It's time to make your mark in the world of graphic design. There's no doubt you've imagined it-placing your name and logo on business cards, taking creative control and being your own boss. Why not turn your fantasy into reality?

Whether you want to start a part-time graphic design business, a full-time operation or build a substantial company with a full staff of graphic designers, everything you need to get started is at your fingertips. Learn the basic requirements, startup costs, day-to-day operations and even what to do when things don't go as planned. Industry experts and successful graphic designers share what they've learned and give you the motivation and priceless tips and tricks to help you reach success. Learn how to:

• Discover your market and their needs
• Choose a business environment that works for you
• Create a business brand that gets noticed
• Write a marketing plan that captures clients and creates referrals
• Develop profitable client relationships
• Set your fees
• Boost profits by expanding your specialty or your business
• Combine your creativity with Entrepreneur's expert advice-and design your own successful graphic design business today!

FUTURE JOB OUTLOOK

The BLS says that "the employment of graphic designers is expected to grow about as fast as average for all occupations through the year 2014, as demand for graphic design continues to increase from advertisers, publishers and computer design firms. Among the five different design occupations, graphic designers will have the most new jobs. However, graphic designers are expected to face keen competition for available positions. Many talented individuals are attracted to careers as graphic designers. Individuals with a bachelor’s degree and knowledge of computer design software, particularly those with website design and animation experience, will have the best opportunities."

The opportunities for graphic artists and designers "should increase because of the rapidly expanding market for web-based information and expansion of the video entertainment market, including television, movies, video, and made-for internet outlets. Graphic designers with website design and animation experience will especially be needed as demand for design projects increases for interactive media—websites, video games, cellular telephones, personal digital assistants (PDAs), and other technology. Demand for graphic designers also will increase as advertising firms create print and web marketing and promotional materials for a growing number of products and services."

There has been a trend to outsource some design work. Based on information from the BLS, in recent years, some computer, printing, and publishing firms have outsourced basic layout and design work to design firms overseas. This trend is expected to continue. It could have a negative impact on employment growth for lower level, technical graphic design workers.

The good news is that most higher-level graphic design jobs are expected to remain in the United States.

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