Most people are more visual than verbal. They'd rather see something than read about it. That's why a picture is worth a thousand words. And that's why graphic designers - people who can solve a client's communications problem by creating a visual solution -- are in such big demand. Look around you, and the work of graphic designers is everywhere. It's a book cover, a street sign, credits at the end of a TV show, a product package, a chart in a newspaper, an image on a T-shirt, the look of the information on the dials of your dashboard. In fact almost half of all design jobs in the US, according to the US Department of Labor, are for graphic designers.

What's more, the Internet and various forms of video entertainment, such as TV, DVD and video games, are growing. That's why the number of graphic design opportunities is predicted to increase. But many people tend to compete for every graphic design job or project, because the field is creatively satisfying. To succeed, you need a great portfolio and the fundamental skills that good graphic design schools give you. Graphic design schools let you learn by doing. Most of the concepts are taught as you create hands-on projects. Classes are typically kept small so that teachers can give you personal feedback. You'll get critiqued, and you'll learn to critique others. As a result, you'll understand more about why something looks good or doesn't look good to you. And you'll learn to convey your thinking constructively. These skills will help you succeed with clients, and enjoy a satisfying career.