Communication Design Associate Degrees

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Public Relations Specialist

Public relations (PR) specialists, sometimes called communications specialists or media specialists, perform a variety of functions depending on where and for whom they work. Above all, they create and promote a positive image for their employers. They also keep the public informed of their employers'... see more current goals and policies. All public relations specialists must be sensitive to the needs, attitudes, and opinions of their audience. Public relations specialists may arrange and direct speaking engagements, press conferences, meetings and conventions, films or videos, and fundraising campaigns. These workers usually have to prepare a number of materials for these events, such as speeches and press releases, magazine articles, scripts, fact sheets, pamphlets, and newsletters. They may also need to conduct interviews and speak on the telephone frequently. The PR specialist works closely with graphic artists, designers, printers, and other media experts. On a large PR staff, a worker's duties may be directed in only one area. In smaller companies or organizations, a worker may be involved in all aspects of the job.

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Graphic Designer

Graphic designers or graphic artists plan, analyze, and create visual solutions to communications problems. They find the most effective way to get messages across in print and electronic media using color, type, illustration, photography, animation, and various print and layout techniques. Graphic... see more designers develop the overall layout and production design of magazines, newspapers, journals, corporate reports, and other publications. They also produce promotional displays, packaging, and marketing brochures for products and services, design distinctive logos for products and businesses, and develop signs and signage systems called environmental graphics for business and government. An increasing number of graphic designers also develop material for Internet Web pages, interactive media, and multimedia projects. Graphic designers also may produce the credits that appear before and after television programs and movies.