Colorado, a rapidly growing state with a deep commitment to technology and the arts, is a great place to begin your career in graphic design.

by Jessica Santina

Is there an artist in you that's waiting to get out? This might mean there's an exciting and lucrative career ahead of you. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) says there will be more new graphic design jobs by 2014 than in any other design occupation. With median annual earnings for graphic designers coming in at $38,030, graphic design is one arts career that won't have you starving.

Opportunity by Design
Graphic design jobs involve planning and creating visual communications. Whether it's a sign for a new restaurant, a web site for an online retailer, or a magazine ad for a lipstick, graphic designers must communicate someone's message or image visually. This not only requires oodles of creativity, but the ability to listen to and communicate effectively with others, and to understand the needs of your target audience. You'll need to have an excellent grasp of the latest in visual technology. And you'll work with all kinds of media, from paper to signboards, TVs to computers, iPods to cell phones. Graphic design wraps marketing, sociology, art, and sales into one challenging and unpredictable career.

The BLS says that most graphic design jobs require a bachelor's degree. But for many technical positions, a two- or three-year associate degree program in graphic design is a great way to get started. Such programs will provide you with instruction in the most up-to-date visual communications technology.

Why Colorado Rocks
For a successful graphic design career, you'll need three things:

1. a degree
2. a growing economy that's adding new jobs
3. an environment that encourages creativity

Earning your graphic design degree in Colorado gives you all three. In 2004, American City Business Journals reported that income levels in two northern Colorado metro areas had grown with strength and consistency that far surpassed national levels. Boulder alone added 17,000 professional and business services jobs in the 1990s. And Denver has the 10th largest downtown in the U.S.

Not only is Colorado's economy booming, but those interested in graphic design jobs should appreciate the state's strong commitment to the arts. The Denver Art Museum is in the middle of doubling its size, and the Denver Performing Arts Complex is the second largest in the nation. Boulder features more than 30 art galleries, four museums, 32 movie and stage theaters, and several arts or music festivals, including the Colorado Music Festival. Even Aspen and Vail are home to some of the world's finest arts festivals, including the Aspen Filmfest and the three-day Vail Arts Festival.

Make a commitment to an exciting and profitable arts career. Look into graphic design programs in Colorado today!

Sources
American City Business Journals, "Colorado metros set income pace for the U.S." by G. Scott Thomas
Bureau of Labor Statistics, "Graphic Designers"
Denver Metro Convention & Visitors Bureau, "Why Choose Denver"

About the Author
Jessica Santina is a freelance writer with a background in media and marketing. She also teaches first-year writing courses at the University of Nevada, Reno.