Visual Communications

Visual Communications Career Overview

These professionals use images to inform, educate, and persuade viewers in ways that text alone cannot. If you have ever seen an advertisement, sign, or image that expressed an emotion, you most likely saw the work of a visual communications specialist.

Professionals working in the field of visual communications find jobs in a variety of areas, including Website development, publishing, design, printing, and advertising. Unlike other mass media and communication specialists, those working in visual communications are primarily concerned with two-dimensional images such as illustration, typography, drawing, and graphic design.

Visual Communications Training & Education

The job market for visual communications professionals is very competitive. Those hoping to obtain careers in the field should receive at minimum an associate's degree in visual communications or mass communications. For additional advancement opportunities, a bachelor's degree in visual communications or a related discipline can be helpful. Most bachelors' programs in the field offer courses in design theory, Web design, digital illustration, imaging, print design, typography, and digital media.

Further, aspiring visual communications professionals would be well advised to put together a portfolio of their best work. This can be used not only as a way of keeping past projects organized, but also to show your best work when looking for jobs in the industry.

Visual Communications Career & Salary Outlook

Career options for visual communications professionals vary, and consequently the range in salaries for those working in the field varies as well. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, visual communications specialists working as graphic designers earned a median annual salary of $39,900 as of May 2006, while more senior-level art directors earn an average salary of $76,980 a year.

Although the field is highly competitive, the overall job outlook is excellent, as opportunities for those working in graphic design is projected to increase by 10 percent through the year 2016, according to the BLS.

Visual Communications Fields & Specializations

Design Artist and Illustrator

Design artists and illustrators are responsible for determining the most effective way of conveying messages in print, electronic, and video advertisements. To do so, design artists must have an expert understanding of visual communication techniques and methods including typography, illustrations, photography, animation, and layout.

Communications Manager

Communication managers work for large companies to conceptualize and direct the development of in-store visual merchandising displays, and strategize, organize, and develop the design direction for various other company-sponsored visuals.

Graphic Design Manager

Graphic design managers oversee employees while developing visual solutions to the communication problems a company may face. Like design artists, graphic design managers must have an in-depth knowledge of techniques such as typography, illustrations, photography, animation, and print layout.

Web Designer

Website designers work with a site's content management team to conceptualize and plan the overall look of a website, while considering basic design principles. The result is a site that is both technologically sound and also visually pleasing to consumers.

Advertising Design

Advertising designers work with an advertising agency's development team to create magazine ads, billboards, television commercials, and signs, among other types of advertisements. As one of the highest paying and most demanding specialties within the visual communications field, advertising designers are generally expected to have a high level of education.

Sources:

Occupational Employment and Wages
Westwood College
Bureau of Labor Statistics, Graphic Designer
Visual Communication Quarterly
Ohio University—School of Visual Communication