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Art & Design

Graphic Designer

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Primary Secondary Post-16

Graphic designers create visual concepts using computer software or by hand to communicate ideas that inspire, inform, or captivate consumers. They develop the layout and production design for various applications such as advertisements, brochures, magazines, and corporate reports. In the UK, graphic designers often work for design agencies, publishing houses, marketing firms, or directly for companies as part of in-house teams. Many also work as freelancers. The role requires creativity, attention to detail, and proficiency in design software like Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign. A portfolio showcasing creative work is essential when applying for jobs in this field.

Graphic Designer

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📊 Statistics

Average Salary

The average salary for a graphic designer in the UK is between £20,000 and £35,000 per year, with experienced designers earning up to £50,000.

Job Opportunities

There were approximately 80,000 people working as graphic designers in the UK in 2023.

Employment Sectors

Around 50 percent of graphic designers in the UK are employed in design consultancies and agencies, with the rest working in-house or as freelancers.

🚀 Careers in this path

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Brand Identity Designer

Focuses on creating logos, colour schemes, and visual guidelines that represent a company's brand, helping businesses stand out and connect with their audience.

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User Interface Designer

Specialises in designing the visual elements of websites and apps, ensuring they are attractive, easy to use, and engaging for users.

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Packaging Designer

Creates the visual and structural design for product packaging, making items appealing and informative for customers in shops or online.

Build Creative Foundations

Study Art and Design Subjects

Take GCSEs or A-levels in Art, Design, or Media Studies to develop your creative and technical abilities.

Studying subjects like Art and Design, Graphic Communication, or Photography at school will help you build a strong creative foundation. These courses teach basic principles of colour, layout, and composition, which are essential for graphic design.

Explore Design Software

Begin learning design software such as Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, or free alternatives like GIMP.

Familiarity with design software is crucial for graphic designers. Many resources are available online, including tutorials and free trials. Practising with these tools will allow you to experiment and build confidence in creating digital artwork.

Gain Qualifications and Experience

Pursue a Relevant Qualification

Study for a diploma, apprenticeship, or degree in Graphic Design or a related field.

A Level 3 Diploma, BTEC, or a degree in Graphic Design, Visual Communication, or Digital Media is highly recommended. Alternatively, apprenticeships offer practical, work-based routes into the profession. Check course content to ensure it covers both traditional and digital design.

Build a Portfolio

Create a collection of your best design work to show to potential employers or clients.

A portfolio is essential for graphic designers. It should include a range of work, such as school projects, freelance jobs, or personal projects. Online portfolios using platforms like Behance or your own website can help you showcase your skills to a wider audience.

Enter the Creative Industry

Apply for Jobs or Freelance Work

Look for entry-level graphic design roles, internships, or start freelancing to gain real-world experience.

Entry-level positions are available in design agencies, publishing companies, or in-house design teams. Alternatively, freelancing allows you to work on a variety of projects and build your client base. Networking and attending industry events can improve your chances of finding opportunities.

Continue Professional Development

Stay updated with new design trends and software by taking short courses or attending workshops.

The design industry is always evolving. Keeping your skills fresh by learning new techniques or software will help you stay competitive. Consider joining professional bodies like the Chartered Society of Designers for resources and networking.

🎯 View Apprenticeships

Explore relevant apprenticeships that can help you kickstart your career in Graphic Designer. Apprenticeships offer hands-on experience and training while earning a wage.

🎓 View Apprenticeships

Career Progressions

This page showcases various career options and the pathways to reach them. Each career listed here shares transferable skills and knowledge, making it easier for individuals to transition between them.

Your current career is highlighted to help you see how it fits into the broader landscape of potential career choices. By clicking on any career, you can learn more about it, including the training and education required to pursue it.

Remember, progressing in your career often involves further learning and training. This page provides insights into future career options as well as those that can lead up to your current one.

These career progression decisions are informed by comparing the skills and knowledge needed for different occupations, along with data on how people move between them. Explore the possibilities and discover the exciting journey ahead in your career!

Sample Qualifications

A Graphic Designer shares the same core skills in visual communication, layout, and design principles. They typically work on creating visual content for print, digital media, and branding, making it the closest in qualifications to the general role of a Graphic Designer.

How to become

You can get into this job through:

  • a university course
  • a college course

University

You could take a foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree in a design related subject like:

  • graphic design
  • art and design
  • communication design
  • illustration

Getting work experience during your course will give you an advantage when you start applying for jobs. Talk to your university careers service about work experience, internship and year placement opportunities, as well as any support offered to help you build a portfolio.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 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 equivalent, for a degree

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College

You could take a college course in graphic design or art and design, and use this to join a company as a design assistant.

You would need a good portfolio to showcase your skills to employers.

Entry requirements

Entry requirements for these courses vary.

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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.

Experience of using publishing software will also give you an advantage.

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.

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