November 03, 2006
by Jessica Santina
Local Education Columnist
There are few cities in the world as committed to attracting and retaining artists as Denver, Colorado. And the city has put its money where its mouth is: the Denver Office of Cultural Affairs has developed Create Denver, an initiative whose mission is to support and grow Denver's commercial arts sector.
The initiative includes the Mayor's Task Force on Creative Spaces, which addresses space issues facing Denver's creative community, and the Creative Enterprises Revolving Loan Fund, which offers loans to artists and creative companies looking to expand their businesses.
You can find more than 120 art galleries and 160 performing arts venues (including the country's second-largest, the Denver Performing Arts Complex), six arts districts, and about 180 film-related businesses in the city. So if you want a creative career, chances are you can make a living at it in Denver.
A great way to get started is with a bachelor of visual communications from one of the area's local colleges.
Beginning Your Graphic Design CareerWith this degree, you can develop the talent and technical abilities you need to pursue a career in commercial art. While at one of Denver's local colleges, you'll build your creative problem-solving abilities and learn the latest technology and methods for advertising, web, or graphic design, as well as animation, illustration, and multimedia design.
These visual communications programs usually culminate in a portfolio of the techniques you've learned, which you'll need to begin a successful career in graphic or multimedia design in Denver. In addition, local alumni networks provide a great job-hunting resource.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics says that graphic designers should have the most new jobs in the next decade out of all design occupations. The best opportunities are most likely to go to those who have bachelor's degrees in visual communications or a related field. And while earning your degree at one of Denver's local colleges, you'll feel supported, encouraged, and valued as an artist.
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About the Author
Jessica Santina is a freelance writer with a background in media and marketing. She also teaches first-year writing courses at the University of Nevada, Reno.
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