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Art & Design

Graphic Designer

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Primary Secondary Post-16

Graphic designers use visual elements to communicate ideas and messages for a wide range of clients and industries. Their work can include designing logos, brochures, websites, advertisements, packaging, and social media graphics. Graphic designers often use software like Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign to create their work. They must have a good eye for colour, composition, and typography. Many graphic designers work in design agencies, in-house for companies, or as freelancers. The role can be varied and creative, often involving working with clients to understand their needs and delivering visually appealing solutions.

Graphic Designer

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📊 Statistics

Average Salary

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

Employment Numbers

There are over 80,000 people employed as graphic designers across the UK, according to the Office for National Statistics.

Job Growth

The UK graphic design sector is expected to grow by around 5 percent over the next five years, with digital skills in high demand.

🚀 Careers in this path

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Brand Identity Designer

Focuses on creating logos, colour schemes, and visual styles that represent a company's brand.

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Packaging Designer

Designs the visual appearance of product packaging, making it attractive and informative for consumers.

User Interface Designer

Specialises in designing the look and feel of websites and mobile apps, ensuring they are visually appealing and easy to use.

Build Foundational Skills

Study Art and Design Subjects

Take GCSEs or A-levels in art, design, or related subjects to develop your creative skills.

Art and design courses help you learn the basics of composition, colour theory, and drawing. These skills are the foundation for any graphic designer. If your school offers digital design or photography, consider taking those as well.

Learn Design Software

Get familiar with industry-standard software such as Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign.

Many employers expect graphic designers to be proficient in digital design tools. You can access free tutorials online, or use trial versions of professional software to practise. Some schools or colleges may include these in their curriculum.

Gain Qualifications

Complete a Relevant Course

Pursue a college course, apprenticeship, or university degree related to graphic design.

Popular routes include taking a Level 3 Diploma in Graphic Design, a T Level in Digital Production, Design and Development, or a university degree such as a BA in Graphic Design. Apprenticeships are also available for hands-on experience while studying.

Build a Portfolio

Create a collection of your best work to showcase your skills to future employers or clients.

Your portfolio should include a variety of projects demonstrating your creativity and ability to solve design problems. You can include coursework, personal projects, and any freelance work. Digital portfolios are most common and can be shared easily online.

Get Experience and Progress

Seek Work Experience

Look for internships, voluntary roles, or freelance opportunities to gain real-world design experience.

Work experience helps you understand how the industry operates and allows you to build connections. Many design agencies, charities, and businesses offer short-term placements. Freelancing is another way to gain practical experience and build your portfolio.

Apply for Graphic Designer Roles

Apply for junior graphic designer positions or freelance contracts.

When you feel ready, start applying for jobs in design agencies, marketing teams, publishing companies, or as a freelance designer. Highlight your portfolio and relevant experience in your applications. Continuing to develop your skills and keeping up with design trends will help you progress in your career.

🎯 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 similar to the career title 'Graphic designer' as they both involve creating visual content to communicate messages through digital or print media. They share similar qualifications, skills, and responsibilities related to visual communication, branding, and layout design.

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.

More Information

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.

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