Graphic Design College in Colorado

Aspen Search asked me to write a testimonial about my favorite graphic design school, and provide some information about jobs and careers. Here goes.

I'm certain that one of the best graphic design schools is Colorado Mountain College, a state school with numerous locations in the Colorado Rocky Mountains, and centered in the Aspen, Colorado area (hence the inclusion in the Aspen Search website). You can join a number of talented graphic design students at CMC, get trained by the best -- and even ski during the weekends! With your training completed in digital photography or computer illustration and web page design, you'll have the knowledge you need for a terrific job in graphics design!

My career in graphic design is really going well. I got the basics from CMC, and am now out on my own, building websites, brochures and complete advertising packages, and having a terrific life.

Along the way I've learned a few things about graphic design work. Formal training for most design professions is available in 2- and 3-year professional schools that award certificates or associate degrees in design. Graduates of 2-year programs normally qualify as assistants to designers, or they may enter a formal bachelor’s degree program. In my experience, if you're planning on grabbing the brass ring, simply get a certificate and hang out your sign. If you're good and chase down a stable of clients, you'll be successful. The Bachelor of Fine Arts degree is granted at 4-year colleges and universities. The curriculum in these schools includes art and art history, principles of design, designing and sketching, and specialized studies for each of the individual design disciplines, such as garment construction, textiles, mechanical and architectural drawing, computerized design, sculpture, architecture, and basic engineering. A liberal arts education or a program that includes training in business or project management, together with courses in merchandising, marketing, and psychology, along with training in art, is recommended for designers who want to freelance.

I found the following career information on a government web site, and edited it down so it's easier to take in:

Designers held about 532,000 jobs in 2002. Approximately one-third were self-employed. Employment was distributed as follows:

Graphic designers	212,000
Floral designers	104,000
Merchandise displayers and window trimmers	77,000
Interior designers	60,000
Commercial and industrial designers	52,000
Fashion designers	15,000
Set and exhibit designers	12,000

Salaried designers worked in a number of different industries. Graphic designers, for example, worked primarily in specialized design services; website design, newspaper, periodical, book, and directory publishers; and advertising and related services. In 2002, a large proportion of designers were self-employed and did freelance work—full time or part time—in addition to holding a salaried job in design or in another occupation.