Graphic designer

Graphic designers create designs to put across a particular message or create a visual effect. They work on a wide range of products such as websites, posters, book covers, magazines and packaging.

Work activities

Graphic designers create designs to put across a particular message or create a visual effect. They create designs for a whole range of products, including:

Websites and computer games.
Book covers.
Posters, leaflets and brochures.
Stationery and logos.
Packaging and exhibition displays.

The exact role of a graphic designer depends a lot on where they work and the industry area. For example, in a small organisation, graphic designers may do a wide range of design tasks. In a large organisation, they may specialise in one area of graphics and on one type of product. Self-employed graphic designers may do all aspects of a design project and need to have business and marketing skills. Graphic designers working in the advertising industry may create designs for brochures, posters and mailshots. In the publishing industry, they may create designs for books and magazines. In the television, video and film industry, they may create graphics or special effects for a programme, news item or film.

Personal qualities and skills

To do well in this career, you’ll need:

Creative skills and original ideas.
An understanding of colour, shape and form.
Good communication and negotiation skills.
To work well on your own and with others.
IT skills.
To pay attention to detail.
Good organisation and planning skills.
To work to deadlines and budgets.
Problem-solving skills.

Self-employed or freelance graphic designers will need business and marketing skills.

Pay and opportunities

Pay rates for graphic designers vary with the industry and responsibilities. Employed graphic designers can expect to earn in the range of £18,000 - £35,000 a year. Some graphic designers receive profit-related bonuses, in addition to their salary.

Graphic designers usually work a basic 37-40-hour week, Monday to Friday. Working hours for self-employed designers may be irregular, depending on how much work they have week-to-week. Late finishes and work at weekends may be required from time to time, especially as deadlines approach.

Employers throughout the UK are:

Advertising agencies.
Graphic design studios.
Computer games companies.
Publishing companies.
Traditional print and electronic publishing.
Companies in the broadcast media.

Other opportunities exist in local government, in design departments of commercial companies and in design consultancies.

Opportunities for graphic designers occur with employers in towns and cities throughout the UK.

Self-employment opportunities occur for experienced graphic designers to work as self-employed freelancers. The ability for individuals to promote their work online via the internet means location is less important for self-employed graphic designers. Consultancy and fixed-term contract work may be available for experienced designers. Consultancy and freelance work is normally obtained via agents or specialist recruitment agencies.

Where are vacancies advertised?

Vacancies are advertised in design industry magazines/journals, on all the major job boards, and on the Government’s Find a Job service. It’s a good idea to build up a network of relevant contacts, as not all graphic design jobs are advertised. Making speculative job applications can also be effective.

Entry routes and training

A common route into this career is via a Foundation course in art and design followed by a degree in graphic design. Look out for courses with alternative titles, including:

Graphic communication.
Visual communication.
Graphic branding and identity.

Remember to look closely at the content before you decide which course will suit you best. Some students study a degree in another art and design subject before moving into graphic design later on.

Although there is not a directly relevant apprenticeship scheme, you could complete a programme in a related area of work as a stepping stone to a career as a graphic designer. Examples include:

Content creator (level 3 / advanced)
Scenic artist (level 3 / advanced)
Storyboard artist (level 7 / higher)

HNCs, HNDs and foundation degrees in graphic design and related subjects are available. You could use one of these courses as a stepping stone to a degree course or try to move straight into work afterwards. You will need to build up a portfolio of your work, whichever entry route you choose.

Once you are working, you will develop your skills by learning from other designers, or by taking part-time or short training courses. It is important to keep up to date with developments and new techniques used in design. This will include learning how to use the design software that is commonly used. You’ll need to remain curious about design to keep your ideas fresh.

With experience, you could become a senior designer, eventually even becoming a director or setting up your own business.

Qualifications

You will usually need GCSEs (including English and maths) to take an Advanced Apprenticeship. For Higher level and Degree Apprenticeships, you will need A levels or their equivalent.

The usual entry requirements for a relevant Foundation course are:

One or two A-levels. You’ll need an A level in art or in an art-based subject.
GCSEs at grades 9-4 in four to five subjects. Some courses ask that you have a pass in English.
A BTEC level 3 National diploma in art and design.
International Baccalaureate (IB) diploma. Many other qualifications are also accepted so check prospectuses for more details.

The entry requirements for relevant HNCs, HNDs and foundation degrees are similar to those needed for the Foundation course mentioned above. If you go on to a degree directly, you’ll usually need:

Two or more A-levels. Many courses ask that you have at least a B grade in an art-based subject.
Four to five GCSEs at grades 9-4. A pass in English is often required.

To enter any course in art and design, you’ll need a portfolio of your work.

Adult opportunities

Age limits: It is illegal for any organisation to set age limits for entry to employment, education or training, unless they can show there is a real need to have these limits.

Employers value skills gained as an assistant in a design studio or in a design consultancy. Experience in related fields, such as advertising or marketing is also useful. Commercial awareness and an understanding of the industry you wish to work in is an advantage. To enter the work or relevant courses, you normally need a portfolio of work showing your creative ability.

If you don’t have the qualifications needed to enter your chosen degree or HND course, a college or university Access course (e.g. Access to Art and Design) could be the way in. No formal qualifications are usually required, but you should check individual course details.

Relevant courses at various levels in graphic design are offered by a large number of centres, by distance learning.

Related careers

Advertising art director
Animator
Artist
Computer games designer
Designer
Illustrator
Packaging designer
Signmaker
Web designer