Graphic designers are in huge demand, especially with today’s computer generated world. Because technology constantly changes, creating new expectations and requiring new skill sets, and because the financial market is volatile, it is always a good idea for graphic designers to keep a portfolio and resume on hand.

With the advent of the internet, job hunting and the ability to conduct business very quickly has become the norm. There are tons of job sites on the internet and there are plenty of people out there who are constantly looking for graphic designers.  From one site you can search all over the world and find companies who are looking for designers, whether freelance or salaried. Having your credentials ready to submit makes a job search that much easier.

Even if you have a graphic design job you love, you always want to make sure that your graphic design portfolio is sharp, professional looking and ready to present. Not only could you lose your job without notice, or get another offer you can’t refuse, but the sales team at your current job may need to present your portfolio to prospective clients to help close a deal.

If you have a problem writing a resume, you can go online and find plenty of information on how to create one.  It should always include your educational background, your work experience, and professional references.  Listing experience with software and operating systems, training and certifications, and any awards you have received is important as well.  The resume should employ proper grammar and clear language, making it easy to read.

Perhaps of equal value to the resume is your portfolio.  While your experience is listed on the resume, and is certainly important in delineating your qualifications, there is no better way to prove your capabilities than with samples of your work.  This is as true for the seasoned designer as it is for fresh graduates.  Showcasing your skills through samples from previous work or mock ups is your best entrance to a new job.

The portfolio should be an attachment to your resume. The company can check your job history and speak with references, but seeing your work at the outset will give you a jump on the competition.  Plus, if the hiring manager likes your work well enough, he might just hire you on the spot.

Graphic designers are needed in all facets of today’s world. Anywhere that you see some kind of graphic image whether it be on television, newspapers, online, clothes, or roadside billboards, a graphic designer was the one who produced the final image that you are seeing.  However, this abundant use of graphics does not necessarily mean there is an abundance of job openings.  A depressed market means many smaller businesses are cutting costs and trying to satisfy some of their design needs internally with other possibly less-qualified employees.

Job scarcity means tougher competition for you.  It is always helpful to keep your resume and portfolio available so you can be the first one to respond to job openings and show that you are prepared and look to be determined to do quality work.

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Graphic Designers have many different job opportunities in this career field.  Whether through print, video, or internet, there are a multitude of choices in any visual media.  As you embark on your education or your career, carefully assess your strengths and preferences against these many career options so you can make the best decision for your graphic design career.

Anyone who is interested in having a career in graphic design will need to have a bachelor’s degree. This is required for everything from entry level jobs on up. The other requirement is creativity and a good imagination. It is also important for graphic artists to have a good mastery of the tools of their trade which include computer techniques, drawing skills and software programs. Of course, computers are the most important tool because they are used for generating and animating images as well as for creating multimedia presentations. In order to master the computer programs that are used for these things, you will have to do a lot of studying. You will also need to keep up-to-date with all of the changes that are constantly taking place in regards to this technology.

Graphic designers will be able to work in several different types of businesses because graphics and multimedia presentations are increasingly important to the worldwide marketplace. You will find this in everything from social media networks to the various platforms that are being used for mobile devices.

At the heart of every advertising agency’s products there is graphic design. For this reason, advertising agencies are the one business wherein most graphics professionals work. While there are occasions when a graphic artist will come up with an ad’s design, most of the time they are responsible for the animation, color, shading, sound and other effects that go into making the advertisement stand out in the crowd. After all, there are a lot of things that an account manager might want for their ad campaign, including a storyboard presentation of the ad for conceptualization purposes.

Another area of graphic design is web development and design. In this medium it is extremely important to understand how to use computer software for multimedia purposes because websites are at the heart of virtually every business, from small retailers to major corporations.  Many of these websites rely on elaborate video presentations, illustrations and well-lit photographs.

There are also graphic designers who work with computer programmers and multimedia professionals to create and animate video games. Games require character movement, shading and simulated lighting to be present in every scene, all of which designers handle.

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While there are a lot of businesses that will employ you as a graphic designer, you can also do what 25% of those who are working as graphic artists today do: work for yourself. Whenever you are self-employed you may find yourself working for architectural firms, attorneys who need graphic presentations, fashion designers, publishing houses, real estate firms and sign companies.

These are just some of the many businesses that hire graphic designers today.  Typically a designer will choose to specialize in one of these business sectors and continually develop his or her skills as technology changes in that field.

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