These artists design and provide art direction for a variety of print and multimedia projects. The program allows students to keep abreast of the rapid changes of technology in the arts. Designers use computers for extensive periods of time. Compensation varies depending on education, employment setting, and level of skill. Designers with computer experience tend to command higher salaries than those without such experience.
Keen competition prevails for both salaried and free-lance work.
However, graphic art studios always watch for fresh, creative and outstanding talent. Mastery of computer skills create promising prospects because of the increasing demand for graphic arts to accomplish the growing emphasis on visual appeal in all forms of media. In the San Francisco Bay Area, the outlook for designers with two or more years of experience is good. Nationally, the job outlook is for rapid growth through the 1990s with additional job opportunities resulting from the need to replace designers who leave the occupation because of career change, or retirement. Job opportunities will be better and salaries higher for designers who have computer experience.