Graphic Design 101

Graphic designers design art by hand or via computer software. They may provide layout for advertisements, brochures, magazines, and more. In addition, a graphic designer may be asked to design for the web, so having some experience in web design is advantageous for a graphic artist.

Hours and pay
Although graphic design is typically a full-time position, some graphic designers will find themselves freelancing or working part-time for clients. The Bureau of Labor Statistics¹ estimates that in 2020, roughly one in five graphic designers were self-employed. Depending on the level of experience, a designer can charge between $25 and hundreds of dollars per hour for freelance work. The median income for a full-time designer in 2021 was $50,710 per year, which was higher than the median pay for all art and design workers.

Work life
Graphic designers work in a variety of work atmospheres. A designer may work in manufacturing, in a corporate office, for advertising and public relations agencies, or for a publishing company. Graphic artists are expected to face some tough competition for available positions, but there are many fields where they can apply their skills in meaningful ways.

Besides the traditional career paths mentioned above, a degree in graphic design can open up possibilities to become a web developer, an art director, a multimedia artist or animator, a marketing or public relations specialist, or even a commercial or industrial designer.

The liberal arts difference
Attending a Christian liberal arts school such as Huntington University for a degree in graphic design provides personal and professional advantages. Like other schools, a liberal arts university prepares students for the day-to-day demands that professionals tackle on the job. What sets a Christian liberal arts university apart, however, is a holistic approach that integrates life, profession, and art. Class discussions and projects encourage students to integrate their faith into their learning and into their profession.

Interested in studying at a Christian liberal arts school? Learn more about what Huntington University has to offer by checking out our graphic design program or scheduling a campus visit.

Original text by Steph Morin. Updated for 2022 by Huntington University.

¹Occupational Outlook Handbook, Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2022