Professional Practice: Surprising Facts

I looked through "Handbook: Pricing & Ethical Guidelines" to find 3 interesting and surprising facts about my future career directions that I am considering. Since I am interested in screen based design such as website design, interactivity and motion graphics, I researched careers that would suit me.

1. If I decide to pursue my interest in interactive media, I could become a Multimedia designer! Knowledge of web architecture, online design, multimedia communications, and interface design is required, as is proficiency in authoring software such as Macromedia Flash, Director, Shockwave, etc. (I HAVE NO EXPERIENCE WITH THESE!). You also must have a strong visual style and thorough understanding of how typography, layout, color, images, and interactivity impact design, which I think I qualify for. Pay is $40,750 to $58,000 for one to five years' experience and $58,000 to $86,000 for five or more years' experience!

2.I found out that a website designer's salary with one to five years' experience is usually around $40,750 to $59,000 and $59,00 to $85,000 for five or more years' experience.

3. I also found out that there is actually a profession called "web animator," which would allow me to use my interest in motion graphics and animation online! These designers design and creates animated images for display on websites and other online systems, CD-ROMs, video games, etc. They usually make $38,250 to $53,500 for one to five years' experience and $51,000 to $73,250 for five or more years' experience.

I also learned about a couple terms I had never heard of before:

Intranet:

An internal network used by companies to share files, access web sites, and collaborate on projects. These sites usually cannot be accessed from the Internet.

Extranet:

A private network using an Internet protocol and public telecommunication system to securely share part of a business's information or operations with suppliers, vendors, partners, customers, or other businesses.