Graphic Design careers are extremely varied, but creativity is something that all the careers have in common. Some of the many job titles in this industry include:

• Art Director
• Layout Artist
• Brand Identity Designer
• Flash Designer
• Illustrators
• Multimedia Designers
• Photographer
• Web Designer

Graphic designers work with a variety of mediums not limited to drawn, painted, photographed, or computer-generated images (pictures), but they also design the letterforms that make up various typefaces found in movie credits and TV ads; in books, magazines, and menus; and even on computer screens.

Designers create, choose, and organize all of these elements in order to communicate messages, emotions and ideas. Graphic Design is a unique field which combines art and technology in order to communicate ideas, and the Graphic Designer uses a multitude of tools in order to achieve this. The two main tools in this profession include image and typography.

There are many graphic design schools and colleges all over the world that offer graphic design related degrees and programs. Students can take programs in:

• multimedia
• graphic design
• visual communication
• advertising
• animation
• web development

While many of these programs have similar core ideas to share with students, each one can have a slightly different perspective or slant which serves a particular career. For example, a multimedia program may focus more on the TV industry, or on computer technology used in computer graphics. Likewise, a Web development program will focus on the graphic elements which are specifically used in webpage design. Other programs may focus more on print or website development. One of the most important parts of any Graphic Design education, however, is learning the many different types of software which are used in the profession these days.

Graphic designers use images and type to create a wide array of products ranging from bubble gum wrappers to CD covers to Websites. Publishing and Advertising houses are two of the biggest employers of graphic designers, but many Graphic Designers also freelance and start their own businesses.

Virtually every industry has a need for good Graphic Designers who can convey their products to the public in meaningful, interesting and memorable ways. Graphic designers work with images and text in a variety of formats, from print to electronic.

Most graphic design today, however, relies on computer software, and the combination of the designer's creativity, a good eye and technological savvy is the recipe for success. Currently, the average salary for Graphic Designers is about $35,000, though this can be much higher, depending upon the type of company or project. A large number of Graphic Designers work on a contract, freelance basis.