Graphic Design

Career Outlook

A graphic designer's ability to inspire action through well-crafted messaging is essential to all industries. You'll find careers in advertising, communications, public relations, and other design service businesses. Graphic designers also pursue nonprofit work and self-employment — resulting in diverse career options, including freelance opportunities. The average salary for graphic designers was $50,710 in 2021.

After graduating, you'll be ready for entry-level positions at advertising agencies, marketing firms, print shops, and other businesses in need of graphic designers. Some career opportunities include:

• Advertising Design
• Brand Identity Specialist
• Graphic Designer
• Illustrator
• Photographer
• Web Designer

Curious about career pathways in this field? Check out Career Coach to learn more about industry job growth, education requirements, earning potential, and more. 

Where Our Graduates Work

Previous graduates have started careers with well-known companies such as:

• Constellation Brands
• Mackenzie-Childs
• Napier

Smooth Transfer to a Four-Year College

If you're considering a bachelor’s degree after FLCC, our academic advisors will help you connect with four-year schools and explore transfer options. We'll assist you in selecting courses that efficiently meet the requirements for both FLCC and your future college.

• Joint Admissions Agreements: These allow first-year students to gain admission to both FLCC and participating four-year schools at the same time. Gain peace of mind knowing your next step is set while you complete your associate degree with us.
• Transfer Articulation Agreements: These partnerships ensure your credits from FLCC will transfer directly and seamlessly to a partner four-year school. You can enter a bachelor’s program with full junior standing, saving you time and money.

VIEW TRANSFER AGREEMENTS

Where Our Students Transfer

Many students in our Graphic Design program go on to complete a four-year degree at colleges such as:

• Fashion Institute of Technology
• Nazareth College
• Rhode Island School of Design
• Rochester Institution of Technology
• Savannah College of Art and Design
• SUNY Brockport
• SUNY New Paltz
• SUNY Oswego

Learn from Experienced Artists and Designers

Visit local design firms, print shops, art galleries, and museums through a series of class field trips. Learn about current trends in art and design from regional experts who work in the industry. Our network of local business partnerships provides internship opportunities at live events venues (CMAC), media companies (News 8 WROC), marketing agencies (Dixon Schwabl), and more.

Student Collaboration and Community

Fine arts and graphic design students share many core courses at FLCC — so you'll be part of a talented and diverse community of artists. You'll have many opportunities to connect with peers and work on projects together, including:

• Wine label design competition — our viticulture students partner with graphic design students to create an original label for their wine bottles. The winner receives a $500 scholarship and the honor of having their label used on commercial wine bottles.
• Student Art Club — participate in gallery openings, guest lecture events, and student trips.
• CMAC summer concert series competition — create a poster and t-shirt for this annual music event. The winner gains recognition as CMAC uses the design throughout the season to promote the concert series.
• Create + Connect — a twice-monthly public event focused on creating art in an informal environment while connecting with others.
• Letters & Lattes — a public arts event for anyone ages 15-21 to connect with peers and explore your creativity in a safe space.

Sample Courses

Visit our academic catalog for a complete listing of program requirements, including prerequisites, general education requirements, electives, and a sample schedule.

View Full Curriculum

Sample core courses you'll take in this program include:

• ART 100 - Art History: Prehistory to Middle Ages
• ART 101 - Art History: Renaissance to Modern Art
• ART 102 - Foundation Drawing I
• ART 103 - Foundation Drawing II
• ART 104 - Design I
• ART 105 - Design II
• ART 109 - Art Portal
• ART 115 - Computer Imaging
• ART 116 - Computer Publishing
• ART 215 - Graphic Design I
• ART 216 - Graphic Design II
• ART 220 - Graphic Illustration
• ART 222 - Design for the Web
• ART 225 - Typography: Evolution & Application
• ART 251 - Portfolio Prep