Graphic design has been steadily gaining ground as a qualified profession. Since 1914, the American Institute of Graphic Arts (now AIGA) has been growing in parallel to the disciplines of design. In 1954, the AIGA had 1,324 members, and in 2008, its membership was 22,309.
Often labeled as "communication design," graphic design frequently happens in partnership with marketing, publishing and similar information-oriented fields. While illustrators prioritize artistry, graphic designers are focused on conveying a message (artistically) to their audience.
Artists are often looking for ways to be creative and gainfully employed. Graphic design is one way to achieve both. Whether as freelancers or in-house talent, graphic designers are capable of adding creativity to a wide variety of products from business cards to billboards.
Those interested in graphic design should become members of the AIGA. This professional society not only educates future designers, but it also offers professional resources to attain and retain design employment.
Rebuses are pictorial images that represent a sound, such as when an image of a bee is pronounced as a letter of the alphabet. Arranging rebus illustrations into logos, puzzles and books (such as "Bunny Rabbit Rebus") qualifies as a design job.