Graphic Designer

Typical Salary

£16,000 To £50,000

Typical Hours

37 to 40 a week

evenings occasionally

How To Become a Graphic Designer

You can get into this job through:

a university course
a college course
an apprenticeship

College / University

You could take a foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree in:

graphic design
art and design
illustration

a foundation diploma in art and design

1 or 2 A levels, or equivalent, for a foundation degree or higher national diploma

2 to 3 A levels, or equiva

You could take a college course like a Level 3 Diploma in Graphic Design or Level 4 Higher National Certificate in Art and Design, and use this to join a company as a design assistant.

4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a level 3 course

1 or 2 A levels, a level 3 diploma or relevant experience for a level 4 or level 5 course

Apprenticeship

You could start by doing an advanced apprenticeship in design, specialising in graphics.

5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship

Routes into this Career

Routes into this Career are not listed for this job.

Other Routes

Other Routes are not listed for this job.

Skills And Knowledge

You'll need:

design skills and knowledge
to be thorough and pay attention to detail
knowledge of media production and communication
knowledge of English language
the ability to come up with new ways of doing things
excellent verbal communication skills
thinking and reasoning skills
the ability to work well with your hands
to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

Day To Day Tasks

Depending on your role, your day-to-day tasks may include:

discussing the client's requirements and coming up with creative ideas
working out budgets and deadlines
producing rough drafts and presenting your ideas
preparing designs using specialist software
making presentations to clients for feedback and approval
producing a final layout
explaining requirements to photographers, printers, manufacturers or games developers
keeping up with design trends and developments in software tools

Working Environment

You could work in a creative studio, in an office or at a client's business.

Career Path & Progression

You could become a senior designer, creative director or move into management.

You could go freelance or start your own design agency.

Another option is to move into teaching or lecturing.

Volunteering Opportunities

Volunteering Opportunities are not listed for this job.

Tips & Information

Career tips

There's a lot of competition for graphic design work. You'll need a portfolio that shows your creative ideas, skills and work experience to help you get started.

Professional and industry bodies

You could join the Chartered Society of Designers and the International Society of Typographical Designers for professional development and to make industry contacts.

Further information

You can get more information on working in creative careers from Discover Creative Careers.

Restrictions & Requirements

Restrictions & Requirements are not listed for this job.