i feel lucky that i never had a profound interest in the graphic design field. being a graphic designer about 4 or 5 years ago was one of the best professions in the design field, and now it is suffering because way too many people got involved in it, companies prefer to hire graphic designers without a degree (so they don't have to pay them as much), and more markets are leaning towards illustration and fine arts, among others.

i actually have the upperhand, since i just graduated with a bachelor's degree in illustration, entering a market that is rebounding after photography, electronic imaging, and graphic design have lost their monopolies in the art world. even though there are more illustrators now than there have been in years, there are many more job opportunities, and a good illustrator can easily educate him or herself in other fields (painting, photography, web development and graphic design) so he or she will appeal to art directors over anyone else.