How to Become a Graphic Designer in Rochester, New York

The upstate city of Rochester, New York, with more than 210,000 residents and about 42,000 commercial businesses, is home to about 200 professional graphic designers.  Businesses throughout Rochester continuously hire communications design professionals for a virtually unlimited assortment of visual design projects.

Rochester Schools and Training Programs for Graphic Design

Several hundred colleges and Universities in the state of New York offer degree programs in graphic design.  Popular Rochester design schools include Rochester Institute of Technology, University of Rochester and Monroe Community College.  In addition, many aspiring artists in Rochester, New York earn their degrees online.  Among the largest design colleges with online degree programs in graphic design are The Art Institutes, ITT Tech, University of Phoenix and DeVry.

Graphic artists at Rochester, New York design schools often major in visual communications or fine arts.  A typical core curriculum at a design college in Rochester could include computer science, sociology, online marketing and psychology, in  addition to essential design skills like drawing, digital art and typography.

Working as a Graphic Designer in Rochester, New York

A great number of graphic designers in Rochester, New York work for leading local advertising agencies.  Top Rochester ad firms include Catalyst-Direct, DAC-Group and SMG-Directory.  Some local artists design film credits and promotional displays for top Rochester motion picture producers like Rose Films, Uga Enterprises and Studios at Linden Oaks. 

Communications designers in Rochester, New York also work for art galleries, retailers, landscapers, real estate offices, schools, news syndicates, software developers and many other commercial businesses.  Local graphic design jobs for disciplined Rochester artists include medical charts, educational diagrams, assembly instructions, company logos, web pages, product packaging street signs and more. 

Graphic designers in America's fifty states and Washington DC occupy more than 280,000 corporate positions.  Salaries for graphic designers may depend on factors like education, experience, expertise, commitment and geographic location.  Data collected by the Bureau of Labor Statistics reveals that the average annual salary for a professional graphic designer employed in the state of New York is around $57,525, with an average hourly rate of about $27.70.  Roughly half of all graphic designers in America earn between $30,000 and $60,000 a year.  New York ranks first among states in terms of average income for graphic designers.   

Skills of a Graphic Designer

Graphic design professionals need to have superb drawing technique combined with excellent verbal and written communication skills.  They must be able to render quick sketches based on spoken or written descriptions of developing ideas and concepts.  Graphic designers also need a solid grasp of photography, typography and professional design software.  Web design skills are not absolutely necessary, but are much appreciated by most employers.  Lastly, graphic design professionals should have genuine artistic talent.