Graphic Design

Visual appearance can make the difference between the success or failure of a product or publication. Visuals create instant perceptions about people, organizations, and products. Those perceptions, valid or not, often affect your behavior toward those people, organizations, and products. Graphic designers are artists charged with creating visual images, be it a corporate logo, a company newsletter, a college catalog, or a candy's colorful wrapper. The field changes daily with the expanding use of computers in design, giving graphic artists an exciting array of challenges.

Educational Choices

Employees can gain entry to this field through preparation at the associate degree level, particularly in a program that emphasizes computer and design skills. Education can continue with a bachelor's or master's degree in graphic design or computer graphics. Some students combine training in graphic design with public relations, marketing strategies, or management skills.

For more information on training and employment in this field, visit:

Education for Graphics Design at TC3

TC3 offers an A.A.S. degree in graphics design and computer graphics. Our innovative program responds to technological demands and realities. You will be exposed to a variety of courses in design and computers. Practical experience is emphasized by work in a design studio. Independent art studio lets you explore in-depth special interests, such as publication production and advertising layout. Students from TC3 have successfully transferred to Cazenovia College, Fashion Institute of Technology, Ithaca College, Rochester Institute of Technology, School of Visual Arts, Syracuse University, and many others.

Skills and Tasks

Knowledge of art history and classic techniques of layout and composition
Ability to use a variety of print, electronic, and film media to create designs that meet client needs
Design promotional displays and marketing brochures for products and services, develop distinctive company logos for products and businesses, and create visual designs of annual reports and other corporate literature
Develop the overall layout and design of magazines, newspapers, journals, and other publications
Develop the graphics and layout of Internet websites
Skilled in the use of computer software to generate new images
Skilled in the use of digital cameras and digital image software

Job Titles

Graphic Designer
Package Designer
Publications Editor
Advertising Agent
Marketing Director
Illustrator
Webmaster
Web Designer
Art Director

Types of Employers

Graphic design firms
Printing and publishing
Art and design studios
Advertising agencies
Educational institutions
Membership organizations
Healthcare organizations
Social service agencies
Advertising agencies
Manufacturing firms
Financial institutions
Government agencies

Salary Range

In 1998, the New York state annual salary range for a graphic designer was: $28,420 – $52,750
In 1998 the National annual salary range for all visual artists was: $18,000 – $64,000
In 1998 the New York state annual salary range for art directors was: $27,000 - $60,000

To inquire about joining one of our NTO Programs, or for more information on any of the careers and services featured within the NTO website, contact our Non-Traditional Occupations Program coordinator, who will be your central contact and guide through your college career.

Non-Traditional Occupations Program Coordinator

607.844.8211
Email the Coordinator

Tompkins Cortland Community College

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	Accounting Broadcast Production Business Administration Communication and Media Arts: Broadcast Journalism Construction Technology Criminal Justice Early Childhood Electronic Technology Graphic Design Hotel and Restaurant Management Nursing Non-Traditional Occupations Program Coordinator 607.844.8211 email the Coordinator	Graphic Design Visual appearance can make the difference between the success or failure of a product or publication. Visuals create instant perceptions about people, organizations, and products. Those perceptions, valid or not, often affect your behavior toward those people, organizations, and products. Graphic designers are artists charged with creating visual images, be it a corporate logo, a company newsletter, a college catalog, or a candy's colorful wrapper. The field changes daily with the expanding use of computers in design, giving graphic artists an exciting array of challenges. Educational Choices Employees can gain entry to this field through preparation at the associate degree level, particularly in a program that emphasizes computer and design skills. Education can continue with a bachelor's or master's degree in graphic design or computer graphics. Some students combine training in graphic design with public relations, marketing strategies, or management skills. For more information on training and employment in this field, visit: Artists and Related Workers Labor Statistics CareerZone: Graphic Designers Education for Graphics Design at TC3 TC3 offers an A.A.S. degree in graphics design and computer graphics. Our innovative program responds to technological demands and realities. You will be exposed to a variety of courses in design and computers. Practical experience is emphasized by work in a design studio. Independent art studio lets you explore in-depth special interests, such as publication production and advertising layout. Students from TC3 have successfully transferred to Cazenovia College, Fashion Institute of Technology, Ithaca College, Rochester Institute of Technology, School of Visual Arts, Syracuse University, and many others. Skills and Tasks Knowledge of art history and classic techniques of layout and composition Ability to use a variety of print, electronic, and film media to create designs that meet client needs Design promotional displays and marketing brochures for products and services, develop distinctive company logos for products and businesses, and create visual designs of annual reports and other corporate literature Develop the overall layout and design of magazines, newspapers, journals, and other publications Develop the graphics and layout of Internet websites Skilled in the use of computer software to generate new images Skilled in the use of digital cameras and digital image software Job Titles Graphic Designer Package Designer Publications Editor Advertising Agent Marketing Director Illustrator Webmaster Web Designer Art Director Types of Employers Graphic design firms Printing and publishing Art and design studios Advertising agencies Educational institutions Membership organizations Healthcare organizations Social service agencies Advertising agencies Manufacturing firms Financial institutions Government agencies Salary Range In 1998, the New York state annual salary range for a graphic designer was: $28,420 – $52,750 In 1998 the National annual salary range for all visual artists was: $18,000 – $64,000 In 1998 the New York state annual salary range for art directors was: $27,000 - $60,000 back to top To inquire about joining one of our NTO Programs, or for more information on any of the careers and services featured within the NTO website, contact our Non-Traditional Occupations Program coordinator, who will be your central contact and guide through your college career. Non-Traditional Occupations Program Coordinator 607.844.8211 Email the Coordinator
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