Washington, DC graphic designers know that competition is fierce in the nation's capital. Whether or not you have experience, a quality education is a big plus when it comes to landing a job in an area loaded with federal contracts. DC graphic design firms want someone with at least basic knowledge, although high-end firms will want someone with more advanced skills.

Taking the initiative to get the right schooling before applying for jobs at DC graphic design firms shows that you're a hard worker and you're dedicated to your discipline, be it digital layout or traditional paper and pen techniques. When looking for graphic design firms in Washington, DC education and training, consider the following:

1. Earn a four-year degree in graphic design. This can also be called a BFA, short for Bachelor's in Fine Art.

2. Obtain a certificate or Associate's degree in graphic design. This can be a stepping stone that will get you some experience before applying at graphic design firms in Washington, DC.

3. Take continuing education courses to keep yourself in the know. This can include any classes that will keep you among the best graphic designers in Washington, DC.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Work through college degree programs to land a job at graphic design companies in Washington, DC

Most graphic design firms will want to see a degree, preferably a four-year degree. This proves that you've not only learned advanced principles of design, but you have the motivation and perseverance to get through a longer program. If you're serious about becoming a great graphic designer, a Bachelor's (or even Master's) degree in graphic design or fine arts is for you.

I recommend: Consider the four-year programs at Gallaudet University or American University.

Obtain a certificate or AA degree to learn the basics before working for graphic design firms in DC

Certificates and Associate's degrees are great in the graphic design field as they can give you an 'in' to some great design firms. Some of the firms in the DC area prefer to have designers with less education so they can pay lesser salaries and train new workers as they see fit. Getting a shorter degree can be a great way for you to get the basic skills and then expand upon them during real-life practice.

I recommend: The Center for Digital Imaging Arts offers certificates in graphic design while the University of the District of Columbia has an Associate's program in graphic design for you to consider.

Get continuing education while working for Washington, DC graphic design firms

Since the world of graphic design is always changing, you should take classes throughout your career to keep up with the latest designs. You can do this by taking formal continuing education classes, or community enrichment classes that focus on different design aspects. Computer software courses are especially useful, since new programs to aid designers are always coming out.

I recommend: Check out the courses at Corcoran College of Art + Design. If you're interested in courses to enhance your computer skills, check out the seminars at Skillbox.

There are so many graphic design firms in Washington, DC that finding the right one quickly becomes a huge task. They range from highly creative recent college graduates who freelance their design skills for minimal cost to very well established firms with proven reputations and big ticket fees.

A graphic design firm will have a big impact on the success of your business. Invest the right amount of time and money in finding one that is reliable and provides a high-quality, professional product that represents your business well.

To choose the right DC graphic design firm, you must:

1. Research the design firms in Washington, DC.
2. Determine the needs for your business.
3. Look through portfolios.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Do a preliminary search for graphic design companies in Washington, DC.

Search for as many names as possible in online directories, the Yellow Pages or local advertisements. Many will instantly interest you or turn you off simply by name or location, so begin narrowing down the list with this.

I recommend: Search Xemion Designer Community for Washington, DC graphic designers organized by city or zip code. Search Craigslist Washington DC to find more listings.

Get specific to narrow down the list

Determine your business' design needs to find Washington, DC design firms specializing in the area of graphic design you need help with, such as brochure design or a logo design. Also consider your budget. Many graphic design companies in Washington, DC provide free online price quotes, so look for that feature when browsing.

I recommend: Have a look at Ampersand for advertising and product design. Hire DKG Promotions to get promotional items printed with your logo. Take a look at Janin Cliff Design for brochures and pamphlets.

Save money hiring freelance graphic designers in Washington, DC

If your budget for this graphic design project is very tight, consider hiring a freelancer, who may take longer to complete since she is probably working on multiple projects. Most freelance websites have the option of looking at a portfolio before even contacting the designer.

I recommend: Visit Guru.com and Elance.com to search portfolios of freelance Washington, DC graphic designers.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Be wary of DC graphic design firms with no physical office.
• •  Examine the design firm's portfolio critically. Look for a professional and high-quality portfolio, and also look for repeat business from regular clients and experience in a variety of industries.
• •  Ask about additional charges for design revisions. A lot of graphic design firms charge extra for each revision.

Graphic design services help create your professional image. Well-crafted business brochures, logo design, business cards and other marketing materials speak volumes about your business. Turning to experts to handle the graphic design of your printed pieces gives you the assurance that your marketing materials will be of high quality and that they’ll accurately reflect the image you hope to portray.

Graphic design solutions that offer high-quality materials without the high prices include customizable templates for brochures, business cards and other marketing materials. A variety of online vendors offer graphic design services using templates for basic business brochures and business cards for a minimal investment.

Keys to choosing great graphic design services include:

1. Review the portfolios of graphic design firms to see their client list and to see how well those brands were translated through their marketing materials.
2. Ask graphic designers and graphic design firms for references for similar projects.
3. Make sure you know what to expect from the graphic designers in terms of the number of designs and revisions they will provide for their set fee.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Outsource graphic design services to freelance graphic designers

Small businesses can save money by hiring freelance graphic designers instead of contracting with larger graphic design firms.

I recommend: On Guru.com, oDesk or FreelanceDesigners, you can post your job and have graphic designers bid on it, or you can search for freelance graphic designers based on their specialties.

Download design templates for brochure design and other collateral

If you need help creating a basic company newsletter or brochure design, stock templates are a good place to turn. Often, all you have to do is add your copy, logo and artwork.

I recommend: StockLayouts provides graphic design templates to help you design postcards, business cards, ads, business brochures, letterhead, newsletters and flyers. Print Design Templates also has a good variety of graphic design templates available for download.

Find graphic design firms that specialize in corporate identity and logo design

Before you open the door for business, you should have your logo design and business identity ironed out. Update your business identity or logo design when your company moves or merges, or just to keep your look fresh.

I recommend: Logo Design Pros helps you create or update your logo design. TheLogoLoft provides custom business identity solutions in three business days. For a number of graphic design firms that provide business logo design, check the Business.com directory.

Choose graphic design firms that specialize in brochure design and collateral materials

You can outsource small graphic design projects, such as your company's brochure design or marketing collateral materials and direct mail pieces, to graphic design firms that specialize in these types of print projects.

I recommend: Image Works Studio specializes in offering print brochure design and PDF brochures that your customers can download directly from your website. Envision Creative Group offers brochure design while staying within a small business budget. Find more graphic design services that provide brochure design at Business.com.

Quick print graphic design solutions

If you need a brochure or marketing piece fast, your best bet is to choose a quick printer that offers graphic design services on-site.

I recommend: Print-it-quick.com offers custom brochure design packages that include printing and delivery within 5-7 business days. Clark's Printing offers custom business brochure design and printing services with quick turnaround.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Find out what the graphic designers or graphic design firms provide as a final result. Do they provide artwork on disk, or will they work with your chosen printer to do press proofs?
• •  Some graphic designers charge by the hour; others charge per project.
• •  When getting quotes from graphic designers, find out what the quotes include in terms of delivery of the work, proofing, revisions and set-up fees.