With the rise of digital media, the field of graphic design has seen an incredible expansion in recent years. The Bureau of Labor Statistics concluded that employment in graphic design will grow roughly 3% from 2020 to 2030, adding about 23,900 jobs annually.
Despite this growth, the field is extremely competitive at times. To be a successful graphic designer, you need more than creativity and artistic talent. You must also have strong technical skills, be able to effectively communicate your ideas, and understand the latest trends in digital media.
If you're thinking about pursuing a career in graphic design, this article will help you decide if it's the right fit for you. We'll cover the basics of what graphic designers do, the qualifications needed to enter the field, common job responsibilities, and traditional employment vs. freelancing.
What Does a Graphic Designer Do?
Graphic Designers work to create visual concepts that inspire, inform, and transform. They develop unique designs that convey messages or ideas through images, typography, or color. Common design projects include branding collateral, websites, advertising, and packaging.
These creative professionals use numerous tools to bring their visions to life, including Adobe Photoshop, Sketch, and InDesign. They must have an understanding of the latest trends in digital media and be able to communicate their ideas to clients or team members effectively.
Qualifications Needed to Be a Graphic Designer
While there is no standardized answer to this question, certain qualifications will help you succeed in the field. These can include taking a graphic design bootcamp course or completing a degree in graphic design from an accredited university.
In addition to formal education, most employers will want to see a polished design portfolio of your work. This is an opportunity to highlight your unique skillset, creativity, and style. Be sure to include a mix of projects that demonstrate your range as a designer.
Some of the most common hard and soft skills needed to become a successful Graphic Designer include:
Hard Skills
- Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign)
- Layout and composition
- Typography
- Color theory
- Print design
- Web design
Soft Skills
- Creativity
- Problem-solving
- Communication
- Project management
- Collaboration
What Are the Typical Job Responsibilities of a Graphic Designer?
Graphic Designers have a wide range of responsibilities, from conceptualizing original ideas to executing final designs. Some common duties include:
- Meeting with clients or team members to discuss project requirements
- Developing creative concepts and presenting them to clients or team members
- Creating detailed designs using Photoshop, Illustrator, or other design software
- Revising designs based on feedback from clients or team members
- Preparing final files for print or web publication
- Managing projects from start to finish within deadlines
What is the Average Salary and Career Outlook for Graphic Designers?
The Bureau of Labor Statistics concluded that the median annual salary for graphic designers was $50,710 in May of 2021. The top earners made more than $98,000, while the bottom 10 percent made less than $31,310.
Career outlook varies depending on the industry you choose to work in. For example, the BLS reports that those working in advertising and public relations are expected to see a 10% increase in employment opportunities, while those working in software publishing are expected to see a 12% decrease in employment options.
The most important factor in determining your salary will be your experience level. Junior designers can expect to earn $46,573 per year, while senior designers can earn upwards of $64,000.
Freelance Design Work vs. Traditional Employment
One of the unique things about graphic design is that it offers a lot of flexibility in terms of employment. You can choose to work freelance, full-time, or part-time.
Many designers start out their careers working for an agency or design firm. This can be a great way to gain experience and build your portfolio. However, the hours can be long, and the work can be stressful. If you're looking for a flexible work-life balance, freelancing may be better.
When working as a graphic design freelancer, you'll be responsible for finding your own clients and managing your own projects. This can be challenging at first, but it's also very rewarding. You'll have the freedom to set your own hours and rates, and you'll be able to work from anywhere in the world.
If you're just starting out in your career, working for a traditional employer may be the best way to get your foot in the door. Once you've gained some experience, you can then start to consider freelancing.
No matter which path you choose, there are many opportunities for growth and advancement in the field of graphic design. You can build a successful career doing what you love with hard work and dedication.
Do I Need a College Degree to Become a Graphic Designer?
One of the biggest misconceptions about working as a Graphic Designer is that you need a college degree to be successful. This simply isn't true. While a degree can help you get your foot in the door, it's not necessary to have one to succeed in this field.
There are numerous ways to break into the world of graphic design without a degree. You could start by taking live online graphic design classes or attending a graphic design bootcamp course. You could also look for internships or entry-level jobs at design firms.
Some aspiring designers choose to teach themselves by reading design books and blogs, watching tutorials, and practicing their skills. There are even free resources available online that can help you learn the basics of graphic design.
If you’re ready to start your new career in graphic design, consider signing up for graphic design classes from Noble Desktop! These courses teach the fundamentals of design to prepare you for a new and exciting career in the field. You can search for graphic design classes in your area to see what options are available and sign up for the class that best aligns with your career goals.