Careers in Graphic and Interactive Design

Graphic designers work with all components of visual communication, from traditional and historical letterforms to digital images and multimedia components. The graphic design field includes all printed and motion media that deliver information, opinion and entertainment: newspapers, magazines, books, newsletters, brochures, posters, CDs, Web-based and multimedia applications. There is a wide range of employment available in graphic and interactive design, from self-employment to work with design firms, advertising agencies or production houses.  Employment projections for graphic designers appear quite good.  The California Employment Development Department expects the number of people employed as graphic designers to grow by 19.3% by 2012 (Source: Labor Market Info www.labormarketinfo.edd.ca.gov).

Necessary Education and Skills for Career Success
Graphic designers must be able to communicate effectively through their art. They combine multiple pieces of information and structure them in a way that is visually appealing and accessible. Though talent and technical proficiency are important, understanding human behavior and the different ways to communicate are equally important. There is also a demand for designers with a wide-ranging knowledge of computer technologies and production techniques.

General Info About the Program
De Anza College offers certificate and degree programs to help individuals prepare for employment or further education in graphic and interactive design. Both the Graphic Design and Interactive Design programs emphasize the principles of design in combination with the use of the computer as a tool. Emphasis is placed on the creative integration and selection of type styles and images as they relate to the printed page, film/video output, Web-based, and multimedia applications.

Graphic and Interactive Design Certificate and Degree Programs

The following links open in .pdf.

Certificates of Achievement:

• Graphic Design

Certificates of Achievement-Advanced:

• Graphic Design
• Interactive Design

Associate Degrees (A.A.):

• Graphic Design
• Interactive Design

For more information contact the Graphic and Interactive Design Department
Creative Arts Division
De Anza A4
(408) 864-8832
www.cstudionline.com/design/gd