Career Pathways

About the Design Industry

Graphic designers create visual concepts, using computer software or by hand, to communicate ideas that inspire, inform, and captivate consumers. They develop the overall layout and production design for applications such as advertisements, brochures, magazines, and reports.

Work Environment

Graphic designers generally work in studios, where they have access to equipment such as drafting tables, computers, and software. Although many graphic designers work independently, those who work for specialized graphic design firms are often part of a design team. Many graphic designers collaborate with colleagues or work with clients on projects.

How to become a...

Graphic designers usually need a bachelor’s degree in graphic design or a related field. Candidates for graphic design positions should have a portfolio that demonstrates their creativity and originality.

Certifications We Offer

Adobe Certified Associate in Print & Digital Media Publication Using Adobe InDesign
Graphic Design & Illustration Using Adobe Illustrator
Visual Design Using Adobe Photoshop CC

Career Pathways

Graphic artist
Web Designer
Designer (interior, architecture, fashion)
UX / user experience
Graphic Designer
Art Director

College Pathways

UMass Darthmouth
MassArt
LaSell
Fitchburg State
SNHU

About the Print Industry

The printing industry includes five segments: lithography, screen printing, flexography, gravure, and letterpress. Using lithography, printers are able to produce a variety of material with ink on paper including, but not limited to,: newspapers; books; labels; business cards; stationery; business forms; and brochures to name a few. Printing is not limited to just paper, and can also be achieved on metal, glass, and many other materials. Screen printing and embroidery, used mainly for garment decoration, is another popular printing segment. Printing can be divided into three distinct stages: Prepress: the preparation of materials and files for printing; Press or Output, the actual printing process; and Finishing, the folding, binding, and trimming of printed sheets into their final form.

Work Environment

Working conditions vary by specialty. For example, press operators who work with large web presses or pieces of bindery equipment often need to wear ear protection. On the other hand, prepress technicians and related workers usually work in quiet, clean, air-conditioned offices. In establishments that print confidential data, such as personal credit card statements, employees work in secure areas that are off-limits to other employees.