Graphic Designer - Job DescriptionAs a graphic designer your job is to produce design solutions to communicate client’s messages with high visual impact. Graphic design solutions are required for a huge variety of products and activities, such as websites, advertising, books, magazines, posters, computer games, product packaging, exhibitions and displays, corporate communications and corporate identity (e.g. giving organizations a visual 'brand').A graphic designer works to a brief that has been discussed and agreed with the client or account manager. The next step is to develop creative ideas and concepts choosing the appropriate media and style to meet the client's objectives.The work demands creative flair, up-to-date knowledge of industry software and a professional approach to time, costs and deadlines.

Qualifications Needed
Many graphic designers have some form of HND or degree level qualification in an area of design in order to gain sound knowledge of art/design history and techniques. In order to study at this level, a foundation course often has to be completed.However, job offers are often based on experience and portfolios. This means that a degree or HND is not always required; however, work experience is almost essential as is a portfolio.

Skills
Obviously, graphic designers must demonstrate creative flair and drawing ability. They also have to be:Meticulous when it comes to detail and accuracyEnthusiasticWell-disciplined (especially if they work freelance)FlexiblePatientOrganisedTeam playerAnd possess good communication and presentation skills.

Main Responsibilities
Market researchCorporate Identity/BrandingLogo designAdvertisementsPoster designBillboardsBrochuresMagazine LayoutsBook layoutsBook coversProduct packagingWebsitesNewspapersTV commercialsT-shirt designMotion video graphicsWay finding/SignageExhibitsClothing/Fabric DesignProduct Design

The Hours
Graphic designers typically work fulltime, i.e. 35 to 40 hours a week. Start and finish times can be fairly flexible to aid creativity and the hours will vary depending on projects and deadlines. It is uncommon to work part-time due to the competitive nature of the industry.Graphic design is a largely office-based profession and involves long periods spent in front of a computer. However, most graphic designers are based in studios. Many jobs involve teamwork so team meetings and evaluations ensure a lively working atmosphere. Some jobs may also involve travel to visit clients although longer business trips are uncommon.It is usual to work freelance after gaining some years’ experience working in-house or for an agency, and freelancers may share studio/office space or work from home.

The Pay
Graduate/Trainee salaries are typically £11,000 - £18,000 according to Prospects, March 2008. These salaries may increase to £25,000 - £45,000 for senior designers after 10 years' experience and creative directors can earn as much as £65,000. Experienced freelancers tend to earn up to £40 per hour. However, these salaries vary greatly depending on the individual designer, location and sector.Of course, higher paying jobs can be found in larger cities and in-house jobs tend to pay more than agency or freelance jobs although the work can be more restrictive in terms of creativity. Many designers prefer agency work because of the diversity of projects and creative freedom.

University/College Courses

(Univesity of Derby) On our Graphic Design course you'll be involved in the exciting and evolving future of graphic design where developments in communication media, the internet and screen based moving image will offer you many opportunities. You will learn about design for all kinds of printed magazines and advertising material, typography and web design as well as more fundamental elements of art and design such as colour, spatial awareness, layout, concept development and industry standard software. You'll get briefs from clients and top design consultancies. These projects will give you a taster of what it's really like to work in the industry and are great experience. Recently our students have worked with British Telecom, Rolls-Royce, Coley Porter Bell, Lloyd Northover and Landor design agencies. The course is a member of D&AD (Design and Art Direction) and you will benefit from their visiting professionals, national competitions, expert lectures and seminars. Plus you'll have an opportunity to show your work at their London Show called 'New Blood'.You could also join the thriving community of artists, designers and makers who have businesses at the University's Banks Mill Studios. As well as providing workspace, we provide business support activity including one-to-one advice, workshops, seminars and bi-annual Open Studios.It's an undergraduate and postgraduate course combined. You'll study for four years and gain a masters degree in Graphic Design.It means you don't have to worry about the expense and inconvenience of relocating for a separate postgraduate year. And you can get a student loan for all 4 years of the course.

(Cardonald College of Glasgow)Creative ideas are at the heart of this popular course which provides an ideal foundation for those who wish to progress to the HNC/D Visual Communication Graphic Design for Print & New Media. An excellent course involving the study of typography, digital technology and the design concepts necessary to understand the process of visual communication.Subject IncludesArt and Design Project, Typography, Digital Photography, Magazine Design, Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, Label and Packaging Design, Illustration, Corporate Identity and Advertising.Fees & FundingEntry Requirements4 Standard Grades including Art & Design and English at General/Credit level or Intermediate 2 at C or above.Portfolio of art and design work.An interview is part of the selection process. This can be arranged at the applicants school or centre.

(University of Dundee)Are you a creative thinker? Artistic? Interested in design related challenges? Then the Graphic Design Course at djcad is the course for you. In this course we will challenge you with a range of design briefs, set either by tutors or by external professionals that will enhance and inform your creative outcomes.Graphic design is about the visual communication of ideas. At Dundee we will challenge you with a range of design briefs, set either by tutors or by external professionals, which will enhance and inform your creative outcomes. Your learning experience will be supported by lectures, tutorials, workshops and visits to design agencies.We will help you to develop your drawing and computer-aided design skills. Throughout the course you will use research, analysis, evaluation and self-criticism, which will assist you to arrive at the best possible solutions to design challenges. You are encouraged to maintain a keen interest in current trends and developments. By the end of the course you will have acquired the skills that you need to support your success within the design industry.

(London, Scotland)For artistic, imaginative students, the field of graphic design can be exciting and rewarding. The goal of the BFA with a concentration in Graphic Design is to place an emphasis on creative thinking and the ability to solve design problems creatively.In this industry-focused curriculum, students can build on their knowledge of the graphic design process and expand their skills. The program includes taking on an extended project where they can concentrate on a personally focused design interest and develop senior level design thinking.