Comparing Multimedia and Design Career Fields
Ashley Raybuck
DeVry University
English 227
October 17, 2013

Table of Contents
Page

Introduction …………………………………………………………………………………………………2
Web Design versus Graphic Design
What is the difference? .........................................................................................................3
Skill Sets……………………………………………………………………………………………...3
Work Environment
Web Design………………………………………………………………………………………….4
Graphic Design……………………………………………………………………………………..5
Educational Requirements
Web Design…………………………………………………………………………………………5
Graphic Design…………………………………………………………………………………….5
Projected Career Outlook
Web Design…………………………………………………………………………………………6
Graphic Design…………………………………………………………………………………….6
Salary
Web Design………………………………………………………………………………………...6
Graphic Design……………………………………………………………………………………6
Conclusions and Recommendations…………………………………………………………………7
References…………………………………………………………………………………………………8

Introduction
When choosing a career path, it can be a bit intimidating. There is lots of information to sift through, such as salary, education needed, what skill sets are required, what is the work environment like, and the list can go on and on. It also can be a bit difficult because each person wants to make sure that not only can they support themselves or their family, but will they be happy with this choice for, sometimes, the rest of their lives? Choosing can be a difficult decision, but with the right information, it doesn’t always have to be. There are a few different paths in the Multimedia and Design field, but this document will focus on two of the major choices: Web Design versus Graphic Design.
Purpose
This report is designed for those who are having trouble finding guidance in choosing the correct path, therefore eliminating the need to take unnecessary classes and credits and being able to focus particularly on the field of their choosing while gaining quality information to appropriately plan for their future.
Sources and Methods
The report uses key information from a number of sources such as: * Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Outlook Handbook * Degree Directory * Computer Training Schools website operated by QuinStreet, Incorporated * Riley Guide * Career One Stop * O*Net Online
Given current economy standings, as well as projected outlooks, either field is a quality choice. The age of technology is upon the world and continuing in a course that supports not only the creative, artistic side that many strive for, but also fulfilling the sense of security with knowing that computer related technology and design will be only increasing in the future.
Organization
This document will uncover in detail the differences in each field, comparisons of the work environment and self-employment options, educational requirements and what they entail, projected career outlooks and what the future holds for both careers, the differences in salary and finally, a comparative conclusion and personal recommendation for future students in the multimedia field.

Web Design versus Graphic Design: What is the difference? While there are similarities in both these fields, there are some very distinct differences that can really pull a person in one direction or the other. Web design tends to deal with drafting and creating internet logos, websites or other internet marketing material. Graphic design leans more on the artistic side of things and uses a few different mediums that can include using digital programs that manage painting, drawing, photography or any other artistic element. Web design primarily deals with the creation of internet and other web related pages, imagery, marketing, and advertisements. While you would be creating the very same graphics, typography or imagery as a person in graphic design, the uses would be limited to that on the World Wide Web. With use on the internet, web designers tend to focus highly on programming, such as HyperText Markup Language (HTML) or Cascading Style Sheets (CSS) to more efficiently turn their own designs into a fully functional website. There tends to be more restrictions when it comes to web design, as efficiency is the main goal. A project can be a beautiful work of art, but it would hardly be worth it if the page does not load because the file size is too large or the site times out because the speed is too slow. Graphic design involves creating graphics, images and typography that are used in the print industry. Some of these same works can also be found on the internet, however, many are still used for things such as pamphlets, posters, billboards or other branding material. There is no programming required when in graphic design, since the medium is not focused directly onto the internet. The biggest difference between the two really is the medium, since that is the most restrictive part of this field. As mentioned above, graphic designers tend to have more leeway when it comes to their presentations. They are able to choose from a larger selection of mediums to present their ideas. Web designers are very much restricted to use on the World Wide Web and have to account for items such as speed, performance, resolution and programming.
Skill Sets There are a few different types of skills that each area has a grip on. Knowing exactly what skills are needed can help a person better identify which career is the more optimal solution. For instance, if you would prefer or even have knowledge on programming language, such as HTML or C++, you already have a vital skill that is needed in the Web Design franchise.
Comparing Skill Sets Web Design | Graphic Design | Knowledge of programming such as HTML, CSS, JavaScript and other programs. | Knowledge of current technical programs like Adobe and QuarkXpress | Search Engine Optimization (SEO) Skills | Interest in graphics and typography | Knowledge of programs such as Flash | Aptitude in art and design | Web server knowledge and understanding | Knowledge of multiple mediums (television, print, online) | Social Media Marketing savvy | Knowledge of story board assembly |

Similar Skill Sets Web Design and Graphic Design | Project Management Skills | Writing and Communication Skills | Business Sense and Knowledge | Creative, Unique and Original Design |
(O*Net OnLine, 2013)
Work Environment
Web Design
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, web designers tend to be employed in computer systems design firms and tend to work full time, though some firms have a part-time option (“Information Security Analysts, Web Developers, and Computer Network Architects”, 2012). There is also option to work freelance, which tends to be a full time only situation, but more freedom to schedule around a person’s life. Web designers are tasked with a multitude of responsibilities, as they are held accountable for a web site’s performance, graphics, content, capacity and speed. These designers use an array of different tools to communicate their client’s ideas and products on virtually any website or web space. Many professionals have the option to work from a home based office but, if working in a firm, have the option to commute to their business location if specific tools or programs are needed but not easily accessed from home (Riley Guide, 2013).
Graphic Design Graphic designers tend to have more flexibility when it comes to the work environment. Generally, they work in studios or small firms that have access to many of the tools that are most commonly used. This field tends to have a bit more self-employed work at just shy of 30% of all graphic designers in 2010, according to The Bureau of Labor Statistics, though there is a fair amount of competition when looking for clients and contracts (“Graphic Designers”, 2012). There is a lot of speed, precision and accuracy in this field, as all projects are potential marketing tools for clients.
Educational Requirements
Web Design Web design tends to start with a minimum of a bachelor’s degree, particularly in a field related to multimedia design, graphic design or a visual communications field. There are some schools that offer a specialized web design degree as well. Along with the degree, it is highly recommended by QuinStreet, Inc. to also possess some specialized certifications as well. Some of these certifications include; Certified Internet Web Professional (CIW) Program, Association of Web Professionals (WOW) Web Professional certification, Associate Webmaster Professional (AWP) and Certified Webmaster Professional (CAW) (QuinStreet, Inc., 2013). Education is only the start of this field however, due to the increase of technology on a daily basis it is also very recommended to keep up-to-date on the newest training and tools that are associated with this field. A strong portfolio is a web designer’s personal crutch in this sort of environment.
Graphic Design Along with web design, graphic designers can look at obtaining a bachelor’s degree in many of the same fields; however there can sometimes be more restriction on a school allowing a student to pursue a formal degree. These restrictions are not normally a problem to any student looking into these fields, as many who are peaked by this career are already interested in the arts. At times, some schools may require a student to submit copies of their artwork or artistic ability in order to grant them permission to continue with their goal. This field also has a very strong backbone linked to that of a portfolio in which a person showcases their sample projects, designs and experiences to qualify for a job or contract with a client.
Projected Career Outlook
Web Design The job outlook for those in the field of web design is promising for the future. There is a proposed 22 percent growth from 2010 to 2020 (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2012). Online merchandising has become a common staple in many people’s lives which only helps fuel the job economy for those in this field. The added security comes from the fact that most websites can be built from virtually any location, which makes this career have an extra boost of confidence. Provided you have knowledge in the field that would make you a valuable employee, like knowledge of programming languages or an extensive and strong portfolio full of new and unique ideas, there will always be a contract to be signed in this field.
Graphic Design This field has a slightly smaller increase in employment, sitting at about 13 percent, but nonetheless, is still a reputable course of action for those looking into the multimedia field. There tends to be a bit more competition yet again, due to the fact many companies are using more online and media marketing rather than print.
Salary
Web Design According to AIGA, the average web designer salary for the United States is about 55,000 while the upper 25 percent can make an upwards of 65,000 and the lower 25 percent can make around 45,000 (AIGA Aquent Survey of Design Salaries, 2012). This career tends to have a higher median of pay, with a higher pay rate for freelance web artists.
Graphic Design AIGA reports that around average a graphic designer can pull in about 45,000 while the lower 25 percent rank at about 39,000 and the upper 25 percent can clear around 53,500 (AIGA Aquent Survey of Design Salaries, 2012). Freelance artists can expect a bit less pay than the comparative web designer, as well as more competiveness due to the increased demand for more technological advances rather than print.

Conclusions and Recommendations There is plenty of reason for a person in the multimedia design and development field to choose either career field, as there are decent salary advantages, reasonable educational requirements and the demand for both fields is still that above average. Personally, I would recommend a person seeking interest between these choices to truly consider a web design field however, due to the larger increase in demand and the security in knowing that technology is only on the rise, not the decline. In conclusion, an aspiring multimedia artist would certainly benefit from choosing a career that is based in web design and development as opposed to graphic design. There are advantages in each category, which while the career may be more restricted to that of only online technology, it still provides much fulfillment in many aspects of life.

References

AIGA. (2012). Aquent Survey of Design Salaries. Retrieved from http://designsalaries.aiga.org/
O*Net OnLine. (2013). Web Developers. Retrieved from http://www.onetonline.org/link/details/15-1134.00
QuinStreet, Incorporated. (2013). Computer Training Schools: Web Designer Training. Retrieved from http://www.computertrainingschools.com/career-training/web-designer/
Riley Guide. (2013). Multimedia Designers. Retrieved from http://www.rileyguide.com/careers/multimedia-designers.shtml
U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2012).Information Security Analysts, Web Developers and Computer Network Architects. Retrieved from http://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/information-security-analysts-web-developers-and-computer-network-architects.htm#tab-5
U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2012).Graphic Designers. Retrieved from http://www.bls.gov/ooh/Arts-and-Design/Graphic-designers.htm#tab-5