Graphic Design

A Graphic design school prepares individuals to work creating visually appealing imagery in a variety of different fields. Students who learn graphic design and earn a degree from two or four year colleges or universities (or reputable online programs) typically ply their talents in a number of ways, from designing product logos to helping illustrate school textbooks to working on feature films or comic books. Graphic design can be used to enhance many things in many different ways.

Graphic Design Description
According to the 2010-11 Occupational Outlook Handbook, most employers tend to require a bachelor's degree in graphic design. However, many graphic design schools offer a variety of study options, including two-year Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Fine Arts degrees as well as two-year associate degree programs. Those who enroll to learn graphic design at a traditional or online educational institution will learn how to create print, broadcast, and electronic media using a variety of different artistic techniques and computer tools, including Adobe Photoshop and QuarkXPress.
Whether they will eventually be creating merchandising packaging, highway road signs, or multimedia websites, students at graphic design schools will all start out with the same basic coursework. Typical requirements might include classes on 3D modeling and animation, branding, cosmetic package design, digital illustration, digital layout, image editing, typography, and web page design. Once students learn graphic design and complete their degree programs, they should be able to use the latest computer software to create images and lay out documents, make web sites, animate 3D objects they have created, create and edit video presentations, and display fluency in using these tools and techniques in a number of different project types and environments.

Graphic Design Careers
Many if not most of those who graduate from a graphic design school will go to work directly in the industry, where it will be their job to meet the needs of their clients, preparing sketches or mock layouts, tweaking as necessary, and then using the various artistic, audio, photographic, textual, and computerized sources available to them to complete the task at hand. Work conditions may vary, according to the Occupational Outlook Handbook, and job growth for those working with graphic design agencies is described as average--though competition is projected to be fierce, and those website design and animation experience are believed to have an advantage when it comes to these $32,000 to $56,000 a year jobs.
In addition to all encompassing positions with graphic design firms, those who learn graphic design can also pursue a targeted career performing this work within another industrial discipline. For example, print designers can work their visual magic on newspapers, magazines, brochures, or other forms of advertising. Package designers can enhance product packaging for toy companies, food producers, or any other type of retail business. Corporate communications designers can work with big companies filling their graphic design needs, while entertainment industry employers can hire graphic designers to work on packaging, movie credits, stage play scenery, and more.

SOURCES
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Graphic_design
http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos090.htm
http://www.artschools.com/articles/graphic-design/schools.html
http://www.artschools.com/articles/graphic-design/intro.html
http://www.westwood.edu/programs/school-of-design/graphic-design-multime...
http://www.academyart.edu/graphic-design-school/index.html

Game Software Development Description
Those considering studying at a game software development college are probably curious what kind of knowledge and skill set is required to create these electronic media titles. First and foremost is the talent to program using the latest computer and software-creation technology, as well as the ability to write code in a number of different computer languages. In addition to these design skills, a game software development degree should prepare students for the creative challenges of the job--brainstorming, writing, creating characters and/or in-game levels, and so forth.
Students can earn a certificate from a specialty school in two years or less, or attend a traditional or online game software development college to earn a two or four year degree which, depending upon the institution in question, could be an arts or science degree. Among the coursework typically required for recommended for those working toward a game include classes on software development degree level design, game scripting, storyboarding, character development, concepts of artificial intelligence, creative writing, 2D and 3D content creation, game preproduction, DirectX, and OpenGL. In addition, courses in physics, calculus, ethics, mythology, and psychology could be beneficial.

Game Software Development Careers
Upon completion of a game software development degree program, those entering the industry can expect to find employment as part of a design team. Many different people must complete many different tasks during the creation of a PC, console, or handheld video game title. The lead designer (or producer) oversees the entire project, deciding upon the overall scope of the project and working with artists, writers, and other design team members to make his or her vision a reality. Level designers work upon different environments within the game, while character designers take concept art off the paper and render it electronically for use within the software.
The process is incredibly technical and intricate in nature, but a good video game software development college should make sure that students are more than up to the task. The process runs from brainstorming to planning to design. It includes writing a fluid, player-driven story, and creating a world where game-players can interact with virtual people, manipulate their environment, and overcome a variety of challenges during the course of their playtime. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, annual income from game designers can range greatly (from $35,000 to $75,000, according to a BLS document published back in 2000; it like has increased since then).
Earning a game software development degree can also open up employment opportunities. Understanding video game design principles can make a person a strong candidate to work troubleshooting software as a game and interactive software tester. In addition, careers as a game maintenance administrator, a game documentation writer, a game requirements analyst, and a game support specialist. Considering the growth of the industry, attending a game software development college and finding employment in one of these fields seems to be a wise choice for video game aficionados and the technically inclined.