A graphic designer communicates ideas and messages through a visual medium.  Graphic design is used in three main types of media: print, digital and production credits for TV and movies.  A graphic designer's main duties vary by medium and by the type of company they work for.

In general, a graphic designer's duties include

• Creating and producing images and logos
• Creating layouts for magazines, newsletters, newspapers, brochures and other print pieces
• Coordinating for production of print pieces
• Creating layouts for websites and digital newsletters or email advertising
• Creating promotional displays including signs and signage systems for public exhibition
• Produce credits for TV and film

Once a graphic design or layout is created, it needs to be produced in the medium it was made for.  A graphic designer may assist or coordinate this production with printers or computer programmers.  Additionally, a high proportion of graphic designers are self employed, so many also sell and market their services.

Much of today's graphic design is created using software like the Adobe Suite of Photoshop, Illustrator and Pagemaker.  Layout software includes QuarkXpress and InDesign.

A career in graphic design, while competitive, can be very rewarding financially and creatively.  One third of designers own their own business.