Discover the Best Graphic Design Classes in Washington, D.C.
Graphic design has quietly become one of the most important skills used in a myriad of different career fields in As the nation’s capital, D.C. is also a heavy economic force, one that includes tech-based fields, design firms, and other important industries that may need graphic designers to create effective and high-quality advertisements, signs, and much more. However, graphic designers are also much more than simply ad makers.
Graphic design is defined as the art of communicating messages using visual means, such as text, pictures, and colors by arranging them in pleasing and effective ways. As a result, graphic designers in may perform many types of tasks for a dizzying array of industries. Thankfully, this means you should be able to find a career that interests you in this field, especially after completing a graphic design training program.
Best Graphic Design Classes & Schools in
provides multiple high-quality graphic design schools and classes where you can practice and master these techniques. These institutions include community colleges and universities that provide associate’s, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees. However, there are also independent training options in the area that immerse you in a bootcamp-style learning environment that will give you a more intimate and hands-on educational experience.
Montgomery College
Montgomery College is a community college in D.C. that provides an associate’s degree in graphic design that may be useful for people interested in this field. You’ll learn about illustrating, producing multimedia artwork, animating, and creating high-quality user-interface platforms. Each student gets personalized attention from their professor to ensure that they master each of the necessary skills required for becoming an expert graphic designer.
American University
American University of ., is a popular learning institution that provides a graphic design bachelor degree. Courses discuss subjects as diverse as cover publication, poster design, multimedia photos, interactive design, and illustration. Their bachelor’s degree program also requires you to create a portfolio that highlights your best work after completing your degree. In this way, you improve your chances of finding a great job once you graduate.
Marymount University
Marymount University is a well–known D.C. university that provides undergraduate education in graphic design that includes intensive student work and research. You’ll not only learn in a class-based environment but get support through internships, personal pet causes, and even a useful profile. Even better, this school provides some job-search help that may make it easier for you to jump into a graphic designer role immediately after finishing your training.
University of the District of Columbia
The University of the District of Columbia provides an associate’s degree in graphic design that immerses you in the skills needed to master this career path. If you complete your program, you can transfer your credits to the UDC graphic design bachelor’s program to speed up your learning process! During your training, you’ll master fundamental design principles, learn how to create shapes, lines, textures, and colors, and master theoretical technical skills.
Noble Desktop
Noble Desktop is an online learning platform that teaches coding, business, and design skills in a comfortable and intimate digital environment. You get paired with a professor who understands graphic design in subjects, like web design, design software, HTML, and CSS. In this way, the teacher helps improve your learning experience. Noble Desktop includes setup assistance, one-on-one mentoring, and other unique advantages that make them useful for you.
CourseHorse
CourseHorse is a learning environment, similar to Noble Desktop, that connects learners to various highly skilled trainers. For example, the American Management Association provides D.C. courses like Instructional Design Certificate Program. Other classes available in Washington D.C. include Learning Tree International’s User Experience (UX) Design for Successful Software and Capital Photography Center’s Photoshop for Photographers.
Washington, D.C Industries That Use Graphic Design
In , there are many great industries that need graphic designers. Here are a few options that may appeal to you:
- Brand Development: Brand development is an essential industry that helps companies better understand and execute their branding. Graphic design experts may find careers in this field creating logos, advertisements, and other important materials for a variety of clients.
- Print Publishing: The rumors of the death of the print industry have been mostly exaggerated, and there are still many publishers operating around the nation. While D.C. is not a major hub for publishing firms, there are a handful of small printers in the city who need graphic designers.
- Social Media Management: In today’s internet-obsessed world, social media marketing is critical for businesses that want to stand out. Companies in this field need graphic designers who can produce effective and attractive posts that catch the eye and imagination.
- Marketing: Graphic designers often have excellent careers producing print ads, billboards, door hangers, social media ads, and other digital marketing materials. Thankfully, , has a handful of advertising companies that may hire you.
- Computer Design: Software firms need graphic designers who can produce attractive user interfaces and other visuals for their programs. There are a handful of firms like this in the city, and they may hire fresh college graduates who have minimal work experience.
- Game Production: Video game businesses in , need graphic designers to produce game characters, animations, game backgrounds, user interfaces, promotional materials, and more. As a result, it’s a great industry in which to start a graphic design career.
Graphic Design Jobs & Salaries in
Graphic design careers in are incredibly diverse and may be very creatively rewarding for the right person. Furthermore, many of them are financially rewarding, especially if you have an advanced degree in this field. If you’re interested in pursuing a career in graphic design, here are several jobs in the D.C. area (and their salaries) that you may want to consider:
- User Experience (UX) Designer: A UX designer focuses on improving software programs, websites, and even appliances by making sure the user understands how to use them effectively. This graphic-design career averages a $110,000 salary in Washington D.C.
- User Interface (UI) Creator: All software programs, websites, and user-based products use UI designers to create easy-to-understand and streamlined interfaces. Expect to make a $110,000 average salary or up to $120,000 with the right employer.
- Art Director: If you’re into art and want to manage a company’s overall art style and branding, try an art director career. It’s a very high-earning job field in , with an average salary of $157,000 and a high pay of $189,000, depending on the employer.
- Publication Designer: Have you ever looked at a magazine or other publication and thought you could lay it out more effectively? Well, you might want to try a publication designer career, which earns an average of $64,000 annually in , or up to $71,000.
- Marketing Specialist: Marketing specialists may work with graphic design when creating interesting advertisements and social media campaigns. You can earn an average of $86,000 in this career in , or up to $98,185 with a more advanced employer.
- Web Designer: As a web designer, you will create attractive websites and integrate photos, text, and other elements to make them stand out. In Washington D.C., you can expect an average salary of about $56,000, though you may make between $50,000 and $64,000.
- Animator: Though D.C. is not known for its extensive animation scene, there are some companies in the area that may hire you. Expect to earn between $58,000 to $84,000, with an average salary of about $69,000, depending on your position and experience.
