Graphic design is the art of using visual communication to convey messages. It’s an interdisciplinary field that combines art and design principles with technical skills. Graphic designers, also referred to as graphic artists or communication designers, combine art and technology to communicate ideas through images and the layout of websites and printed pages. They may use a variety of design elements to achieve artistic or decorative effects.
Occupations within the graphic design field can include many different positions, such as concept artist, creative director, art director, art production manager, brand identity developer, broadcast designer, logo designer, marketing designer, illustrator, visual image developer, multimedia developer, content developer, visual journalist, layout artist, interface designer, web designer, package designer, etc.
The median annual salary for graphic designers in the US was $58,910 in May 2023, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest 10% of graphic designers earned less than $36,420, and the highest 10% earned more than $100,450. Industry, experience, and location can factor in when it comes to determining a graphic designer’s salary. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job outlook for graphic designers is projected to grow at a slower than average rate, with a projected growth of around 2-3% through 2033, meaning while there will be job openings, the number of new positions may not be significant compared to other occupations. However, there will still be a steady demand for graphic designers due to the need to replace retiring workers or those transitioning to different careers.
Graphic design has been practiced in various forms throughout history. The history of graphic design is frequently traced from the onset of moveable-type printing in the 15th century. In fact, good examples of graphic design date back to manuscripts from ancient China, Egypt, and Greece!
