Graphic designers produce the visual media that businesses use to train their employees, market to customers and brand their business. If you are a creative individual with a talent for visual elements then you may consider a career in graphic design.

Here are 7 interesting facts about graphic design careers:

1. There will be an increase in demand for graphic designers over the next decade.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there will be a 13% increase demand for graphic designers by 2020. As new businesses start up and more and more commerce becomes dependent on the Internet, graphic designers will play an increasingly crucial role in commerce.

2. Graphic designers do not necessarily need a four-year degree.
Although many graphic designers study at a university, not all design jobs require a four-year degree. Most employers are more interested in what you can do as a designer. If you are a self-motivated individual and have a talent for teaching yourself new concepts and software, you can learn practical applications of graphic design from online courses and books.

3. Graphic designers are critical for marketing.
All of the products and services that you choose to pay for needed someone to produce visual marketing material at some point. Everything from the label design on your soda can to the billboard advertising your insurance company relied on a graphic designer for their marketing.

4. Graphic design presents several opportunities for self-employment.
If you’re the kind of person who likes to work for yourself then graphic design may be a good option. You will need to learn how to market yourself to new clients and stick to a work schedule without a manager, but there are excellent opportunities available if you can do it. With so many web design and advertising firms relying on freelancers and contractors, you can make a good living using just your laptop and a copy of Photoshop.

5. Some graphic designers make thousands of dollars for a single design.
Large corporations will pay substantial sums of money for logos and brochures from graphic designers. Many times this is more cost effective than hiring a full-time in-house designer. When you consider how important a logo is to the branding of a large company, you can understand why they would pay a premium for excellent design work.

6. Niche designers earn excellent salaries.
If you can find a niche in a particular industry and focus your talents in that direction then you will likely experience a higher salary than a general graphic designer. Those individuals who specialize in artwork for sports teams, for example, have chosen a profitable niche that is likely to pay much better than a simple junior designer position at an ad agency.

7. Graphic designers can be celebrity artists.
Storm Thorgerson built his reputation creating artwork for rock bands like Pink Floyd and Black Sabbath and Sir Jonathan Ive has become world-famous for his work on the iPad and other popular Apple products. In fact, graphic designers have produced many of the most important landmarks in visual media over the last century.

What are your thoughts on graphic design careers and our future? Have you ever thought about it?
Feel free to share your feedback in the comments section below.