What Is a Graphic Designer? And How Can You Start?

Graphic design is the art and process of visual communication and problem-solving through the use of images, typography, and colour. A graphic designer is someone who uses this set of skills to design or create messages and visuals for websites, marketing campaigns, advertising, product packaging, and signage.

As a graphic designer, you will create visual concepts, using a variety of techniques to convey messages or create aesthetic effects. You combine art and technology to produce effective brand imagery and other graphics that communicate the ideas of a product, service, or organisation. 

If you want to design branding, websites, packaging, or print ads and create illustrations, animations, and interactive media—using both traditional and digital techniques—a career as a graphic designer might be right for you.

What does a graphic designer do?

Graphic designers use their knowledge of design, colour, and typography to communicate a message or present a product visually. In this role, you create visual concepts by hand or using computer software to communicate ideas that inspire, inform, and captivate consumers. As part of the creative team, you collaborate with artists, copywriters, and marketing managers to develop visual solutions that effectively promote a product or service.

Historically, graphic designers worked primarily in print media, but in today's digital world, the field can be very broad. Some graphic designers create website layouts and advertising campaigns, while others design logos and branding for businesses. 

Graphic designer skills

Graphic design involves having a creative talent and an eye for layout as well as practical and technical skills. Consider the following list of graphic designer skills that will help you be successful in the field:

Audience targeting. You need to know who your customers or clients are and design visually appealing, effective material. It's important to understand the target audience. Understanding their preferences will help you create work that makes the right emotional impact and gets noticed.

Colour theory. Colour theory is the study of how colours can affect people emotionally, physically, and psychologically. It takes into account cultural differences as well as individual preferences. To use colour theory effectively you need to have the skills to balance and position colour to get the look and feel you want.

Communication skills. You'll communicate with clients and potential clients. Being able to listen and take direction in the information and requirements-gathering stages is essential to creating effective designs.

Sketching. The ability to hand-draw sketches has become less important as more complex computerized drawing programs are now available. However, many designers still prefer to sketch out their ideas before developing them with a computer. Sketching is also useful for generating ideas on the go or when sitting with a client. Sketches are a highly agile tool for developing products and visual concepts.

Layout. Designers use layout software such as InDesign to design newspapers, magazines, and books. Layout involves positioning text and images, incorporating columns, features, and advertisements, and ensuring that the finished product looks balanced and visually attractive.

Typeface design. A typeface designer creates original fonts for digital applications such as websites or adverts. As a graphic designer, you need to have a good understanding of typeface.

Web page design: Designing the structure and appearance of websites, including creating a layout and choosing colours, images, fonts, and text. Many graphic designers produce the PSD or .AI files that then get turned into websites.

Designing user interfaces: Graphic designers use computer software to design the layout of digital products, such as SaaS products and mobile apps. This includes deciding how the information will be displayed on a screen or printed page, how it will look when opened on different devices, and how it will work in conjunction with other technologies.

So why should you become a graphic designer?

Good graphic designers are in high demand and have many career options open to them. You can work as a consultant, start your own design firm, work on a freelance basis, or take a corporate position within print media, advertising, or marketing departments.

It can be extremely satisfying to work with a client from the start of a project and end up delivering a powerful visual concept. If you enjoy visual expression, the work should be fun and rewarding. In addition, you will likely be able to work from home and will have a lot of variety in your work.

What are the types of graphic design?

Graphic design is a broad field, allowing you to specialise in an area or areas that best suit your interests. Some graphic design specialisations include:

• Environmental graphic design

• Information design

• Motion graphics design

• Packaging design

• Publication design

• User experience (UX) design)

• User interface (UI) design

• Visual identity (branding) design

• Web design

How much do graphic designers earn?

The average graphic designer salary in the UK is £29,257 per year, with an average range of £23,000 to £34,000 [1]. Freelance graphic designers earn an average of £34,138, with an average range of £25,000 to £48,000 [2]. Graphic designer earnings vary by experience, area of speciality, location, and whether they are employed, contract, or freelance. If you start a successful design company your earning potential could be significantly higher.

Job outlook for graphic design

The job outlook for graphic designers is expected to be steady. New media, such as digital and mobile platforms, are now the most popular way to reach consumers. This increased interest in new channels will create opportunities for graphic designers to develop graphics for websites, presentations, marketing materials, software, apps, and video production.

Where do graphic designers work?

Graphic designers are employed by:

• Corporations

• Advertising agencies

• Communication firms

• Publishing companies

• Retail businesses

• Magazines

• Newspapers

• Catalogue companies 

• Other companies that use visual communications

Career paths for graphic designers

In the graphic design industry, you can typically find work in a variety of settings. You could work in marketing, advertising, fashion, or technology. You might look for onward career progression into another role, or you may enjoy the design work and, with experience, gain earning power through larger, more complex, and higher-profile project work. In the corporate environment, you may move through roles like senior graphic designer and graphics design manager. 

Other roles graphic designers move into or specialise in include:

• Graphics project manager

• Email marketing designer

• Web designer

• Video game designer

• Product packaging design specialist

• Book cover design specialist

• Signage designer

• 3D illustrator

• UX designer

• UI designer

• Marketing manager

• Teacher or lecturer

• Fashion designer

The digital revolution has opened up exciting new possibilities for careers. For instance, people with traditional design skills are making a living in virtual reality (VR), and VR designers and creators are in high demand. Augmented reality is another field that requires a large amount of graphics work.

Visual communication glossary of useful terms

Explore this quick glossary of terms you may encounter when investigating graphics design courses or jobs or discussing graphic design:

How to become a graphic designer

To become a graphic designer, you typically need education or experience in fields such as fine arts, visual communication, and digital media design.

Steps you can take to make yourself more attractive to prospective employers and clients alike, include:

1. Update your skills: Demonstrate your dedication to the graphic design field by showing that you're committed to continuing your education throughout your career. Complete courses and projects, and keep up to date with the latest trends.

2. Get experience: Gain real-world experience by pursuing an internship with a professional design firm, advertising agency, or other design organisation. Not only will this give you the opportunity to work with experienced professionals and broaden your skill set, but it's invaluable on your CV.

3. Develop a portfolio: Invest plenty of time in building your portfolio of work and examples. These can be paid work, volunteer work, or just your own personal projects. Graphic design portfolios are one of the best ways to showcase your work.

4. Tailor your portfolio to the job you are applying for: If you're applying for a job at a publishing company, include some of your editorial design work. If you're applying for a job as a user interface designer, include screen designs and wireframes prominently in your portfolio.

Get started in graphic design with Coursera

Graphic design is a dynamic and rewarding field that combines creativity with technology to create visually compelling messages and imagery. As a graphic designer, you have the opportunity to work in a variety of settings, from corporate environments to freelance roles, creating everything from websites to product packaging.

With a strong demand for skilled designers and a wide range of career paths available, graphic design offers both professional fulfillment and a flexible work environment. By honing your skills, gaining experience, and developing a robust portfolio, you can embark on a successful career in this exciting industry. Start building your graphic design skills with the CalArts Graphic Design Specialization or explore a focus area like UX design with the Google UX Design Professional Certificate.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)