Top Skills for 2019: Graphic Design
Submitted by Dixie Cartwright on September 18, 2019
Why are graphic design skills important in 2019?
As the business world becomes more competitive, companies need to find creative ways to set themselves apart in the minds of consumers. This is why graphic design skills are a critical component of marketing, and one of the top skills to have in 2019. Across industries, businesses need some form of graphic design.
Demand for graphic designers is growing in tech industries.
The need for graphic designers in computer systems design and other technology services is projected to grow 20 percent by 2026. This will lead to the need for more graphic designers who can create visually appealing content, websites, and user experiences.
You can earn a good salary as a graphic designer.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual salary for graphic designers was just over $50,000 as of May 2018. However, the top 10 percent of earners in this field made upwards of $85,760 per year. Payscale reports the average salary of a graphic designer is nearly $44,000 annually. Graphic designers earn $4,000 more per year than others in the art and design industry; that's nearly $12,000 more than the average worker in the United States.
You will see your creativity flourish.
It’s a great feeling to see your hard work pay off. It’s even better to contribute to something that drives your organization. When you work in graphic design, you could see your creative work in magazines, on websites, even on billboards. Imagine: your work out there for everyone to see!
Your job in graphic design will never be the same from day to day.
There will always be new projects, new clients, new challenges, and new opportunities as a graphic designer. The best graphic designers evolve and constantly improve — discovering and inventing new creative ways to tell a visual story.
Graphic design skills will give you an opportunity to start your own business.
As a freelance graphic designer, you can set your own terms. Imagine setting your own schedule, picking your clients, and working on the projects that interest you. While many graphic designers work for other companies, more and more are stepping out on their own. In fact, 18 percent of all graphic designers were self-employed in 2018, and this number is growing.
As technology advances, many professionals are constantly worried that their jobs will eventually be automated or performed by machines. This is definitely not the case for graphic designers. Your creative mind and your ability to develop one-of-a-kind, inspiring pieces are your greatest assets. As a graphic designer, you’ll be an essential part of a company’s brand image—what sets it apart from all others. Visual communication will always be a part of our lives. While we often use technology to create images, it takes a graphic designer to imagine the possibilities and present them to the world.
Do you want to sharpen your graphic design skills or start a new career in graphic design? MSU Center for Continuing Education can help! Check out our online graphic design certifications:
Tags
- graphic design, Online, career development, online certification
