Graphic Designer Information

Graphic Designer

Qualifications

Unlike other areas of design, graphic designers can often trade on their talent, ideas and portfolio as much, if not more, than formal academic qualifications. Nonetheless, most professional graphic designers study to higher national diploma (HND), foundation degree or degree level in graphic design or a related art or design based subject.
All foundation degree, HND and degree courses are listed, along with entry requirements and course descriptions, on the UCAS website.

Work, skills and salaries

As a rough guide, expect starting salaries for a graphic designer to be around £15,000 a year, rising to between £20,000 and £30,000 for more senior positions. Very experienced and successful graphic designers can earn £50,000 and above in creative director roles. Graphic designers work at design consultancies, as in-house designers at non-design companies and as freelancers, and on average work normal office hours. Salaries vary depending on geographical location, but jobs are concentrated in major cities and in London in particular.

The goal of the graphic designer is effective communication. The particular objectives of a piece of visual communication will be set by a client’s brief and may be rigidly commercial – such as ‘help us sell more products’ - or may be artistic and aesthetic – such as ‘create a feeling of trustworthiness around our company’. Good graphic design often achieves both aesthetic and commercial objectives.

Related roles
Illustration
Typography
Animation
Photography
Digital/web design
Printmaking
Textile design
Information design
Interaction design
Fine art/visual arts
Advertising/art direction

A job in graphic design is likely to include some or all of the following tasks and functions:
learning about a client’s business, its products, its competitors and its marketplace
developing and refining design briefs through research
interpreting objectives and solving problems through visual creative output
developing and presenting design ideas as sketches, mood boards, mock-ups and computer-generated visuals, including making pitch presentations for new work
understanding production techniques (and constraints) of both print and digital media
understanding the properties and costs of different materials
working in collaboration with other disciplines, such as photographers, software coders, copywriters, printers and other designers
liaising internally with account managers, creative directors and perhaps 3D designers
working on a strategic level with clients
managing budgets and schedules for multiple projects

The kinds of skills needed by graphic designers include:
understanding of brands and branding
awareness of trends, styles and history in graphic design and the visual arts
creative flair using typography, imagery and layout
an ability to use design software
team working ability and
excellent communication skills

You will need a working knowledge of computer design software such as:

· Quark Xpress
· FreeHand
· Illustrator
· Photoshop
· 3D Studio
· Flash.


Opportunities

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.
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.
Alternatively, you could become self-employed, working alone or in partnership.
You may find the following links useful for job vacancies and general reading

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.

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.