Where Do Graphic Designers Work?

Graphic design is a large field, and there are many places that employ graphic designers. Designers can choose work within a wide variety of industries - such as ad agencies, nonprofit organizations, publishing companies, and many others.

Here is a list of the primary places where graphic designers are employed:

Advertising Agencies

The job of an advertising agency is to create images and advertisements for companies to help them sell their products and/or services to consumers. Advertising agencies could not stay in business if they didn't employ graphic designers. Graphic designers are the people that create these important images that influence the public.

Print Markets

Newspapers and magazines hire graphic designers to layout the pages of their publications. Graphic designers lay out the pages in an effective manner so that the publication appears organized, yet very eye pleasing.

Book publishers also staff graphic designers. The general public often chooses a book because the cover looks interesting. The graphic designer's job is to design eye-catching book covers that influence potential buyers to purchase books.

In House Graphic Designers

Many large companies and organizations will hire in-house graphic designers to work on company newsletters, brochures, logos, web sites, and other visual material. Having in-house graphic designers saves the company or organization money because they don't have to employ an outside advertising agency. For example, nonprofit agencies like museums and ballet companies may have a graphic designer in their public relations department to create visual material such as websites and program fliers for their patrons.

Teaching

Graphic designers with years of experience can become graphic design instructors. Public schools, universities, community colleges, and technical schools seek experienced graphic designers to teach graphic design to students. Graphic design instructors teach students a variety of techniques that will enable them to develop the skills they need to enter the field of graphic design.

Freelancing

Graphic designers always have the option of self employment, or freelancing. Graphic designers that possess an entrepreneurial spirit can start their own small business and advertise their services to individuals and organizations—both in their local area and on the Internet. Many small businesses opt for freelance graphic designers over advertising agencies because they find freelancers more affordable.