Computer Graphics Degrees: The Electronic Frontier in Art

Computers. Artists tend to love 'em or hate 'em. The artists who hate 'em would rather work with real, warm mediums that stick to their shirts, like paints or clay. But the artists who love computers get to enter the fastest-growing field in art jobs: computer graphics.

The increasing power of microchips has made computer graphics a key tool in almost every area of society. Whether it's entertainment or engineering, from the web to street signs, or in just about any industry, computer graphic design is a primary communications tool.

What's worth a thousand words?

Nothing reaches people like pictures. Especially in science, or with any data-heavy abstract topic, artists are needed who can get a concept across visually. The concept may be complex, three-dimensional information, but the right artist can sit down with a computer graphic program and make diagrams and visuals that help people get it. Anyone with that kind of talent can pull in a large fee.

Computer graphics artists consult with managers and clients about projects. They create sketches or layouts of their ideas. When the sketch is approved by the clients, the artist uses software tools to take the concept from paper to screen.

Choose Your Computer Graphic Program

Computer graphics degrees can include preparation for a number of specialties. Learn how to make three-dimensional cartoons, video games, television and film. Use CAD (computer-aided design) systems to design models of buildings, cars or even cities. In one quickly growing specialty, CAD systems are being used to design biological models for physicians, surgeons and scientists. Computer graphic design is also making a tremendous difference in charts; tables; and graphs that organize information spread learning and knowledge.

With the field advancing so fast, one of the computer graphics degrees is your ticket to avoiding career boredom. According to the US Department of Labor, the middle 50 percent of graphic designers make between $28,000 and $49,000. The highest 10 percent earn more than $64,000.

Sources:

Occupational Outlook Handbook: Artists and Related Workers:
http://stats.bls.gov/oco/ocos092.htm
Occupational Outlook Handbook: Designers and Computer Graphics Artists http://stats.bls.gov/oco/ocos090.htm