Graphic Designer

The Job and What's Involved

Graphic designers work to bring many kinds of communication alive. They produce designs that get their clients' messages across with high visual impact. The role demands a keen business sense as well as creative flair.

Graphic design input is required for a huge variety of products and activities, including:

- Websites
- Packaging
- Books and magazines
- Corporate identity - to give organisations a visual 'brand'
- Advertising
- Exhibitions and displays
- Computer games

Tasks are likely to include:

• Finding out about the project requirements (taking a 'brief').
• Estimating the time the project will require, and providing a cost quotation.
• Coming up with design concepts that fit the client's needs.
• Presenting options for design treatments.
• Creating final designs, working to a deadline and budget.
• Amending designs according to the clients' final comments.
• Proofreading and preparing designs to be sent to print.

Apart from rough sketches, most graphic design work is now done on computer. Graphic designers use specialised industry-standard graphics or multimedia software packages.

Designers may use different media - e.g. photography and illustration - to get the results they want.

Graphic designers may deal directly with their clients. Those working in an agency may take briefs from an account manager who has responsibility for client contact.

Designers also have to work closely with other colleagues involved in projects, such as copywriters, photographers and sales staff. In order to win work, they may take part in formal presentations to 'pitch' their ideas to potential clients.

Graphic designers usually work 37 hours a week, Monday to Friday. Extra hours are common, especially to meet critical project deadlines. Part-time work may be possible.

Many designers work on a freelance basis after gaining some years' experience.

The work is usually done in an open-plan design studio. It involves sitting and working at a computer for long periods. Self-employed designers may work from home or share studio space.

There may be some travel to meet clients.

Salaries for junior designers may start at around £11,000 a year.

Getting Started with this Career Choice

Around 185,000 people work across the design sector as a whole. There are nearly 40,000 businesses working in graphic design, ranging from major agencies to sole freelancers.

There are two main types of employer.

• Agencies carry out graphic design work for a range of clients. They may specialise in advertising, corporate communications or general graphic design.
• Many large organisations have in-house design teams. These include publishers, banks, retailers, government departments, local authorities, universities and packaging companies.

Employers are based all over the UK. Almost half of design agencies are in London and the South East.

The design sector is growing. However, because there are many higher education courses in graphic design, competition for vacancies can still be keen. Gaining early experience and building a portfolio of work is an advantage. Some graphic designers create websites to show off their work.

Vacancies are advertised in trade press, such as Design Week, or national press, such as The Guardian (Mondays). Some graphic design vacancies are filled through specialist recruitment agencies.

Education and Training

While there are no set entry requirements, most graphic designers have a degree or diploma. This may be in graphic design, illustration, fine art or a related subject. There are many courses at universities and arts colleges across the UK.

With enthusiasm and a strong portfolio of work, it may be possible to enter without a degree or diploma. However, qualifications make career progression easier.

Many students take a one-year Foundation Diploma in Art and Design before applying for a degree or diploma course. This enables students to try a variety of art and design subjects, and allows them to build up a portfolio of work. Entry requirements are usually five GCSE's/S grades (A-C/1-3), and sometimes A levels/H grades, or equivalent qualifications.

For a degree course, two A-levels/H grades are usually needed, including an art-related subject, as well as five GCSE's/S grades (A-C/1-3), or equivalent qualifications.

For BTEC national diplomas or certificates, entry requirements are four GCSE's/S grades (A-C/1-3). For a higher national certificate/higher national diploma (HNC/HND) course, entry requirements are one A level/two H grades in art and design subjects, or a BTEC national diploma/certificate in a relevant subject, or the equivalent.

Many institutions now offer Foundation degrees in art and design subjects. These usually involve two years of part-time study. Successful candidates then have the option of transferring to the latter stages of an honours degree course. Entry requirements vary between institutions.

With a first degree in a related subject, it is possible to apply for a postgraduate degree or diploma in specialised areas of graphic design.

A range of NVQ's/SVQ's in design subjects is also available.

A Few More Exams You Might Need

Employers generally expect new entrants to have learned the essential skills while completing their qualifications.

Employers may support further study, e.g. for a postgraduate degree or diploma. They may also provide in-house or external training in specific aspects of the job, such as presentation skills.

Graphic designers are expected to keep up to date with the latest trends in the industry. They may attend courses and demonstrations of new design software.