Graphic Designer
What is the work like?
Graphic designers use images and lettering to get information across and make an impact. This could be for all kinds of purposes, including advertising, book covers and magazines, television graphics and websites.
As a graphic designer your work would include:
- discussing the project requirements (the ‘brief’) with clients, senior designers or account executives
- providing cost quotations
- choosing the most suitable materials and style
- producing rough sketches or computer visuals to show to the client
- using specialist computer software to prepare designs
- working to budgets and deadlines
- producing a final layout with detailed specifications for typefaces, letter size and colours.
You may also produce 3D (three dimensional) designs for packaging, exhibitions and displays.
What qualifications and experience will employers look for?
You would usually be employed on the strength of your skills rather than your qualifications. However, most professional graphic designers have a BTEC HND, foundation degree or degree in graphic design or another art or design based subject.
To search for colleges and universities offering HNDs, foundation degrees and degrees, visit Universities and Colleges Admissions Service. Check with the individual colleges and universities for their entry requirements.
Talent and contacts are the key to getting work, and you will need to keep an up-to-date portfolio of your work to show to potential employers.
Unpaid work experience will give you the chance to develop your portfolio, make contacts and impress employers. Visit the British Design Innovation website to search for contacts and job vacancies. You could also create a website to show your work.
You will also need a working knowledge of computer design software such as:
- Quark Xpress
- FreeHand
- Illustrator
- Photoshop
- 3D Studio
- Flash.
You can do courses in these at colleges and with private course providers.
What further training and development can I do?
You would need to keep your skills up to date throughout your career. You may be able to attend short courses, for example in computer packages such as those mentioned in the qualifications and experience section, but you would also learn new skills on the job to meet the needs of particular projects.
The Chartered Society of Designers (CSD) and D&AD run courses and workshops for members which you may find useful for professional development. For example, D&AD runs Workout, a range of one-day development courses. Visit the CSD and D&AD websites for details.
Joining professional bodies such as CSD and D&AD will also give you the opportunity to make contacts in the industry.
Where can I go for more information?
Vauxhall Walk
London
SE11 5EE
Tel: 020 7840 1111
London
SE1 1RQ
Helpline: 0800 093 0444
If you would like to discuss your career options with a learning adviser, call 0800 100 900 or use our online enquiry form
Alternatively, you can visit our website at: www.direct.gov.uk/careersadvice
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What salary and other benefits can I expect?
- Starting salaries can be around £15,000 a year.
- Experienced graphic designers can earn between £19,000 and £30,000.
- Senior graphic designers can earn up to £50,000 or more.
Figures are intended as a guideline only.
What are the hours and working conditions?
You would usually work from 9am to 5pm, but may have to work longer hours to meet deadlines. Part-time work is sometimes possible.
You would usually be based in a studio or office, but may spend some time visiting clients and printers.
What skills and knowledge will I need?
- creativity and imagination
- IT skills
- drawing ability
- knowledge of printing techniques and photography
- the ability to manage your time, meet deadlines and work within a budget
- excellent communication skills
- good spelling and grammar
- normal colour vision.
What opportunities are there?
Most graphic designers work for agencies that specialise in advertising or corporate communications, or for in-house design teams in large organisations like retailers, local authorities or banks.
Other employers include multimedia companies, charities and educational establishments.
Competition for jobs is strong and not all jobs are advertised, so it is a good idea to network and make contacts within the industry, and to approach companies and agencies directly.
You may need to change jobs frequently to build up your experience and add to your portfolio. In larger companies you may be able to progress to senior designer and then to management positions.
Many graphic designers become self-employed, working alone or in partnership.
You may find the following links useful for job vacancies and general reading (links open new window):
Design Week
Creative Review
mad.co.uk
Design Jobs
British Design Innovation
We do not accept responsibility for the content of external sites.
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