Throughout civilisation, human beings have organised and communicated ideas, information and stories through words, symbols and pictures. At the beginning of the twenty-first century, visual communication remains one of the most important aspects of our daily lives. Why we communicate through words, symbols and pictures hasn't changed for thousands of years - how we do it is changing rapidly. As information and technology become more complex, it is important that our styles of communication are clear and effective. You can become part of the exciting culture of visual communication by choosing a career in graphic design and illustration.

Graphic design and illustration are vital industries that combines information technology, visual arts, art history, art theory, language, writing skills, publishing, management and administration.

A big part of graphic design and illustration is problem solving. You need to understand how you can share ideas and information with a wide range of people.

It is essential that you enjoy using your creativity in a practical way.

Imagination is the most important tool used by graphic designers and illustrators..

The second most important tool is a computer.

Most graphic designers and illustrators create their work on computers. Computer design techniques are technical skills that anyone can learn, if they have access to training and computers.

Nobody is born with computer skills. Even if you have never turned a computer on, there is nothing stopping you from learning the technical skills that will allow you to achieve your dreams of a career in graphic design and illustration.

You can specialise in different areas of the graphic design and illustration industries:
- publishing
- advertising
- illustration
- desktop publishing
- packaging design
- web design
- multimedia.

You can further your training by studying graphic design, multimedia development or illustration at university.

You can always extend your career outside the studio by becoming a teacher or a lecturer, a marketing manager, a consultant or a business manager. Remember, you can design your own career path, depending on your ambitions.

If like the idea of combining art and technology, creativity and business, consider a career in graphic design and illustration.

As a junior graphic designer, you can expect a starting wage of between $25 000 and $35 000 per year. As you get more qualified and gain more experience, your earning potential grows. Creative directors earn in excess of $100 000 per year. You are also able to freelance, and operate your own studio. As a freelancer, you can expect to charge between $50 and $150 per hour, depending on your skills and experience.

You can research NSW awards on the NSW Department of Industrial Relations (DIR) website
or you can contact the NSW DIR Award Enquiry Service or your local NSW DIR office.

WageNet gives you information about Federal awards. You can ask for help by filling in an online enquiry form or you can contact the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations (DEWR) WageLine.

If you are interested in studying graphic design and illustration as part of your HSC, consider doing a part time school-based Vocational Education and Training (VET) traineeship:
Certificate II in Desktop Publishing
Certificate II in Print Production Support
Certificate II in Print Design.

TAFE NSW offers a range of courses in:
Design
Printing and Graphic Arts
Fine Arts and Contemporary Crafts
Multimedia and IT Systems.

There are also excellent government accredited private training providers that specialise in graphic design, web design and multimedia. Shop around to make sure that you get a good deal on fees and training. Government accredited private colleges have open days and information sessions so you can see how they operate and check out the classrooms, studios and equipment.

Check out the credentials of private training providers by contacting the Australian Council for Private Education and Training (ACPET).

You can also check this list of private training providers recommended by ACPET on the Job Guide 2002 website.

 

Australian Graphic Design Association
PO Box 283
Cammeray NSW 2062
T (02) 9955 3955
F (02) 9955 0566
E nsw@agda.com.au
www.agda.asn.au/

Advertising Federation of Australia
Level 11, 89 York Street
Sydney NSW 2000
PO Box Q1389
QVB Post Office
Sydney NSW 1230
T (02) 8297 3800
F (02) 8297 3801
E afamail@afa.org.au
www.afa.org.au

Arts and Recreation Training (ACT)
PO Box 992 Civic Square ACT 2608
P (02) 6247 1882
F (02) 6147 8859
E artsrectrng@optusnet.com.au

Design Institute of Australia (National Office)
E dia@vecci.org.au
www.dia.org.au/

Graphic Arts Services Association of Australia
PO Box 1281
Bondi Junction NSW 2022
T (02) 9386 1595
F (02) 9389 9091
E garry@gasaa.asn.au
www.gasaa.asn.au

Arts Training NSW
PO Box R925
Royal Exchange NSW 2000
T (02) 9211 3444
F (02) 9211 7944
E admin@artstrainingnsw.com.au

Information Technology and Telecommunications Industry Training Advisory Body (National Office)
Suite 3
139 Queensberry Street
Carlton South VIC 3053
T (03) 9349 4955
F (03) 9349 4844
E ittitab@ittitab.com.au
www.ittitab.com.au

Australian Computer Society (National Office)
PO Box Q534
QVB Sydney NSW 1230
T (02) 9299 2322
F (02) 9299 3997
E info@acs.org.au
www.acs.org.au