It’s hardly a secret that the recent economic slump has hit quite a few professionals around the world pretty hard. Many who thought their jobs were secure are now thumbing their way through the classifieds. There are few industries that have been untouched by the devastation, but there is one sector that has not only remained relatively unscathed during the recent recession but actually grown in some cases. That’s the field of Interactive Media and Design. While print media continues to decline in importance and market share, the realm of Internet media and development is only now beginning to explore its potential for future growth.

Interactive Media and Design is a multidisciplinary line of work that revolves around Creating Rich Internet Applications and websites. Using tools like Flash, HTML, Javascript, ActionScript and many other cutting-edge and innovative technologies, graphic designers create eye-catching and useful media and applications both for E-commerce and for entertainment. Simply put, Graphic Designers and Web Developers take ideas and turn them into reality. This can include everything from crafting web pages both for the desktop and the mobile phone ecosystems, as well as applications for emerging platforms like tablet PCs and more.

As globalization makes our world smaller and more integrated with each passing year, companies and entrepreneurs need to work harder than ever to make themselves visible and recognizable. On a level playing field populated by millions of worthy competitors spread throughout the world, firms use rich media and applications to get the attention of prospective customers and clients, and to provide value for their users. One of the best things about Interactive Media and Design is that it requires such a versatile skill set that designers and developers can work for businesses in literally every field imaginable, from medicine to government to law and beyond.

While anyone can get involved in web development and Graphic Design on their own, it helps to learn the trade in a more structured environment. Obtaining a degree in Interactive Media and Design helps you get a foot in the door when trying to break into field. You don’t have to attend your local university and rack up thousands in debt to educate yourself and get the skills required to get a job in Interactive Media and Design. One of the best ways to get accredited is through online course work. This allows you to freelance and practice your new found skills on the side while earning a diploma and making money at the same time. There are tons of great options available as far as online universities are concerned, each with their own strengths and specialties.

A career in Interactive Media and Design entails working with a wide range of different professionals in diverse fields. Taking their vision and translating it into a visual medium is your job as a designer. The one constant that you can depend on in this type of work is perpetual change. It’s a fast-paced career choice that doesn’t give you much time to breath, but at the same time doesn’t give you much of an opportunity to get bored either. Out of all the different career choices one can make, a life spent in Interactive Media and Design is one of the most challenging, satisfying and lucrative that you can ask for.

A graphic designer is an artist, specializing in various forms of media.  Some work in animation, illustration, photography or layout design. Many graphic designers freelance while others work for a company. The field is huge and constantly changing.

Studying the various areas of graphic design and selecting a preferred medium is the first step toward becoming a graphic designer.  Watching market trends and technology trends can help narrow the choices for many artists.

Based on the field a person chooses to study, he or she should research schools to find one that is best suited, not only in terms of subject, location and affordability, but also in terms of alumni.  Has the school turned out leaders in the field?  Can the school help with job placement after graduation?  Are there internship opportunities through the school?

Even during school, students begin developing their portfolios. Some samples are mockups created for school as an assignment, while others are pro-bono or low-paying jobs students obtain from small businesses or through family and friends.  Experience in and out of the classroom helps students better determine their expertise and preference before entering the workforce.  Additionally, they are in a great position to further specialize their studies, as they are still in school.

Throughout his or her career, a graphic designer should maintain his or her portfolio and stay abreast of trends in his or her specialty.  Attending shows and conferences help graphic designers stay fresh and relevant.

Finally, the goal is to be the best.  The best graphic designers have great web sites with an online portfolio.  Catching the eye of a potential client is hugely important for a graphic designer.  Perception is everything.  To that end, displaying samples from prominent clients can create a great perception of value and quality or the designer.