Tips on Becoming a Graphic Designer in Norfolk, Virginia

Well over a hundred talented artists in the city of Norfolk, Virginia hold full time positions in the field communication design, more commonly known as graphic design.  With a population of more than 242,000 and no less than 21,000 commercial enterprises, Norfolk is an ideal home location for artists seeking professional work as graphic designers.

Norfolk Schools and Training Programs for Graphic Design

Many excellent colleges and Universities in the state of Virginia offer graphic design degree opportunities.  Popular Norfolk graphic design schools include Norfolk State University and Tidewater Community College, among others.  Most aspiring graphic designers earning degrees at Norfolk design colleges major in visual media.

In addition to locally placed design colleges, many more design degrees are available nationwide via online graphic design schools.  Among the largest accredited colleges featuring online degree programs in graphic design are The Art Institutes, ITT Tech, University of Phoenix and DeVry.  These schools also feature many physical locations throughout the United States.  ITT Tech has a campus in Norfolk. 

Working as a Graphic Designer in Norfolk, Virginia

Many communication design professionals in Virginia work for leading local advertising agencies.  Top Norfolk ad firms include Greenhouse Agency, Hampton-Roads-Employment-Weekly and Kaboom Advertising.  Some local artists team up with successful Norfolk motion picture companies.  Leading local movie producers include Octavia Mechanical, Parker Advertising and Willoughby Productions.  Other Norfolk graphic designers work for book publishers, product manufacturers, schools, software developers, websites and many other businesses.  Local graphic design jobs for artists in Norfolk, Virginia include company logos, restaurant menus, book covers, clinical charts, educational diagrams, signs, public notices and more. 

The average annual income of a graphic designer employed in the state of Virginia is about $52,000, with a mean hourly rate of roughly $25.00.  About half of all graphic designers working for U.S. businesses earn between $30,000 and $60,000 a year.  Virginia ranks seventh among states in terms of average annual income for graphic designers.  As well, artists working in relatively large cities like Norfolk earn higher incomes, on average, than similarly employed artists in other parts of the state.

Skills of a Graphic Designer

Today's communications designers do mostly digital computer art and layout work.  Layout is the arranging and manipulation of visual elements on a defined background area, commonly known as a “page.”  Professional graphic design work requires drawing, computer art, photography, web design and typography, not to mention communication skills, problem-solving ability, calmness under pressure and extraordinary attention to detail.