Graphic Designer Overview

Required Education and Training To Become a Graphic Designer

Best Schools to become a Graphic Designer in U.S. 2024

Southern New Hampshire University

Manchester, NH

In-State Tuition:$15,000
Out-of-State Tuition:$15,000
Admission Rate:96%
Graduation Rate:41%
Total Enrollment:164,091

University of Central Florida

Orlando, FL

In-State Tuition:$4,478
Out-of-State Tuition:$19,810
Admission Rate:41%
Graduation Rate:76%
Total Enrollment:68,346

Full Sail University

Winter Park, FL

In-State Tuition:$26,307
Out-of-State Tuition:$26,307
Admission Rate:N/A
Graduation Rate:41%
Total Enrollment:26,737

The University of Texas at Dallas

Richardson, TX

In-State Tuition:$14,564
Out-of-State Tuition:$39,776
Admission Rate:85%
Graduation Rate:70%
Total Enrollment:31,570

Wake Technical Community College

Raleigh, NC

In-State Tuition:$2,432
Out-of-State Tuition:$8,576
Admission Rate:N/A
Graduation Rate:31%
Total Enrollment:21,551

Fashion Institute of Technology

New York, NY

In-State Tuition:$7,170
Out-of-State Tuition:$21,692
Admission Rate:53%
Graduation Rate:83%
Total Enrollment:8,125
Graphic Designer Job Description:
  • Format typescript and graphic elements using computer software to produce publication-ready material.

Required Skills and Competencies To Become a Graphic Designer

Job Duties for Graphic Designers

  • Check preliminary and final proofs for errors and make necessary corrections.

  • Operate desktop publishing software and equipment to design, lay out, and produce camera-ready copy.

  • Position text and art elements from a variety of databases in a visually appealing way to design print or web pages, using knowledge of type styles and size and layout patterns.

Technologies and Skills Used by Graphic Designers

Desktop publishing software

  • Adobe InDesign
  • Microsoft Publisher

Graphics or photo imaging software

  • Adobe Creative Cloud software
  • Adobe Illustrator

Presentation software

  • Microsoft PowerPoint

Basic Skills

  • Reading work related information
  • Thinking about the pros and cons of different ways to solve a problem

People and Technology Systems

  • Thinking about the pros and cons of different options and picking the best one

Problem Solving

  • Noticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it

Current Job Market and Opportunites for a Graphic Designer

Additional Resources To Help You Become a Graphic Designer

FAQs About Becoming a Graphic Designer