Graphic Designers

Computer-trained artists who create cool graphics on everything from cereal boxes to Symphony programs. They pay attention to a company’s specific message and promotional needs, including factors like logos, packaging, or displays, and use computer software to create new and eye-catching designs.

Show me the money; The average annual wage in Oregon for Graphic Designers in 2007 was a good $41,948 per year, or $20.17 per hour.

Show me the jobs: Great news - the field of Graphic Design is already larger than the state average, and job openings are expected to grow to 2,816 jobs by 2016. What this boils down to is real opportunities for you in the coming years. Oregon is expected to add about 378 NEW JOBS in Graphic Design, a growth of 15.5%, between 2006 and 2016. If you look at both replacement and new job openings, the state predicts about 73 openings per year in this period. The largest numbers of new Graphic Artist positions are expected in the Portland Metropolitan area of Multnomah and Washington Counties, but opportunities are expected to pop up across the state. In 2006, large numbers of Graphic designers worked in information and publishing, printing, and specialized design and advertising industries, while many others worked in a wide range of fields from civic organizations to grocery wholesalers to radio broadcasting.

What I ABSOLUTELY need: You should plan on earning a bachelor’s degree if you want to pursue a career as a Graphic Designer. If you hit the market with a Master’s degree, you will have even more of an advantage.

Multi-Media Artists & Animators

Design highly creative visual images such as animated figures and special effects using computers, film and video, and other electronic media. Their work may be used in a wide range of venues for businesses and entertainment industries, such as movies, commercials, videos, or computer games.

Show me the money: The average annual wage in Oregon for Multi-Media Artists and Animators in 2007 was a good $59,023 per year, or $28.38 per hour.

Show me the jobs: The forecast shows fast growth in the field of Multi-Media Art and Animation in coming years. While the number of jobs was somewhat smaller than the state average in 2006, the occupation is expected to grow faster than the state average to a total of 461 projected jobs by 2016. In fact, Oregon is expected to add about 81 NEW JOBS in Multi-Media Art and Animation, a growth of 21.3%, between 2006 and 2016. About 17 job openings per year are expected in this period, including replacement and new jobs. The largest number of new Multi-Media Artist and Animator positions are expected in the Portland Metropolitan area of Multnomah and Washington Counties, but these positions are expected to open up in many areas across the state. In 2006, most Oregon Multi-Media Artists and Animators worked in motion picture, sound recording, and video industries, while many others worked in advertising, software publishing, newspaper or periodical publishing, and other design fields.

What I ABSOLUTELY need: You should plan on earning a bachelor’s degree if you want to pursue a career as a Multi-Media artist or Animator. If you hit the market with a Master’s degree, you will have even more of an advantage.