Graphic Design

CAREER OPTIONS

There are a wide variety of employment opportunities in this industry. The skills students develop at Cuyamaca will start them on the road to success as:

• Art or Advertising Director
• Cartoonist
• Desktop Publisher
• Display Designer
• Graphic Designer
• Digital or technical illustrator
• Marketing Directors
• Multimedia Designers
• Package Designers
• Web Page Designer

Some students choose to become entrepreneurs by free-lancing while building their own independent businesses, while others start their professional journey with professional employment.

Companies are looking for people with:

• Artistic talent beyond software skills.
• Solid design techniques involving color, typography and layout.
• Overview knowledge of the entire development and pre-press and production process.
• Web and interactive designers need to understand front-end and back-end interfaces.
• Verbal and visual communication skills necessary for working with teams and clients.
• An understanding of the business strategies and marketing goals behind the design.
• Able to problem solve and conceptualize on your own while being able to think like the client.
• Enthusiasm for learning the new software and tools that are constantly changing for the industry.

Getting experience

It is often a good idea to begin employment prior to completion of the program by participating in the internship program or freelancing on individual projects commercially.

Things you may be asked to do:

• Produce layouts, ads and presentations
• Convert rough comps to finished press-ready art
• Develop and maintain web and multi-media presentations
• Assist other designers and art directors
• Illustrate for print and online media
• Typesetting, photo masking, create charts and contribute other small components of a larger project.
• Create logos, identity packages, brochures and packaging.

Your projects in your classes will give you the start of a portfolio to show potential employers.