What it is
Graphic design is the craft of visual communication — using type, image, color, and layout to convey ideas across branding, advertising, web, packaging, and digital media. It's the most employable of the visual-arts fields, blending creativity with commercial demand.
What you'll study
Coursework combines design theory with practical tools:
- FoundationDesign principles, typography, color theory, drawing
- CoreLayout, branding/identity, digital design, web/UX basics
- ToolsAdobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign) and prototyping
- CapstoneA professional portfolio — the key to getting hired
Concentrations & focus areas
- Branding & IdentityLogos and brand systems
- UX/UI & Web DesignDigital products
- Motion GraphicsAnimated design
- Advertising / Marketing DesignCampaigns
- Publication / EditorialLayout & print
- PackagingProduct design
Skills you'll build
- Design softwareAdobe Creative Suite, Figma
- Visual communicationType, layout, color
- CreativityOriginal concepts
- Attention to detailPolished execution
- Client collaborationInterpreting briefs
Careers & job titles
- Graphic designerAgencies, in-house, freelance
- UX/UI designerTech & digital (higher-paid)
- Art directorWith experience (~$114,850)
- Brand / visual designerMarketing
- Motion / web designerDigital media
- Freelance / studio ownerSelf-employed
Job outlook & demand
The BLS projects graphic designer employment to be roughly flat (a slight decline), but with ~16,000 openings a year from turnover. Demand is shifting toward digital, UX/UI, and motion — designers with those skills (and strong portfolios) have the best prospects; art directors earn much more.
Pay: median, range & trajectory
Per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2025), graphic designers had a median of $62,960 (range ~$39,520–$104,910). UX/UI and art director ($114,850) roles pay more; freelance income varies widely.
Degree levels it's offered at
Offered across these levels — click a level to learn about it:
An associate or bachelor's (with a strong portfolio) is the entry path; the portfolio matters more than the degree level. UX/UI and motion skills raise pay.
Is it right for you?
You might thrive here if you are creative and visual, enjoy solving communication problems, and want an arts field with real commercial demand.
Smart move: lean into UX/UI, web, and motion design — that's where the growth and higher pay are — and build a standout portfolio, which employers weigh above your degree.
Explore further
Keep exploring:
Key facts
- FocusVisual communication (brand, web, print, digital)
- ToolsAdobe Creative Suite, Figma; portfolio is key
- CareersGraphic designer, UX/UI designer, art director
- OutlookFlat employment, steady openings; digital growing (BLS)
- Pay$62,960 median (BLS); UX/art director higher
Where to learn more
Authoritative sources for careers and pay: