Florida Graphic Design Schools

Below is a list of schools in Florida that provide graphic design degree and diploma programs. You can learn more about a career in graphic design by reading the section at the bottom of the page.

An Introduction to Graphic Design Careers

Graphic designers are responsible for determining, planning and implementing design solutions to help promote communications. Most graphic designers are employed in a position that requires the creation of a product or item that will help to convey a certain image or message to prospective customers. In some cases, this can be part of the product or service itself, or it can be an advertising campaign to attract customers to purchase a product.

Graphic designers are employed throughout a wide range of industries but where there isn't a requirement for the ongoing services of a graphic designer, companies tend to outsource their design work to freelance or self-employed graphic designers. There are a large number of graphic design schools in Florida offering specialized or general graphic design programs.

Employment and Earnings Statistics

There are currently around a quarter of a million graphic designers employed throughout the USA. Approximately one third of these designers are self-employed but the remainder hold salaried jobs. The freelance graphic designer often completes projects in his or her spare time while working a full time job either as a graphic designer or in another profession entirely.

Median salary is $35,000 per year for graphic designers. Wages vary greatly depending on the actual position as well as qualifications and experience that a particular designer can boast. Starting salaries tend to average $20,000 for those with a degree.

The highest paid are usually the most highly educated. Designers with a Bachelor's Degree certainly tend to earn more because they are generally afforded the most senior positions. Most companies require a minimum of an Associate's Degree to be considered for the position.

The Future Outlook for Graphic Designers

The future is positive for graphic designers and those training for a career in graphic design. Advertising and marketing are unlikely to ever lose popularity and as more and more businesses turn their attention to the Internet and the production and promotion of a company website, the services of graphic designers continue to be required. In particular, designers that can show experience in web design or multimedia design will have the greatest demand.

The Best Course of Education

Most graphic design positions require an absolute minimum education level of an Associate's Degree. For higher paid and more senior positions it is usually necessary to further your education with a Bachelor's Degree (BFA) or Master's Degree (MFA). While some very junior positions may be awarded to candidates with little or no education, this is very rare and the pay is likely to be very low with limited opportunities for advancement.

Depending on the actual area of graphic design you wish to pursue, it is sensible to try and attain a degree or further qualification in that particular area. It is sometimes possible to do this once you have a full-time position, making the transition to student life less stressful financially. Formal education becomes particularly important if you want to progress to the level of art or creative director. These are highly-paid roles that involve more managerial tasks as opposed to hands-on design work. However, you must be able to demonstrate very advanced design capabilities in order to be considered for these roles.

Graphic Design Program Details

Schools in Florida offer graphic design programs that will suit the needs of any potential designer. Whether you are looking to earn your Bachelor's Degree in computer graphics or an Associate's Degree in commercial art, try to find a program that most closely matches your career plans. Having a degree that is centered on the role you will be applying for will make you a more desirable prospect to most employers.

As a part of any graphic design degree or course you will be expected to study various core components that will prove useful in any design project. The relationship of colors, the use of textures and other design theories will be taught. You may also spend time learning about advertising, marketing, corporate identity and customer communication. The vast majority of graphic design work is completed using complex software programs so make sure that the program you are considering spends a great deal of time focusing on how to use these programs. Example software includes Photoshop, Illustrator, Freehand, Quark and Corel.

Additional Resources

If you are thinking about enrolling in a graphic design degree program, you may want to read the article Essential Components of a Graphic Design Degree.