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Art & Design

Graphic Designer

View this career for different education levels:

Primary Secondary Post-16

A graphic designer is a professional who creates visual content to communicate messages using typography, imagery, colour, and layout. Graphic designers work on a wide range of projects, including branding, advertising, websites, packaging, and print materials. Their work involves using design software such as Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign to produce creative solutions for clients or employers. In the UK, graphic designers can work in design agencies, in-house for companies, or as freelancers. The role requires creativity, attention to detail, and good communication skills to understand client needs and present ideas effectively.

Graphic Designer

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📊 Statistics

Average Salary

The average salary for a graphic designer in the UK is around £24,000 to £30,000 per year, with experienced designers earning up to £40,000 or more.

Employment Opportunities

There are over 70,000 people employed as graphic designers in the UK, working across sectors such as advertising, publishing, and marketing.

Job Growth

Employment for graphic designers has grown steadily, with digital skills in particular being in high demand due to the rise of online media and digital marketing.

🚀 Careers in this path

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Brand Identity Designer

Focuses on creating visual elements such as logos, colour schemes, and typography that represent a company or product's brand.

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User Interface Designer

Specialises in designing the visual layout and interactive elements of websites, apps, and software to ensure a positive user experience.

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Packaging Designer

Designs product packaging, including boxes, labels, and containers, to make products attractive and informative for customers.

Develop Your Artistic Skills

Take Art and Design Subjects

Choose art and design subjects at GCSE or A-level, or explore online courses to build your creative abilities.

Studying art and design at school will help you develop a strong foundation in drawing, composition, and visual communication. This is important for understanding the basics of design and will make it easier to progress to more technical aspects later. If these subjects are not available, consider online tutorials or community classes.

Build a Design Portfolio

Start compiling your best work in a portfolio to showcase your skills to future employers or colleges.

A portfolio is a collection of your work that shows your creativity and technical ability. It can include drawings, digital designs, posters, or personal projects. Keep adding to it as you develop your skills, and make sure it demonstrates a range of styles and techniques.

Gain Qualifications and Experience

Pursue Relevant Qualifications

Study for a Level 3 qualification such as A-levels, BTEC in Art and Design, or an equivalent course.

Colleges and universities look for candidates with qualifications in art, design, or media. A BTEC National Diploma or A-levels in related subjects will provide you with the skills and knowledge you need. Some courses may require a portfolio as part of the application process.

Consider a Degree or Apprenticeship

Apply for a university degree in Graphic Design or a related subject, or look for a creative apprenticeship.

A degree in Graphic Design or Visual Communication will teach you advanced techniques and provide industry experience. Alternatively, apprenticeships offer on-the-job training while earning a wage. Both pathways can lead to a successful career and help you build industry contacts.

Start Your Career

Gain Work Experience

Look for internships, placements, or freelance projects to build professional experience.

Work experience helps you understand how the industry operates and gives you practical skills. You can look for opportunities at design agencies, publishers, or in-house design teams. Freelancing on small projects is also a great way to build your CV and network.

Apply for Graphic Designer Roles

Search for junior or entry-level graphic designer positions or offer freelance services.

Once you have a solid portfolio and some experience, you can start applying for jobs. Entry-level roles may be titled 'Junior Graphic Designer' or 'Design Assistant'. You can also build your own client base by offering freelance services online or through local businesses.

🎯 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 is most closely matched to the role of Graphic designer in the list, as both involve creating visual content using similar skills such as layout, colour theory, typography, and digital illustration. They typically work on branding, marketing materials, and visual communication, making their qualifications and responsibilities highly aligned.

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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More 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.

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.

Interested in More Career Paths?

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