There are elements of design everywhere. The commercials on the morning news, the billboards on the drive to work, even the banner advertisements on our Facebook pages and iPhone apps all incorporate creativity and design. Perhaps you see all these images and think, “I could do that.” If so, attending design school and getting a degree in interactive media design could be for you and here are five reasons why.
1. You like to be your own boss. If you’re naturally independent then you might be well suited for a career in interactive media design as a freelancer, working for a variety of organizations or as an entrepreneur with your own agency. Both career paths allow for a more flexible work schedule, while providing the opportunity to really highlight your skills and expertise as a creative thinker.
2. You’re bursting with creativity and design. Designers are usually finding any and every way to dress up the ordinary, from bare walls to plain clothes to empty shelves. A strong imaginative streak can make you the ideal candidate for design school or digital media design since having a creative mind isn’t something professors can teach you in a classroom or textbook.
3. You know technology inside and out. The field of design is evolving; it no longer revolves around one medium or avenue in which to connect with consumers. The dynamic nature of this field means now, more than ever, design school students are learning about new media becoming available to reach potential customers. From advertising through social media to what the hot new apps are to download, it all requires knowledge and expertise in interactive media design. Even if you’re not tech-savvy, design school can teach you the ways of incorporating elements like audio, video, text and still images with the latest technologies.
4. You want a competitive graphic design salary. All the latest technologies bring more ways to connect with consumers and an increased demand for interactive media designers. As with any career field, as the demand goes up so does the average salary; therefore it’s important to find the right design school for your career aspirations so you can excel within the field. Graphic design specialists can make anywhere from $26,200 to $76,910, depending on their level of degree and where they land a job.[i] Make sure to investigate average salaries in your area so you’re not surprised at the interview.
5. You like options when it comes to employment opportunities. Just because you’re in the interactive media design field doesn’t mean you have to be a graphic designer. There are a variety of career avenues including:
· Web designer
· Illustrator
· Programmer
· Design engineer
Earning a degree in interactive media design will allow you to grow and adjust as the design world changes. Having a diverse set of abilities will also makes you that much more marketable to potential employers.
For more information on interactive media design schools and careers, visit Bryant & Stratton College online at http://www.bryantstratton.edu/Online-Learning.aspx.
Source: [1] http://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes271024.htm