Discover the Best Graphic Design Classes in Houston
Graphic design has become one of the most important technical skills in recent years because it’s useful in so many markets, such as advertising, television production, and web site creation. Properly defined, graphic design is the art of communicating messages to people via carefully chosen text, pictures, color schemes, and other visual elements. Modern graphic design is handled primarily through digital means, including through in-depth design software.
If you’re interested in this career path, Houston provides many unique graphic design learning options for people interested in this market. For example, you can attend graphic design colleges, universities, and CourseHorse training programs. In this article, we’ll discuss several of these learning opportunities, as well as highlight multiple industries and jobs that utilize graphic design skills. This information should help you make an intelligent career decision.
Best Graphic Design Classes & Schools in Houston
Houston is one of the biggest cities in Texas and is something of an educational mecca for residents. It includes multiple high-quality universities and colleges where you can earn a graphic design degree, as well as training programs that help you prepare for careers in this field. These latter courses provide in-depth training in a bootcamp-like environment that improves your experience. Read this list carefully and find an option that feels “right” to you.
The Art Institute of Houston
The Art Institute of Houston is a respected university that focuses heavily on preparing students for art-based careers, including graphic and web design. Here, you’ll get in-depth and hands-on experience with graphic design concepts and techniques. Furthermore, during your training, you’ll build an advanced portfolio that shows off your unique skills at their finest. Degrees available include associate’s and bachelor’s, depending on how far you want to advance.
University of Houston
The University of Houston provides students with an in-depth graphic design program that covers industry practices, theories, and methods. You’ll work individually with professors and in group settings to improve your critical thinking and master important design concepts. Complete their bachelor’s program to begin looking for a job or move on the master’s program to advance your career further. For example, an MA may help when applying to management positions.
Houston Community College
If you’re not ready for or can’t afford a university education, Houston Community College is a good option for you. Their acclaimed art program covers multiple disciplines, including graphic design. You can also practice printmaking and other unique skills with expert artists and professors. Attending HCC is less expensive than going to a university, which may work best for some people. However, you can also transfer your credits to shorten your bachelor’s program.
Noble Desktop
Noble Desktop is a unique online training platform that teaches coding, design, and business skills to help enhance your career. Their graphic design course includes skilled support from a hands-on training expert who will teach you Adobe InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop, and other similar graphic design tools. All Noble Desktop courses include setup assistance, payment plans, one-on-one mentoring, and free retake if you don’t pass the certifying exam.
CourseHorse
CourseHorse is a Noble Desktop affiliate that provides trainers from many industries a unique platform on which to provide classes. Their many Houston-based graphic design courses sell out quickly and include options like Advanced Adobe After Effects, CompTIA A+ Certification Prep, and Captivate Essential Skills 1. This learning option lets users book classes without paying a fee and often includes your training materials, such as computers and design software.
Houston Industries That Use Graphic Design
Houston provides Texas residents with a vibrant economic market, one that includes many potential career fields for graphic designers. Understanding your potential options in the city can help you identify the career choice that works best for your needs. Here are some of the most common industries that employ graphic designers in the Houston region:
- Advertising: Marketing and advertising utilize graphic designers to produce attractive logos, signs, and branding materials that help their clients find more customers. In this field, you’ll not only work on producing physical items but digital ads as well. In this way, marketing is one of the most diverse and popular career options for graphic designers.
- Publishing and Print: Print publications like books and magazines need graphic designers to create attractive layouts and engaging designs for everything they produce. Interestingly, you may also work with digital design concepts when integrating many of your projects into an online environment, such as a virtual edition of a magazine or book.
- Web Design: Most high-quality websites were designed by a professional, who likely has experience in graphic design. This career is in high-demand throughout the tech market, particularly in big cities like Austin. Therefore, it shouldn’t be too hard for you to find an employer if you’re interested in this exciting and fulfilling career option.
- Animation: Any animation project requires graphic designers who can create intricate and fluid movement. Furthermore, television and production teams in Houston may also need graphic designers to handle other types of visuals. Thankfully, there are many local television stations and even filmmakers in the area that may employ you as a graphic designer.
- Software Production: Computer programming firms often use graphic designers to produce things like user interfaces (UI design), as well as graphics for games and other programs. Houston has a strong programming market, meaning that there may be many jobs available in this field if you try them out. In this way, you can transition to even better jobs.
Graphic Design Jobs & Salaries in Houston
If you’re interested in a career that utilizes graphic design skills, there are many options available to you in Houston! As one of the most modern and technologically focused cities in Texas, Houston provides many career opportunities for you after you finish your graphic design training. Just a few job options that may appeal to you include:
- Graphic Designer: A general graphic designer may work in many fields, which gives them a rather diverse range of potential duties. Expect to earn an average of $54,000 at this job in Houston, though you may also make up to $57,000 annually from some employers.
- Web Designer: A web designer is a professional who creates websites for businesses, using graphic design and HTML programming skills. This career field pays an average of $52,000 in Houston, though you can make up to $58,000 yearly with the right employer.
- Art Director: As an art director, you will handle a diverse array of duties, including creating detailed graphical designs and managing a firm’s overall artistic direction. You may earn an annual salary between $122-172K with an average of $144,000.
- Logo Creator: Logo artists create intricate and attractive logos and branding items for businesses. There are many firms in Houston that employ professionals in this field, paying a median salary of $67,000 and up to $74,000 annually, depending on the firm.
- Marketing Artist: Marketing professionals like ad managers and designers produce attractive advertisements that catch the eye and help their clients reach customers. These professionals make an average yearly salary of $66,155 in Houston, though may make up to $73,000.