Graphic Design

The Work
Graphic designers use images and lettering to get across information and ideas and make an impact. This could be for all kinds of purposes, including advertisements, book covers, magazines and brochures, 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
producing a final layout with detailed specifications for typefaces, letter size and colours
working to budgets and deadlines.
You may also produce 3D (three dimensional) designs for packaging, exhibitions and displays.
Hours
You would usually work from 9am to 5pm, but could do longer hours when there are deadlines to meet. 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.
Income
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, and over, £50,000.
Figures are intended as a guideline only.
Entry Requirements
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 HND, foundation degree and degree courses, visit the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service website. Check with the individual providers for their entry requirements.
Universities and Colleges Admissions Service
You will need a working knowledge of computer design software such as:
Quark Xpress
FreeHand
Illustrator
Photoshop
3D Studio
Flash.
Courses in these are available at colleges and with private course providers.
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. You could also create a website to showcase your work.
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. Visit the design directory on the British Design Innovation website to search for agencies and contacts. Check the guide networking on the Creative Choices° website for advice.
British Design Innovation – design directory
Creative Choices° – guide to networking
To read about the experiences of some successful graphic designers, check the case studies on the Creative Choices° website.
Creative Choices° – case studies
Training and Development
You will 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 above, but you will 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.
Skills and Knowledge
creativity and imagination
IT skills
drawing ability
the ability to find practical solutions to problems
knowledge of printing techniques and photography
the ability to manage your time, meet deadlines and work within a budget
an understanding of current trends and styles
excellent communication skills
good spelling and grammar
normal colour vision.