Graphic design is critical to just about any business, but what will it cost you? As you can probably imagine, the answer depends on many different things.

In many ways, it is difficult to make accurate charts showing the cost of graphic design services. Graphic design costs are tied into talent and reputation as are so many other areas that require artistic skill. It might help to think of the difference in cost between a painting of a bowl of fruit your grandmother is selling at a local art fair and a Van Gogh being sold at a New York auction house.

One thing that is certain is that graphic design is something that will cost money. Graphic designers generally work on specific jobs for specific clients as opposed to artists who might be commissioned to do a work or might just do it in hopes of a future sale. So, since the graphic designer is always going to be directing his talent and skill toward a specific project and for a specific client, a specific price must be established for the services rendered.

Graphic design rates for business related types of projects are usually the most clear cut as far as price scale goes. A logo might cost around $500 and a complete brochure around $400. These two examples illustrate an important concept of design. It would appear at first glance that the logo would require less actual work to produce when compared to a complete brochure. Although this is true, the logo also will require more artistic skill whereas the brochure is more of a nuts and bolts design project. The lesson is that you have to pay for imagination and talent.

The graphic designer faces the same situation. The Department of Labor tells us that the average salary for a graphic designer is just under $30,000 for employees with less than one year of experience. This is assuming that the designer has a degree in graphic design. The salary average goes up to almost $50,000 after 20 years. We can also learn with a bit of research that most graphic designers charge hourly rates that run around $80 an hour for their services.

Although these figures give us some idea of graphic design rates, they do not tell a complete story. The bottom line is that every graphic designer is an artist. It does not matter if they are designing logos or brochures or web sites. In the end, much will depend on the skill and talent of the graphic designer and the sky is the limit. This applies to both sides. If you want the very best, you have to be prepared to pay a little more. If you are a designer, you may turn out to be the Van Gogh of graphic design. Although hopefully your true talent won’t have to wait until years after your death to be appreciated.

There are two major art museums that the modern art enthusiast must visit. One is the Museum of Modern Art in New York City, New York. The other is located in Paris, France called Musee d’Orsay, which translates to the Museum of Orsay. These two museums feature abstract art in its best form. Abstract painting is a form that can be difficult to appreciate, but for those who love it, these museums are must-sees.

Located in the heart of the city that never sleeps, the Museum of Modern Art, the MOMA, is praised all over the globe for its incredible collection of modern art. The museum has everything from projects made simply out of cardboard and a little bit or metal to the first set of moving pictures. Just recently, the MOMA had an exhibit titled “Paper: Pressed, Stained, Slashed and Folded” where the artist illustrated the different ways in which paper can be manipulated. The MOMA even shows films throughout the year. MOMA also has a part of the museum dedicated to modern photography. This famous museum also has a film component to it. Currently, MOMA is featuring a film called “Nollywood Babylon” which is a documentary about film in the African nation of Nigeria. The location of MOMA also makes it special. People come from around the world to view the collections housed in the MOMA.

Musee d’Orsay, is located in Paris, France along the Seine River. This museum is home to all of the different forms of contemporary art like sculptures, painting, books and film. The museum also features different kinds of contemporary art such as furniture. Interestingly enough, the museum was originally built out of a railway station. Not only does the museum feature contemporary art, but also work from the mid 1800s until the mid 1900s. It has incredible collections of photographs and architectural drawings. The museum has one of the best collections of impressionist art, a form of contemporary art, in the world. Probably one of the most interesting things about the museum is it features an exhibit of how the museum was originally designed. Like the MOMA, this museum’s location makes it even more spectacular. This is a museum that, if you are in Paris, you certainly do not want to miss. This museum has a type of artwork for everyone.

These two museums are perfect for those wanting to find incredible collections of contemporary art. Each is located in a beautiful spot of their respective cities, which makes them even more incredible. These museums also feature different types of exhibits than regular art museums such as, film, photography, and architecture. Even, if you are not a connoisseur of contemporary art, these museums are sure to have something for everyone. Next time you are in New York City or Paris, you should certainly consider taking a walk through these museums.