. Trained as an ad agency copywriter, his TV spots for children won some of the industry's major awards. His features have appeared in publications such as Better Homes and Gardens, the Los Angeles Times and San Francisco Magazine, and online at playstation.com.

Become An Interior Designer

From Daydream to Reality: Your Future in Interior Design
By Michelle de Grasse

Are your friends and family inspired by your sense of style when they visit your home?

When you go to other people’s houses, are you always rearranging things?

Do you tape all the episodes of “Trading Spaces” or “Queer Eye for the Straight Guy”?

If you’ve answered “yes” to any of these questions, there’s a chance you might have the makings of an interior designer inside you just waiting to be nurtured and encouraged. Just think of the pleasure you could bring people, designing interiors of homes, hotels, offices, and the list goes on.

Interior designers foster a special relationship with their clients to ensure that they create an environment to satisfy their client’s every need. Not only should the space be healthy and safe, but it should fit the owner’s aesthetic tastes. As an interior designer, you would make a significant difference in the way people feel about their living and working environments.

In today’s society, this is a hot field to be in. At any given time, there’s bound to be an interior decorating show of some kind on. Why would you sit at home fawning over these decorating professionals and their fun careers when you could be doing it, too?

Design with the Best

Several well-known and celebrated Interior Designers had their start in design school. Originally from Kansas City, Missouri, Thomas Britt, (of Thomas Britt, Inc. in New York City) went to interior design school and with his experience he has not only designed interior spaces for Her Highness Raj Mata of Jaipur and Princess Priya Ransit of Thailand, but his designs have been profiled in the New York Times and Business Week. An honorary member of the American Society of Interior Designers, Britt has received the coveted “Giant of Interior Decorating” award from Smithsonian magazine in 1987.

With famous clients such as the Four Seasons, Ritz-Carlton, Westin, and Hyatt Regency hotels, Trisha Wilson and her firm, Wilson and Associates, have been designing interiors for over 20 years. Wilson’s interior design studies originated in Texas, but they have taken her to many places worldwide. With particular strengths in being able to address her client’s spiritual and cultural needs, Trisha Wilson has gained international acclaim for her designs.

So, what do you need to think about to embark upon a successful career in interior design? Here are some things to consider.

Location, Location, Location

You may want to go to a school in a remote location so as to foster a peaceful and serene studying environment. You may want to attend school in a bustling, metropolitan area with easy access to arts and culture institutions. Whatever you decide, interior design programs are offered by many schools throughout the nation, so you won’t have a problem finding one.

Compare & Contrast

Once you’ve narrowed it down to a few schools, compare their programs and offerings. What is the tuition for each school? Do the schools offer a variety of industry-standard courses on Interior Design? What is the ratio of hands-on training to lecture training? How experienced is the faculty? Will the school help you in finding a job after you’ve earned your degree? How ma

ny students have gone on to work at prominent and well-respected interior design firms?

Take the Plunge

Applying doesn’t have to be a bureaucratic hassle. Make a checklist of everything you need to file (transcripts, financial aid, essays, etc.) and mark them off one by one as you go. You might even want to give yourself a little reward for each step you’ve succeeded. This is a great incentive to keep going. If you have any questions regarding the applications process, you shouldn’t hesitate to contact the school advisor. They are trained to help you every step of the way.

The Steps in a Nutshell

• Determine what kind of interior design program you’re looking for
• Research the schools in the geographical areas you want to study
• Assess your funds, whether you will need financial assistance
• Compile everything you need to complete your applications
• Apply to the schools you’ve chosen

You could be the next Thomas Britt, Trisha Wilson, or interior design television personality. Your vision for interior spaces could inspire many people. Learn more about this exciting career, take the next step today!

About the Author

A freelance writer, Michelle de Grasse is a copy editor and assistant to the Editor-in-Chief of QuinStreet Publishing, a division of QuinStreet, Inc. She has worked at Xerox in both San Francisco and Seattle and has also enjoyed a legal internship. Michelle has a Bachelor's Degree in Chinese Language and Literature from U.C. Berkeley, and one year of law school under her wing.

Become A Web Designer

This article provides an overview of Web designer careers and the requirements to become a Web designer. This article will outline a Web Designer's job duties, salary levels, and employment prospects, as well as discuss the necessary skills, training, educational requirements, and certification requirements.

Web Designer Job Duties

A Web designer may be known by many titles, such as Web Programmer, Web Developer, Internet or Intranet developer, and sometimes even the title Web master is applied to Web Designers. Whatever the title, Web designers are responsible for day-to-day web site creation and design. Web designers are a combination of graphic designers or artists, and technical computer programmers. They work with all of the elements of a web site, text, images, graphics, and more, to come up with functional, interesting, and user-friendly web site designs.

Most Web designers are found in information technology departments, but they may also be found in marketing, and graphics departments as well. The job duties of a Web designer can include:

• Working with other corporate departments and organizations, such as marketing and sales, to come up with the overall goals, plans, and intent for web sites
• Creating, enhancing, or modifying different types of web pages such as those based on HTML (hypertext markup language), DHTML (dynamic hypertext markup language), ASPs (active server pages), and JSPs (Java server pages)
• Using the appropriate authoring tools (text editors, HTML authoring tools, etc.), graphics tools, and animation tools
• Creating graphical images, image maps, and navigators to improve the look of a site, aid in usability and navigation, and make it visually more interesting and compelling
• Creating back-end interfaces using CGI (common gateway interface) languages such as Java, Perl, C and others
• Programming in scripting languages such as Java Script
• Researching, writing, and editing web site content
• Maintaining hypertext links and assuring that they are active and current
• Assuring that web site content is up to date
• Assuring that web sites are accessible using different browser technologies
• Assuring that web site content is delivered to users in a timely fashion
• Maintaining and "policing" the look and feel, or branding, of web sites
• Performing search engine optimization tasks
• Assessing new standards, technologies, trends, and products for use with new and existing web sites
• Analyzing web site traffic statistics and reports
• Performing miscellaneous administrative duties
• Attending meetings and keeping management and other stake holders appraised of their work and the success of the web site(s)

Web designers typically work "normal" work-week schedules of around 40 hours per week. Evening and weekend work may be necessary at times to meet deadlines. Telecommuting, or working from home, is common for web designers.

Web Designer Job Skills

A web designer is both a creative graphics design position as well as a technical position requiring a great deal of technical skill. Because of this, Web designers can possess a very broad range of skills, including:

• Good listening skills to understand goals and requirements
• Effective communications skills and the ability to communicate with technical personnel as well as non-technical users and staff
• Planning skills
• Art or graphic design skills
• Appreciation for and understanding of advertising
• Understanding Internet technologies such as HTML, DHTML, ASPs, JSPs, Java, Java Script, Perl, security technologies, FTP (file transfer protocol), electronic mail, and more
• Understanding the various software tools needed to create and maintain a web sites such as text editors, authoring tools, graphics tools, animation tools, and more
• Understanding how to program in many different languages and environments
• Understanding and awareness of issues concerning the web such as bandwidth and download times
• Understanding of web browser compatibility issues
• Understanding of Internet etiquette issues - what is and is not generally accepted as appropriate
• Understanding how search engines work and appropriate ways to optimize web sites
• Good concentration and attention to detail
• Problem-solving and trouble-shooting
• Good time management and project management skills to meet deadlines

Web Designer Income

Based on work by Robert Half International, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that in 2003 the range of income for Internet/Intranet Developers was between $51,250 and $73,750.

An InfoWorld 2004 compensation survey placed web designer incomes at around $61,000.

Average income for Web Designers is around $59,000 according to the Virginia Career Education Foundation.

Training and Education Required to Become a Web Designer

The education and training requirements to be a web designer are not set in stone and may vary significantly depending on the size and type of organization that they work for, and the sophistication of that organization's web "presence". In some cases, associate's degrees, certificate programs, or relevant experience may be enough to get a job.

Many jobs do, however, have a bachelor's degree as their minimum requirement. Typical concentrations would be information technology or other technology related subjects, graphics design, or combinations of technology and graphics or artistic design.

Because of the rapidly changing nature of Internet and web technology, continuous study is necessary to stay current and up to date.

Many certifications are available for web designers. Brainbench Employment Testing offers certification in Web Design Concepts, Web Design for Accessibility, Web Development Concepts, and many of the individual technologies useful in web design. CIW offers numerous certifications in web technologies as well, including CIW Web Developer Certification. There are also vendor certification programs such as Macromedia's Macromedia Certified Professional Program.

Click here for more more information on Web Design Schools and the programs that they offer.

Web Designer Employment

Web designers are employed by all types of organizations, including public companies, private companies, non-profit organizations, local, state and federal government agencies, web design firms, public relations firms, and advertising firms. They are also found in all industries. Many web designers are also self-employed.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics does not report any separate employment figures for Web designers. They report combined employment statistics for computer systems analysts, database administrators, and computer scientists. They include web development in these designations. Based on the large number of people reported in this group as a whole, almost 1 million people, it is probably safe to assume that there are over 100,000 web designers in the United States.

Web Designer Job Outlook

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Web design can be expected to be among the fastest growing occupations through 2012 with employment expected to grow much faster than the average for all occupations. Job growth will not, however, be as rapid as in the previous decade. Outsourcing of jobs overseas is slowing job growth and creating greater competition for available jobs. A report issued by the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) in the fall 2004 indicated that offshore outsourcing could hurt IT employment growth over the next decade. That report further indicated that for the period from 2002 to 2012 the projected rate of growth for IT occupations such as Web design is significantly lower than the rate projected for 2000 to 2010 period.

http://www.education-online-search.com/articles/careers/design_careers/become_a_web_designer

Become A Fashion Merchandiser

This article provides an overview of fashion merchandiser careers and the requirements to become a Fashion Merchandiser. This article will outline a Fashion Merchandiser's job duties, salary levels, and employment prospects, as well as discuss the necessary skills, training, educational requirements, and certification requirements.

Fashion Merchandiser Job Duties

A fashion merchandiser may also be known as a visual merchandiser, apparel merchandiser, merchandise displayer, display artist, window display artist, or merchandise display artist. Whatever the title, a fashion merchandiser is responsible for designing and creating visually appealing displays of merchandise, and erecting major store decorations in commercial retail establishments. A fashion merchandiser creates the mood, look, and feel of a retail establishment, consistent with store and merchandise image and branding. It is their job to attract and hold consumer attention, and ultimately to get them to purchase merchandise.

There can be many different aspects to the job of fashion merchandiser. They are part artist, part marketer, and part craftsman. The job duties of a fashion merchandiser can include:

• Planning and designing commercial merchandise displays, making use of products, color, lighting, space, and other accessories, for the windows and interiors of retail stores or trade exhibitions
• Sketching design ideas either by hand or on the computer
• Erecting merchandise displays either of their own design or designed by others
• Finding and creating props to be used in displays
• Arranging lighting and other accessories
• Arranging table displays
• Dressing mannequins
• Creating and hanging decorations
• Designing and creating signs
• Working with management and marketing to ensure that displays are consistent with a store's image and marketing strategy
• Consulting with advertising and sales
• Ordering merchandise
• Stocking displays and departments with inventory
• Pricing and tagging products

A fashion merchandiser may work full or part time. Their job may entail travel, either to trade shows, or from store to store. Overtime and/or off-hour work may be common when meeting deadlines to finish a display.

Fashion Merchandiser Job Skills

A fashion merchandiser is required to have many different job skills ranging from the artistic to construction abilities. Job skills necessary to be a fashion merchandiser include:

• Knowledge of fine arts and design
• Creativity, imagination, and artistic ability
• Good visual and spatial perception
• Good sense of style and color
• Ability to work with shapes and forms
• Drawing and sketching ability
• Ability to make use of computer graphics applications
• Ability to perform basic carpentry and construction
• Ability to use basic hand and power tools
• Ability to communicate ideas and designs
• Ability to solve problems
• Ability to work with many different organizations such as management, sales, and marketing
• Understanding fashion industry trends and market forces
• Manual dexterity, physical flexibility, and stamina

Fashion Merchandiser Income

As of 2002, salaries for fashion merchandisers were around $22,550, with the top 10% earning more than $40,020. Salaries vary by type and size of employer, and region of the country.

Training and Education Required to Become a Fashion Merchandiser

Some fashion merchandisers may learn their job skills on the job. A certificate, associate's degree, or bachelor's degree can significantly help individuals seeking jobs in fashion merchandising. Individuals interested in this career get training in visual merchandising, graphic design, interior design, fashion design, fine arts, or marketing. Individuals typically obtain their education from two- and three-year professional schools, 2-year associate's degree programs, or 4-year bachelor's degree programs. A four-year bachelor's degree provides the best preparation and prospects for employment.

Fashion Merchandiser Employment

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics there are 77,000 people in the united states employed as merchandise displayers.

Fashion Merchandiser Job Outlook

Fashion Merchandiser employment growth is expected to be about as fast as the average for all occupations through most of the next decade. Most new jobs will come as a result of the need to replace existing workers who retire, change jobs, or leave the occupation or the labor force.

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Animation Careers

A career in animation is chosen by many people with good artistic talent who wish to get involved with multi-media art. Animation can include creating animated cartoons, or special effects used in videos, movies, computers and television. Animation is a growing field, with computer techniques having revolutionized the production of cartoons for film and television, plus a fast increase in the use of animation in computer gaming and related products.

Animators increasingly use a whole variety of techniques to create their special effects. Digital pictures lend themselves to manipulations that create effects that could not have bee envisaged even ten years ago, and so an important part of any animator’s training is to learn about new technologies, what is possible and how to use them.

Most animators come into the industry by way of a degree, giving them the background and skills that they need to be able to use their artistic talent through the range of media that are available. They are able to demonstrate their talent and knowledge to the industry by displaying the portfolio of work that they will build up during their time of study.

Careers in animation are paid in the area of $42,000, with top animators earning more than $70,000 according to the US Department of Labor. However, competition for the best places in the industry is fierce, and the better qualified get to choose the best careers.

Directory of Animation Schools

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Advertising Designer

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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