How to become a graphic designer

CONTENTS

1. Routes to becoming a graphic designer

2. Skills you’ll need

3. Finding work experience

4. How to get a job as a graphic designer

5. What it's like to be a graphic designer

Routes to becoming a graphic designer

If you fancy becoming a graphic designer, there are various ways of gaining a qualification. You might want to learn more via an undergraduate degree or on the job, by completing a degree apprenticeship. If you already have relevant experience or an undergraduate degree in a similar field, a postgraduate degree might be the right path for you.

Undergraduate degrees

A graphic design degree will take between three or four years to complete depending on whether you do an arts foundation year. A foundation year is a good option if you want to experiment with different techniques before specialising in graphic design. This route often requires fewer UCAS points. Some graphic design degrees have a dual focus such as illustration or creative computing.

Degree apprenticeships

It may be possible to secure a graphic design apprenticeship within the creative and design sector. You’ll still study, but you’ll do so part-time while you work. These courses are employer-led and will usually take the same length of time to complete as an undergraduate degree.

Entry requirements are set by both the employer and the provider of the course. Your employer pays for the course, not you. You can search for apprenticeship vacancies via Find an apprenticeship.

Postgraduate degrees

Many universities offer postgraduate graphic design courses. This opportunity will not only add to your skill set but help build your networks in the industry. A postgraduate degree usually takes a year to complete full-time or two years part-time. An undergraduate degree in a related subject is usually a minimum entry requirement.

Skills you’ll need

There’s more to the role than just drawing, you’ll also need:

• Attention to detail
• Creativity and imagination
• Self-motivated
• Great communication to explain and sell your ideas
• Negotiation
• Adaptability
• Presentation skills
• Effective networking skills

Finding work experience

Having some work experience can help your application for a graphic design course and at a job interview. This could be paid or unpaid and may involve you volunteering with an organisation. Some creative agencies offer internships. You might also consider opportunities that help you practice your presentation skills.

Try looking for work at:

• Large advertising agencies
• Charities looking for volunteer graphic designers e.g. heritage organisations
• Publishers
• Big multimedia companies

You could become a member of the International Society of Typographic Designers (ISTD) or the Chartered Society of Designers (CSD) while studying. This will help you build networks and connect you to potential job opportunities.

How to get a job as a graphic designer

Graphic designers are in high demand at creative agencies specialising in communication or brand identity. You might also find work with local government, packaging companies, magazines, publishers, or computer game companies.

What it's like to be a graphic designer

Depending on your role and specialisation, your tasks could include:

• Working with client requirements and coming up with ideas
• Working out budgets and deadlines
• Presenting your ideas  
• Preparing designs using specialist software
• Responding to client feedback and gaining approval
• Producing a final layout
• Explaining requirements to other team members
• Responding to design trends and developments in software tools

Some graphic designers are freelance and work from home. Alternatively, you might work in a creative studio, office, or at your client’s base.

As a junior graphic designer, you might expect to earn between £20,000 and £25,000 depending on the location and size of the company you work for. If you become a senior designer or progress further to creative director, you could earn between £35,000 and £75,000.

Is a role as a graphic designer right for you?

A role as a graphic designer can be a very rewarding one, using your creative flair to bring your ideas to life for a range of clients. So, if you love being artistic and communicating with people, this could be the job for you.