Job description

Graphic designers produce hand- or computer-generated images and text to communicate an idea to attract, inform and excite consumers. Developing designs for advertisements, publications, corporate reports, websites and other marketing materials, they convey a company’s values with an image.

Duties

    • Produce designs for books, brochures, logos, annual corporate reports and other mediums
    • Engage with clients and management to determine the parameters of the order
    • Jot down notes and prepare instructions for team members who will assemble prints
    • Use specialist software to meet company needs
    • Create still graphics and animated images for multimedia
    • Generate rough drafts and alternative designs for presentations and brainstorming sessions
    • Collaborate with team members to produce rough sketches and refine designs
    • Insert information into a computer database and equipment to establish layouts
    • Maintain, organise and update archives of photos, records and documents for future reference
    • Present proposals, outlines and layouts of drafts and final product to clients
    • Review the final product to ensure there are no errors or client specification mistakes
    • Research industry trends, the latest design concepts and newest technical measures

Skills and qualities

Creativity
Time management
Tech-savviness
Artistic
Independence
Teamwork
Communication
Attention to detail
Organisational
Analytical
Design software

Job outlook

Projected growth
The projected growth rate of employment in the US from 2018 to 2028, based on data collected through the BLS Employment Projections (EP) programme. The national average growth rate for all professions is 5%.

3%

New jobs
The number of jobs projected to become available in the US between 2018 and 2028, based on data collected through the BLS Employment Projections (EP) programme.

8.8k

Automation risk

8.2%

Career progression

As an employee in a private company, you can advance to a supervisory or management position, such as chief designer or art director. As an independent contractor or freelancer, advancement is measured by your reputation among clients.

Working conditions

Average hours

40h/ week

Typical schedule

Full Time

Standard business hours

If hired as a full-time employee by a private company, then you will record a typical 40-hour workweek from Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm. Occasional evening or weekend work is common, particularly when nearing pending deadlines. Graphic designers who work on freelance or contractor basis, meanwhile, typically enjoy a more flexible work schedule.

As a full-time staff member, you will also typically work in an office setting. As a freelancer or independent contractor, though, you’ll be able to work from home or complete tasks remotely.

Salary

Bottom 10%

$30k

Median

$50k

Top 10%

$86k

Annual salary estimates are based on percentile wage data collected through the Occupational Employment Statistics (OES) survey of US workers.

Qualifications and training

Education level

Undergraduate

Bachelor’s degree in graphic design

Study time

4 years

To become a professional graphic designer, many employers will require their employees to possess a postsecondary education. While a two-year college programme is sufficient to find employment, the industry has become ultra-competitive that companies are preferring candidates who hold four-year university degrees that specialise in graphic design or a related field.

Last Updated: Wednesday, November 2, 2022

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