Exploring Jobs in Design

By Sarah Clark
Career Colleges Columnist

The Design field has grown increasingly important in recent years. Shows like Trading Spaces and Extreme Makeover: Home Edition have piqued the interests of millions of people about interior design. Increasingly, Americans are getting equally interested in form as they are function, shopping at stores like Ikea that place a premium on design.

So it shouldn't come as a big surprise that jobs in design are growing in response to an American market that's eagerly embracing better designed homes, furniture, interiors, and visual images.

If you're interested in design, there are many paths to explore in this growing field.

Graphic Designs Career

Graphic designers design corporate logos, Web sites, posters, signs, and a variety of text and images used in marketing and communications. Jobs in graphic design are found within the advertising or communications divisions of companies, with advertising agencies, and, of course, graphic design consulting firms. Most graphic designers have at least a bachelor's degree or certificate in graphic design. Those working at a higher level may have a higher degree or a minimum of several years of relevant experience in graphic design.

Jobs in Fashion Design

Fashion designers, on the other hand, work with clothing instead of images and typography. Most fashion designers work for large clothing manufacturers or for a fashion design consulting group. Jobs in fashion design usually require at least a bachelor's degree in fashion design. Programs in fashion design may be found at art institutes or schools of design.

Interior Design Jobs

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs in interior design are expected to grow in the coming years due in large part to the aging baby boomer population. The need for retirement communities and facilities is driving this demand. Additionally, the economy is expected to grow, resulting in a growing number of businesses that will need the services of an interior design consulting firm. Interior designers attend school for two to four years. Those with a bachelor's degree, however, will be most competitive, reports the BLS.

Whether you work as a graphic designer, consulting companies on logo development, an interior designer, helping people achieve more comfortable and functional living and working environments, or as a fashion designer, making women and men better dressed, you'll find yourself in a field where creativity, authenticity, and business acumen are highly rewarded.

About the Author
Sarah Clark is a freelance writer specializing in career development and postsecondary education.

Email this article

All information on the Career Colleges website is copyrighted and intended for informational use only including the Career Assessment and Most Popular Career Colleges section. The school programs offered by the technical schools and trade schools represented in the online college directory are up-to-date.