Career Definition for a Visual Communications Designer
Visual communications designers are specialized graphic designers that use graphics software applications to create visual design elements for publishers, website developers and other multimedia companies. Companies then use these materials on their websites, print materials, packaging and other visual media. The visual communications designer is responsible for crafting visual designs that represent a company's marketing concepts and goals. Using advanced graphic software programs and other technology, a visual communications designer is able to create something as basic as a brochure or as complex as full-length animation.
| Education | Two year visual communications associate's degree, bachelor's degree in visual communications |
| Job Skills | Multitasking, creative, familiar with design software |
| Median Salary (2021)* | $50,710 (graphic designers) |
| Job Outlook (2021-2031)* | 3% decline (graphic designers) |
Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Education Requirements
A 2-year, associate's degree in visual communications, fine arts, or a technical design degree can be enough to get started in the visual communications design field. With a 4-year, bachelor's degree, you may increase your opportunities for employment. Some 4-year, arts schools require students to have one year of art and graphic courses for entry into their bachelor's programs. Visual communications design degree programs often include courses in art, graphic design, marketing, typography and multimedia applications.
Skills Needed
The ability to juggle many projects, be a creative problem solver and conceptual aptitude are necessary skills for visual communications designers. The companies they work for expect a visual communications designer to be familiar with advanced design software and technology.
Career and Economic Outlook
Companies that offer specialized design services, publishers and advertising firms employ the majority of people who work in the graphic design field. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) listed the median salary for graphic designers as $50,710 in 2021. Employment of graphic designers is expected to see a growth of 3% from 2021 through 2031, according to the BLS.
Alternative Careers
Similar career options include:
Multimedia Artist
Performing some of the same design tasks as a visual communications designer, a multimedia artist specializes in developing special effects and art for mediums such as video, television, movies and computer games. With the assistance of other design professionals, they sketch out scenes and create images, graphics and animation using specialized computer software.
Since a portfolio of work is necessary to show to prospective employers, earning a bachelor's degree in graphic art, computer graphics or a related field is generally required by employers. The BLS predicts the field of multimedia art and animation will grow as fast as average, by 5%, during the 2021-2031 decade, mostly driven by the demand for movie and video game special effects. Based on BLS data from May of 2021, multimedia artists earned a median income of $78,790.
Art Director
For those interested in coordinating and designing the visual appearance of magazines, product packaging, newspapers and other media, becoming an art director may be a good fit. Art directors help plan the concept of the project, assign work to designers and artists, determine what images and elements should be used, manage the timeline and budget, oversee the work of staff and communicate design ideas to clients.
To enter this profession, a degree in design or art is necessary, and experience working as an editor, graphic designer or other related field is generally required. The BLS expects a decline in job growth of 4% for art directors between 2021 and 2031. Art directors received $100,890 in median wages, as reported by the BLS in May 2021.
