Print Design

Print Design Career Overview

Print designers create icons, logos, images, graphics, illustrations, and photographs in a variety of print publications. This can include books, brochures, calendars, magazines, billboards, newspapers, and packaging. Most print designers will work as part of a design team for print publication companies, small corporations, large firms, or marketing agencies. Print designers are often called desktop publishers, image designers, or layout artists. Most print designers will have a degree in graphic design, graphic arts, or graphic communications, coupled with extensive knowledge of computer aided design programs.

Print Designer Training & Education

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that a bachelor’s degree is required for most entry level and advanced level print design or graphic design positions. Those obtaining a degree in graphic arts, graphic communication, or the equivalent can expect to learn a variety of skills. These include desktop publishing software, page formatting, text importing, print and graphic design fundamentals, imaging, prepress operations, and print reproduction. A firm understanding of graphic design software such as Adobe is essential.

Courses in art history, art theory, sociology, psychology, behavioral sciences, marketing, advertising, visual art, computer information systems, and computer graphics will all be useful for a career in print design.

The American Institute of Graphic Arts reports that a degree in graphic art or the equivalent can lead to a career in many different print design outlets. These may include magazine design, package design, multimedia design, type design, logo design, signage design, exhibit design, design planning, publication systems, education design, illustration, and much more.

In addition to educational requirements, those in print design will need to possess excellent communication skills in order to discuss ideas with clients and with their design team. They will also need to have an understanding of consumer trends in order to connect with their viewers. Experience with computer aided design (CAD)is also necessary.

Management positions, including corporate executive, entrepreneur designer, print production manager and senior designer, will become available for those with advanced degrees such as an MBA in a related field.

Print Designer Career & Salary Outlook

According to the AIGA Aquent Survey of Design Salaries, designers and print artists can expect to make an average of $45,000 with entry-level designers starting at $35,000. Print production managers and senior designers made on average $60,000 in 2008. The AIGA reports that these numbers have increased by 2-4% each year since 2000 and will most likely continue to increase within the next decade.

Many people underestimate the impact of printing and graphic arts in society. According to the Printing Industries of Michigan, printing and graphic arts is one of America’s largest industries. It ranks first among the 20 major manufacturing groups in establishments, second in total dollar payroll, and third in number of employees.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that this number will continue to grow with the graphic design industry predicted at a 10% employment increase and the desktop publishing industry at 1%. Those with experience in print and web design can expect an incredible 35% industry employment increase.

Individuals with both print design and web design education can expect the best employment options in the future, especially with the technological and Internet craze that will continue into the next decade.

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