Careers

Art Director 

• design concepts and presentations
• help designers
• 4 year bachelor degree
• salary: $25-$120,000

Creative Director

• manager of department
• design pitches
• billing
• skills/education: degree in field/graphic design
• need experience- 7-10 years
• salary: $70,000-$150,000

Illustrator:

• draw for companies
• design cards, books, wrapping paper
• degree in illustration or graphic design
• salary: $30-$50,000

Graphic Designer

• Assembles visuals for clients
• design software
• bachelors degree
• $26,000

Production Artist

• makes labels
• support designers
• associates degree
• salary: $26,000

Web Designer

• creates look of a website
• work with computers
• dreamweaver, illustrator, photoshop
• salary: $45,000-$80,000

Package Designer

• Design packages and containers for products
• bachelors degree in industrial design
• salary: $33,000-$75,000

Comic Book Artist

• No art degree
• draw figures in action and detailed backgrounds
• salary: $12,000-$50,000

Animator

• 3D computer graphics
• salary: $32,000-$99,000

Publication Design

• Design the layout and content of any publication material
• bachelors degree in graphic design
• salary: $23,000-$85,000

Freelance

• Artist that works without a dedication to one longterm employer
• salary: $57,000

Storyboard Artist

• work with
• education: bachelor's degree, background classes in drawings, know about film
• salary: $25,000-$80,000
• work in studios/offices freelance-ish
• create sketches/drawings for film production

AIGA

• American Institute of Graphic Arts
• support designers
• help publish portfolios
• biggest professional organization for designers
• help members get jobs

PIAG

• Printing and Imaging Association of Georgia
• print & design things for businesses
• support printing, designers, printing industry
• push for curriculum

GAG

SPD

• Society of Publication Designers
• help publication designers
• art directors, editors

Portrait Photographer

• take pictures of individuals or groups at a studio or on location
• more local than most photographers
• education: degree in photography, basic knowledge
• salary: $26,000-$63,000

Documentary Photographer

• takes pictures of historical events
• education: bachelor's degree
• salary: $28,000-$75,000

Copyrighter

• write copes for merchandise and publishing
• work with art directors and clients
• salary: $27,00-$70,00
• can turn into associate creative director
• education: liberal arts/art fields

Advertising Photographers

• commercial photographers
• photographers for promotional items
• salary: $47,000-$200,000
• products, billboards, magazines, etc.

Editorial Photographer

• taking pictures for newspapers and magazines- articles
• salary: $25,000-$55,000
• education: don't need degree, recommended high school diploma

Fashion Photographer

• takes pictures of fashion products
• skills: work with models
• good eye/artistic ability
• salary: $55,000-$100,000

Photojournalist

• provide pictures for news stories
• education: bachelor's degree
• work at newspaper or printing publication
• salary: $15,000-$50,000
• have to love this career to be successful

Sports Photographer

• travel with sports teams/sporting events
• take pictures of sporting events
• bachelor's degree in photography
• salary: $24,000+

PPA

• Professional Photographers of America
• advances careers of members
• provides education, resources, & industry standards

NAPP

• National Association of Photoshop Professionals (users)
• organization in photoshop industry
• magazines, portraits, publications
• discounts
• shows step by step tutorials, how-tos, tips & tricks, reviews
• magazine: photoshop user

APA

• American Photographic Artists
• leading national organization run by and promoting photographers
• benefits: insurance, discounts

NPPA- National Press Photographers Association

• Founded: 1946
• Mission statement: The National Press Photographers Association is dedicated to the advancement of visual journalism, its creation, practice, training, editing and distribution, in all news media and works to promote its role as a vital public service.
• Represents photographers and people who do video/multimedia. The NPPA is an organization dedicated to advancing the graphic design industry. It also allows designers to meet with many top visual journalists.
• Steps to become a professional member:

1. Pay $110 annually
2. Work/freelance in photography, multimedia, audio, video, design, editing, producing, teaching, writing, reporting, or visual journalism on the Web. 
3. Can work for an organization or institution, or be self-employed.

        Opportunities for student members:

          Helps when studying the field of visual journalism. They can find a mentor, attend       

workshops, and get portfolio critiques.

• Publication: New Photographer magazine
• The NPPA offers many job opportunities listed in their Job Bank.
• Resources: why join: http://www.nppa.org/about_us/why_join/ 

          benefits of joining: http://www.nppa.org/about_us/why_join/benefits.html

          magazine: http://www.nppa.org/news_and_events/magazine/