Brian Said:

Will a Diploma in Graphic Design get me a better than average Graphic Design job?

We Answered:

This is a very popular field these days and you have to be able to compete in the job market. The fact is, a lot of people go to school for graphic design and if you do not hold a degree you may not be able to compete with people who do.

This is from O*Net:

<Title Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed

Overall Experience : A minimum of two to four years of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.

Job Training : Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.

Education Most of these occupations require a four - year bachelor's degree, but some do not. >

According to Salary.com only 5.29% of Graphic Design positions are held by people with only a High School diploma, 25% have an Associates or Certificate and 64% have a Bachelors. Most large (and higher paying companies) will require a Bachelors degree these days.

Plus, Graphic Design involves a lot more than people realize. You need to know how to do a lot of things on the computer, how to design a layout, send things to printers, etc.

So yes, a diploma will be basically necessary to get a job.

Felix Said:

Graphic Design???

We Answered:

Only one thing really matter, your PORTFOLIO! The degree and diploma help to make you a more desirable employee but might not help you land a job as a graphic designer. Some company might like you as part of the marketing team, advertising sales or PR. To get a position as a graphic designer in a respectable company, you will need an outstanding portfolio, one that showcase your creativity or your ability to produce and handle the work. As for pay, base on what I know, CA and NY pay a little more than other places but it cost more to live there. I had work in FL & NV, the entry level in most cases get 10-15 per hour, mid to senior level can make 15-25 per hour. Art director can make around 45-50K, creative art director make maybe another 10k over that. But that depend on the location and company. Good Luck.

Ian Said:

I am a recent Graduate, I got my Diploma in Graphic Design...How do I get my name out to Freelance?

We Answered:

You gotta start small. Go to local businesses, friends, churches and so forth.

Build a portfolio.

It'll take a couple years for you to start to establish a steady stable of clients. You'll lose your shirt over the first several projects you take. It's best if you live at home, or really have a fondness for draping yourself in heavy blankets in winter and eating ramen noodles and mac& cheese.

In time, you'll earn enough money to earn a marginal existence.

You could supplement this by working for a design firm. The market is so tight for graphic designers, you'll face heavy competition. Try to get into a business that wants a designer on staff. Be prepared for tedious work.

Make sure your portfolio is top notch. (Like you could take it to a major design firm in New York, Chicago, or L.A.)

Study, practice, and don't have an ego about anything.

If you do all that, you should be able to eek out a living in design.

(Bet they didn't tell you this stuff in design school. There's some real world advice for you, and it's only the tip of the iceberg.)

Good luck.

You might want to consider going back to school and getting a degree in something that can supplement your income, too.

Sorry so bleak, but it's a very tough market for designers right now.

Joel Said:

Need some advice towards the direction of my career! w/ a Graphic Design diploma?

We Answered:

Market and promote my products?

Claudia Said:

What jobs can I get with a diploma in Graphic Design?And would how much would I get paid?

We Answered:

Plenty of jobs for publications and ad agencies. Problem is that unless you become a true web designer it's unlikely you'll pass the $30-50k. ..check your school's job service to see what's out there.