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How to Become a Graphic Designer

By Lace Brunsden

Published: February 27, 2024

Welcome to the world of graphic design , where creativity meets communication, and visuals speak louder than words. If you’ve ever been captivated by a stunning advertisement, a beautifully designed website, or an eye-catching logo, you’ve experienced the power of graphic design. But is graphic design a good career? In this article, we’ll explore the dynamic and diverse field of graphic design, its roles, responsibilities, and the essential skills that shape this exciting profession.

Career Summary

Graphic designer salary.

Is graphic design a good career in terms of salary? Your salary as a graphic designer can vary a lot depending on exactly what you specialize in, the company that you work for, and how much experience you have. According to Glassdoor , you can expect the following range:

• Entry Salary (US$44k)
• Median Salary (US$54k)
• Executive Salary (US$66k)

According to the Bureau of Labour Statistics , the average salary across all occupations in the United States is approximately US$ 61,900 per annum. The salary of a graphic designer roughly aligns with this.

Graphic Designer Job Description

The graphic designer job description can be difficult to describe because of how broad the profession is. In general, a graphic designer is a professional who specializes in visual communication.

If you become a graphic designer, you will use various design elements, such as typography, images, colors, and layout, to create visual content that conveys a message or information effectively.

Graphic Designer Career Progression

Here is a typical career progression for a graphic designer from entry-level to senior positions. This may vary slightly depending on your specific career path.

• Entry-Level Graphic Designer: Your responsibilities include assisting with design tasks, working on small projects, and gaining proficiency with design software.
• Junior Graphic Designer: You will work on a wider range of projects, collaborate with senior designers, and begin handling client interactions. You will continue to refine your design skills and start to develop a specialization or preferred design style.
• Mid-Level Graphic Designer: You will manage complex projects, lead design teams, and contribute to strategic design decisions. This stage involves honing expertise in a specific design niche, such as web design, branding, or packaging.
• Senior Graphic Designer: You might oversee major design projects, mentor junior designers, and collaborate closely with clients and stakeholders. You will play a significant role in shaping the creative direction of projects and may even manage design teams or departments.
• Art Director/Creative Director: You will provide guidance to the design team, set creative standards, and ensure that design work aligns with branding and marketing goals. You may often be involved in client pitches and high-level decision-making.
• Design Director/Design Manager: You focus on long-term design strategies, budgeting, and resource allocation. These roles involve a high level of leadership, business acumen, and collaboration with other departments.
• Chief Creative Officer (CCO): You set the creative vision for the organization, oversee all design and creative functions, and play a pivotal role in shaping the brand’s identity and success.

• Diverse Projects
• Constant Learning
• Portfolio Building
• Impactful Visual Communication
• Tight Deadlines
• Client Feedback Challenges
• Job Insecurity
• Competitive Industry
• Sitting for Extended Periods

Useful Skills to Have as a Graphic Designer

• Design Software Proficiency
• Typography Skills
• Visual Communication
• Color Theory
• Problem-Solving

Popular Graphic Designer Specialties

• Branding and Identity Design
• Illustration
• Packaging Design
• Motion Graphics Design

How to become a Graphic Designer

Step 1: get the relevant education.

The first step to becoming a graphic designer is to earn a high school diploma or equivalent. After that, you should pursue a bachelor’s degree in graphic design , visual communication, or a related field. Alternatively, you can start with an associate’s degree or specialized design program.

Do I Need a Degree to Become a Graphic Designer?

No, you do not necessarily need a degree to become a graphic designer, but having formal education can be beneficial in various ways.

Alternatives to a degree do exist. You can acquire graphic design skills through self-study, online courses, workshops, and tutorials. Many successful graphic designers are self-taught. Specialized design programs, community college courses, or vocational schools offer shorter and more focused design education options without the commitment of a four-year degree.

Benefits of Getting a Graphic Design Degree

Getting a graphic design degree can be important for several reasons, depending on your career goals and personal circumstances.

Here are some reasons why pursuing a degree in graphic design can be beneficial:

• Comprehensive Education: Graphic design degree programs offer you a structured and comprehensive education that covers a wide range of design principles, techniques, and software tools. This formal education provides a strong foundation in design theory and practice.
• Hands-On Experience: Many graphic design degree programs include practical coursework, projects, and internships that allow you to apply your skills in real-world situations. This hands-on experience helps you develop a portfolio of work and gain practical knowledge.
• Feedback and Critique: In a degree program, you have access to experienced instructors who can provide valuable feedback and critique on your work. This feedback helps you improve your design skills and refine your creative process.
• Networking Opportunities: College and university environments often provide opportunities to network with peers, professors, and industry professionals. Building a professional network can be invaluable for finding job opportunities, freelance clients, and mentorship.
• Credibility: Some employers, especially larger design agencies and corporations, may prefer or require candidates with a degree in graphic design or a related field. A degree can enhance your credibility and open doors to job opportunities.
• Specialized Knowledge: Degree programs often allow you to specialize in specific areas of graphic design, such as web design, branding, illustration, or user interface (UI) design. Specialization can make you more competitive in niche markets.
• Portfolio Development: While in school, you can work on a variety of projects that contribute to your portfolio. A well-rounded portfolio is essential for showcasing your skills to potential employers or clients.
• Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving: A degree program can help you develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills, which are essential for creative problem-solving in design projects.
• Exposure to Design Trends: Formal education can expose you to current design trends, industry best practices, and emerging technologies, helping you stay relevant in the field.
• Personal Growth: Pursuing a degree can be a fulfilling personal and intellectual journey. It can help you develop discipline, time management skills, and a deeper understanding of design and visual communication.

How Long Does it Take to Get a Degree in Graphic Design?

The duration of a graphic design degree program typically ranges from three to four years for a bachelor’s, depending on various factors.

Here are some key considerations that can influence the length of time it takes to earn a bachelor’s degree in graphic design:

• Full-Time vs. Part-Time: If you attend college or university on a full-time basis and follow the traditional academic calendar, a bachelor’s degree in graphic design is typically completed in four years. However, some programs offer accelerated options that allow you to finish in three years.
• Credit Requirements: The number of credit hours required to complete a bachelor’s degree can vary by institution and program. Programs with higher credit requirements may take longer to complete.
• Transfer Credits: If you have previously earned college credits, you may be able to transfer some of them to your graphic design program, which can shorten the time needed to graduate.
• Summer or Intersession Courses: Some students choose to take additional courses during the summer or intersession periods to expedite their degree progress.
• Cooperative Education or Internships: Some graphic design programs incorporate co-op education or internship requirements into the curriculum. While these experiences provide valuable real-world exposure, they can extend the overall duration of your degree.
• Specializations or Concentrations: If you choose to specialize in a particular area of graphic design (e.g., web design, illustration, or motion graphics), it may require additional coursework and time to complete.
• Thesis or Capstone Project: Certain programs may require a thesis or capstone project, which can add an extra semester or year to your degree timeline.

How Much Does it Cost to Study Graphic Design at University?

The cost to get a graphic design certification can vary a great deal depending on the university that you study at. According to the U.S. News, you can expect to pay anywhere between US$ 38,000 and US$ 96,000.

Generally speaking, in-state education is cheaper than studying out of state.

Can I Become a Graphic Designer Through Online Education?

Yes, you can absolutely become a graphic designer through online education. Online education has become a viable and flexible option for acquiring the skills and knowledge needed for a career in graphic design. Here are some key points to consider:

• Accredited Online Programs: Many accredited colleges, universities, and specialized design schools offer online graphic design programs at various degree levels, including certificates, associate’s degrees, and bachelor’s degrees.
• Flexibility: Online education allows you to study from anywhere, making it accessible to individuals with busy schedules or those who cannot relocate for traditional on-campus programs.
• Diverse Course Offerings: Online graphic design programs often provide a wide range of courses that cover design principles, software proficiency, and specialized areas like web design, illustration, or branding.
• Quality Instruction: Reputable online programs employ experienced instructors who are experts in the field. They may offer video lectures, live webinars, interactive assignments, and personalized feedback.
• Self-Paced Learning: Some online programs offer self-paced or asynchronous courses, allowing you to progress at your own speed, while others follow a more structured schedule.
• Cost Savings: Online education can be cost-effective, as you may save on commuting, housing, and other expenses associated with traditional on-campus education.
• Career Support: Many online programs offer career services and resources to help you prepare for job interviews, build resumes, and explore job opportunities.

Step 2: Build a Portfolio

Most of the time you will start building your portfolio during your education. It is important to create a diverse portfolio of design projects showcasing your skills and style. Include both academic and personal projects. The portfolio serves as a visual testament to your skills, creativity, and evolving design style.

Include projects that span different mediums such as print, digital, and perhaps even motion graphics or animation if relevant to your interests. Showcase your ability to solve design challenges, communicate ideas effectively, and connect with your audience. As you progress, keep updating your portfolio to reflect your growth, evolving style, and the latest industry trends.

Step 3: Gain Technical Skills

Learn and master graphic design software, such as Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign) and other relevant tools.

What Are Some Web Resources to Learn Skills to Become a Graphic Designer?

There are many web resources available to help you learn the skills needed to become a graphic designer.

Here are some popular and reputable online platforms and websites where you can access tutorials, courses, articles, and other educational content:

• Adobe Creative Cloud Tutorials : Adobe’s official website provides tutorials and resources for their Creative Cloud software, including Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, and more.
• Canva Design School : Canva offers free design courses and resources on topics like branding, typography, and layout.
• Behance : Behance is a platform for showcasing design portfolios, but it also features tutorials and design inspiration from professionals worldwide.
• Smashing Magazine : Smashing Magazine offers articles, tutorials, and resources on web design, UI/UX, and graphic design.
• AIGA Design Archives : The American Institute of Graphic Arts (AIGA) provides a rich collection of design case studies, articles, and inspiration.

Step 4: Internships and Entry-Level Positions

Internship opportunities for graphic designers can provide valuable real-world experience, networking opportunities, and a chance to build your portfolio.

What Are Internship Opportunities for a Graphic Designer?

Internship opportunities for graphic designers encompass a diverse range of industries, each offering a unique learning experience. Graphic design agencies are a common choice, allowing interns to work on various projects spanning branding, advertising, packaging, and web design.

In-house design departments within corporations, non-profits, and government agencies provide insight into industry-specific design needs. Additionally, advertising agencies, web design studios, motion graphics and animation studios, and gaming companies frequently offer internships tailored to different design interests.

Freelance designers may also offer internship opportunities, offering hands-on experience and mentorship for emerging designers. These internship options provide aspiring graphic designers with a rich and diverse learning landscape to develop their skills and gain real-world design expertise.

What Skills Will I Learn As a Graphic Designer?

As a graphic designer, you will develop a wide range of skills that encompass both technical and creative aspects of the profession. These skills are essential for effectively communicating ideas, messages, and information through visual design. Here are some of the key skills you will learn and refine as a graphic designer:

• Design Principles: Understanding fundamental design principles, such as balance, contrast, unity, and hierarchy, to create visually appealing and effective designs.
• Typography: Selecting and manipulating fonts to enhance readability and convey the intended tone and message.
• Color Theory: Mastering color psychology, color harmony, and the use of color to evoke emotions and create visual impact.
• Layout and Composition: Arranging design elements on a page or screen to create visually pleasing and organized layouts.
• Visual Communication: Conveying complex ideas and messages through visual elements, ensuring clarity and impact.
• Illustration: Creating original artwork, illustrations, and icons to complement design projects.
• Image Editing: Using software to edit and manipulate images for various design purposes.
• Logo Design: Developing logos that represent a brand’s identity and values effectively.
• Branding and Identity: Creating and maintaining consistent visual branding across various media, ensuring brand recognition and cohesion.
• Web Design: Designing user interfaces (UI) for websites and applications, focusing on usability and user experience (UX) design principles.
• Print Production: Preparing design files for print, understanding print processes, and ensuring print-ready materials.
• Digital Design: Designing digital assets for online platforms, including social media graphics, banners, and email templates.
• Vector Graphics: Creating and manipulating vector graphics using software like Adobe Illustrator.
• Motion Graphics: Designing animations and motion graphics for videos and interactive media.
• Client Communication: Developing effective communication skills to understand client needs, present design concepts, and incorporate feedback.
• Project Management: Organizing and managing design projects, including timelines, resources, and budgets.
• Critical Thinking: Developing problem-solving skills to address design challenges and make creative decisions.
• Attention to Detail: Paying close attention to small details, ensuring accuracy in design work.
• Adaptability: Staying up-to-date with design trends, technologies, and software updates to remain competitive in the field.

Step 5: Get an Additional Graphic Design Certification

Certifications can be valuable for graphic designers as they demonstrate expertise in specific areas of design and can enhance your credibility in the field.

Here are some certifications you may want to consider as a graphic designer:

• Adobe Certified Professional (ACP): Adobe offers a range of certification exams for their design software, such as Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, and more. Achieving ACP certification validates your proficiency in using these industry-standard tools.
• User Experience (UX) and User Interface (UI) Design Certifications: Organizations like the Nielsen Norman Group (NN/g) offer UX and UI certification programs that focus on user-centered design principles and usability.
• HubSpot Design Certification: Ideal for designers involved in inbound marketing and content creation, this certification covers topics like content design, email marketing, and marketing automation.
• Web Design and Development Certifications: Platforms like W3Schools offer web development certifications that can be useful for designers working on web projects.
• Certification in Sustainable Design: With a growing focus on sustainability, some organizations offer certifications in sustainable design practices .

What’s the Career Outlook for Graphic Designers?

According to the Bureau of Labour Statistics, the profession is expected to grow by roughly 3% from 2022 to 2023. Many of these opportunities are expected to open due to the natural course of time resulting in workers retiring and transferring occupations. It is considered to be a relatively average and stable growth rate.

What are the Job Opportunities of a Graphic Designer?

Graphic designers can pursue various job opportunities and positions across different industries and sectors.

The specific roles and job titles may vary, but here are some common job opportunities and positions for graphic designers:

• Illustrator: You will specialize in creating original illustrations and artwork for various applications, including books, magazines, advertising, and digital media.
• UI/UX Designer: Specializing in user interface (UI) and user experience (UX) design, these professionals create digital interfaces that are user-friendly, visually appealing, and functional.
• Web Designer: Focusing on the design and layout of websites, you will create web pages, graphics, and user interfaces. You will work closely with developers to bring designs to life.
• Packaging Designer: Packaging designers create visually appealing and functional packaging for products, considering factors like branding, product protection, and consumer appeal.
• Motion Graphics Designer: You will work with animations and video to create dynamic visual content for video production, marketing, advertising, and digital media.
• Brand Identity Designer: Focusing on branding and visual identity, you will create logos, brand guidelines, and marketing collateral to maintain consistent brand recognition.
• Print Production Artist: Responsible for preparing design files for printing, ensuring they meet industry standards and specifications. You collaborate with printers and production teams.
• Environmental Graphic Designer: Designers in this field create graphics and signage for physical spaces, including museums, retail stores, exhibitions, and architectural environments.
• Creative Director : A higher-level position responsible for the overall creative vision of projects or organizations. You will guide design teams, set creative standards, and shape the brand’s identity.
• Freelance Designer: Self-employed graphic designers who work on a project-by-project basis for various clients. You will have the flexibility to choose their projects and clients.

What Type of Companies Hire a Graphic Designer?

Graphic designers are hired by a wide variety of companies and organizations across different industries.

Here is a list of the types of companies and sectors that commonly hire graphic designers:

• Advertising Agencies: Advertising agencies create campaigns for clients and often hire graphic designers to develop visual elements for advertisements, including print, digital, and broadcast media.
• Graphic Design Agencies: Specialized design firms focus exclusively on design services and frequently employ graphic designers to work on various design projects.
• Marketing and PR Firms: Marketing and public relations firms hire graphic designers to create marketing collateral, branding materials, and promotional content.
• In-House Design Departments: Many corporations, from technology companies to retailers to non-profit organizations, maintain in-house design departments to handle their branding and marketing needs.
• Publishing Companies: Publishers of books, magazines, newspapers, and digital content employ graphic designers to create layouts, book covers, and editorial graphics.
• Web Design and Development Companies: Companies specializing in web design and development hire graphic designers to design user interfaces, web pages, and digital content.
• Packaging Companies: Packaging manufacturers and design firms employ packaging designers to create product packaging that is visually appealing and functional.
• Print and Signage Companies: These companies hire graphic designers to design print materials, signage, banners, and promotional products for clients.
• Software and Tech Companies: Tech companies often employ graphic designers to work on user interface (UI) design, marketing materials, and branding for software applications and websites.
• Fashion and Apparel Brands: Fashion companies hire graphic designers to create clothing designs, brand logos, marketing materials, and lookbooks.
• Gaming Companies: The gaming industry hires graphic designers to create game graphics, characters, environments, and user interfaces.
• Architectural and Environmental Design Firms: Environmental graphic designers work in firms that specialize in creating signage, wayfinding, and visual elements for physical spaces.
• E-Learning and Educational Institutions: Educational institutions and e-learning platforms hire graphic designers to create educational materials, instructional graphics, and course content.
• Government Agencies: Federal, state, and local government agencies employ graphic designers for various purposes, including public awareness campaigns, informational materials, and reports.
• Non-Profit Organizations: Nonprofits hire graphic designers to create visual content for fundraising campaigns, awareness initiatives, and events.
• Museums and Cultural Institutions: Cultural organizations hire graphic designers to create exhibition graphics, promotional materials, and educational resources.
• Startups: Emerging startups often hire graphic designers to establish their branding and create marketing materials.
• Social Media and Digital Marketing Companies: Companies specializing in social media marketing and digital content creation employ graphic designers to create visually engaging social media graphics and digital advertisements.
• Entertainment Industry: Film studios, music labels, and entertainment companies hire graphic designers for movie posters, album artwork, promotional materials, and merchandise.

What Is the Work-Life Balance of a Graphic Designer?

Your work-life balance as a graphic designer can vary widely depending on factors such as the type of employer you have, your specific job role, and individual work habits.

Here are some considerations regarding work-life balance in the field of graphic design:

• Regular Hours: Graphic designers employed by traditional organizations like design agencies or in-house departments often work standard business hours, typically 9 AM to 5 PM, Monday through Friday. This schedule can offer you a relatively stable work-life balance.
• Freelance or Self-Employment: Freelance graphic designers have more control over their schedules but may experience irregular work hours, including evenings and weekends, to meet project deadlines. Balancing work and personal life is often your personal responsibility in freelance work.
• Project-Based Work: Your workload as a graphic designer can vary depending on project deadlines. Some periods may be busier, requiring longer hours, while others may be quieter. Balancing work and life during peak project times can be challenging.
• Remote Work : Many graphic designers have the flexibility to work remotely, which can offer a better work-life balance by eliminating commute times and allowing them to work from comfortable environments.
• Client Expectations: Your work-life balance as a graphic designer can be influenced by client expectations and communication. Clear boundaries and expectations regarding response times and work hours are essential for maintaining balance.
• Industry Sector: Work-life balance may also vary depending on the industry sector in which a graphic designer specializes. For example, designers in the advertising or marketing sectors may face more demanding schedules during campaign launches.
• Career Stage: As an entry-level designer, you may experience different work-life balance challenges compared to senior designers or those in leadership roles.

Should I become a Graphic Designer?

In conclusion, the decision to pursue a career as a graphic designer hinges on a combination of personal passion, artistic aptitude, and career aspirations. As you contemplate this path, reflect on your innate creativity and enthusiasm for visual storytelling.

Consider whether you thrive in an environment where constant learning and adaptation are essential, where the ability to transform ideas into captivating visuals is at the core of your professional identity. Graphic design offers a world of possibilities, from crafting brand identities to shaping digital experiences, and it’s a realm where your creativity can make a profound impact.

Embrace the challenges and the continuous journey of skill development, for graphic design is an ever-evolving field that rewards those who remain curious and adaptable. If the prospect of translating ideas into striking visual narratives, solving design puzzles, and leaving your artistic mark on the world excites you, then the graphic design profession beckons with its promise of artistic fulfillment and creative exploration.

Whether you’re just starting or embarking on a new chapter in your career, the world of graphic design is yours to discover and shape.

Careers Related to Graphic Designer

• Multimedia Artist
• Product Designer
• UI Designer
• Visual Designer

About the Author

Read more articles by Lace Brunsden

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Graphic Designer

• Art Icon 2 Art Careers Staff
• Last Updated: February 10, 2023

What Is a Graphic Designer?

What does a graphic designer do, how to become a graphic designer, graphic designer salary.

Graphic design is the art of visual communication. A graphic designer creates visual content, using typography, photography,  color , illustration, and other visual elements that communicate ideas and present information. They convey ideas to stimulate, instruct, and captivate consumers through physical art or visual arts, which include photographs, words, animation, or pictures.

Graphic designers are problem-solvers. They take complex information and turn it into easy-to-understand visual designs and messages. Good design is about much more than making things “look pretty” – it’s about finding the most effective way to communicate ideas and information in a visually appealing and engaging way. Graphic designers are often thought of as “creative types,” but the reality is that the best ones are also highly analytical and strategic. They must be able to take complex information and turn it into easy-to-understand visual designs.

Graphic designers work in various industries, conceptualizing and creating visual concepts, and developing layouts for print media, websites, digital media, and more. Depending on their specialty or area of focus, they might design logos, create designs for social media posts and campaigns, develop marketing collateral, craft point-of-sale materials, design page layouts, or create digital ads.

Companies need graphic artists to help them stand apart in a crowd of similar products. Having a cohesive and well-designed visual identity allows businesses to build trust with their potential customers and communicate information to their target audiences clearly and effectively. Graphic designers accomplish this by creating art and visuals that are consistent with the company’s messaging and on-brand.

Graphic Designer Job Description

• Using specialized graphic design software to create designs, layouts, artistic or decorative effects, animation, custom illustrations, logos, and other design elements
• Creating rough illustrations by hand, using pencils, pens, markers, and other traditional art supplies
• Selecting photos and images, hand sketching product illustrations, or creating other visual elements to represent ideas in a design
• Work closely with other graphic designers and members of the design team to generate new ideas and brainstorm concepts
• Researching current design trends and competitor products for a particular category or market
• Meeting with clients or account managers to discuss the client’s needs and requirements, pitch concepts, and receive feedback on initial designs
• Reviewing and editing final images and designs to ensure that they achieve artistic or functional objectives and meet client specifications
• Balancing multiple projects simultaneously and managing deadlines

Summary of Steps

To become a graphic designer you need to build marketable skills that employers and clients value, including strong drawing skills, mastery of graphic design software, and a comprehensive understanding of design principles and concepts. You need to know how to execute projects from beginning to end, including generating ideas, creating detailed visual designs, tracking projects through the delivery and installation of visual assets, and more.

To help you get started, we explore two different paths: a) earning a bachelor’s degree in graphic design or b) becoming a graphic designer without a degree.

Earn a Degree in Graphic Design

Network in College

Gain Experience

Create Your Own Learning Plan

Start with the Fundamentals

Master the Software

Choose a Speciality

Build a Portfolio

Learn Business Basics

Become a Graphic Designer With a Degree

We’ve all heard the stories about people like Steve Jobs and Mark Zuckerberg who dropped out of college and went on to create companies that changed the world we live in. These stories reinforce the idea that a college education isn’t necessary – all you really need is natural talent, a strong portfolio, and a lot of hard work… right? Wrong.

While it’s true that not every job in the design industry requires a  graphic design degree , it is also true that some skills are very hard to learn on your own. Earning a degree can help you develop skills, techniques, and knowledge of best practices that go far beyond what you can learn by reading blog posts and watching tutorials online. 

1. Earn a Degree in Graphic Design

Proficiency with industry-standard tools, comprehensive understanding of design principles, creative problem-solving and development of visual concepts, 2. network in college, engage with peers, connect with professors, attend industry events, 3. gain experience, craft a compelling resume and portfolio, internships, entry-level positions, become a graphic designer without a degree, 1. create your own learning plan, set clear goals, establish a study schedule, 2. start with the fundamentals, basic drawing.

Before you start experimenting with various types of print media or try mastering digital tools and Photoshop, you need the basic ability to illustrate your ideas on paper. Some people have a natural talent for drawing, while others struggle to produce even the simplest line drawings. Either way, if you want to design things like websites and logos, it’s important for you to know how to draw.

Many graphic designers begin every project with a series of “thumbnails” (small sketches that illustrate basic layouts and visual concepts) before turning their top selections into design briefs or “roughs” (detailed layouts that illustrate the final graphics concept). They show these rough sketches to other professionals at their firm, including art directors, digital designers, creative directors, and account managers, and to clients. To express your ideas concisely, you need basic drawing abilities and practiced clarity in your sketching that allows you to express your point of view.

Graphic Design Theory

Graphic design is not simply slapping a fun font and a few images into a design. Instead, good design and strong layouts can be approached in a scientific manner. You must put a lot of effort into determining the correct imagery, layout, spacing, visual structure, and appropriate typography, to create an appealing design.

Graphic designers must consider the white space around the design elements in the layout – clients don’t like paying for empty space! – or how headers and subheads can be a consistent size while fitting the space on the page. Designers must know how color and imagery impact individuals and how to manipulate them effectively to direct users (and buyers) where they want them to look.

User Experience

User experience (UX) is an integral part of graphic design. UX has evolved from user-centered design, an approach to developing websites and applications based on the needs of the people who use them. UX designers must understand what motivates people and how they behave online.

Understanding the basics of UX is important for designers because it emphasizes a human-centered approach to the design process, which is especially relevant for graphic designers who work with websites and other digital platforms. A website, for example, must be designed in a way that visitors can navigate easily. If user experience (UX) isn’t considered, visitors may become frustrated and quickly leave when they are unable to find the content they want.

Web Design Best Practices

Professional copywriting.

Graphic designers, especially those working as solo entrepreneurs, often need strong writing skills to ensure the client’s intended message is clear and presented in a visually appealing way. Since visitors often skim content to determine if they want to spend time reading it, graphic designers frequently play the role of copywriters by writing descriptions, text blocks, headers, article titles, CTAs, and even meta descriptions for brochures, point-of-sale, collateral, websites, and digital and print ads.

Writing should be grammatically correct, and concise, and remain consistent with the voice of the brand in an effort to increase engagement and promote interest and visibility. If the company does not have a developed voice, then the graphic designer likely helps determine the voice best suited for the target audience of that brand.

3. Master the Software

Learning the basics of the industry is only the beginning. Graphic designers are constantly working to maintain their proficiency, update their abilities, stay up-to-date on industry developments, and utilize new tools in the creative world. To be successful most graphic designers, you need a high degree of skill in the industry’s standard software programs.

Knowing how to use Adobe Creative Cloud software is a bare minimum for any graphic designer, but you should also learn how to use other software programs that are specific to the industry. How well graphic designers know the software relates directly to how quickly they can produce materials and the degree of creativity available for their work.

Learn Adobe Photoshop

If you need to edit or adjust an image, Photoshop is your go-to program. Photoshop works with rasterized images that allow manipulation of individual pixels. This ability makes Photoshop suitable for photographic imagery, but not for website design, logos, fonts, or any other type of graphic design work. You can use Photoshop to swap parts of images to change out a face, for example, or to insert a background or edit flaws in a photo.

From healing brushes, lasso tools, feathering, and burning, you need to understand and be able to use the numerous editing tools that Photoshop offers to edit images at a truly professional level for your client. A good designer will not rely on stock images to create engaging them, since they are often generic and do not promote the brand.

Learn Adobe Illustrator®

When a client needs a logo or an illustration, you will likely use  Illustrator  to complete the project. Illustrator works with vector graphics, which means that each line and curve is a mathematically precise point. Vector images can be scaled to any size, unlike raster images, which you can only scale up. Illustrator is a good fit for website design and for any graphic work that requires clean lines and shapes.

Illustrator has a wide range of advanced line, gradient, and coloring tools that allow the user to create complex graphics that can then be manipulated, resized, and colorized to create designs that fit any purpose. A logo created in Illustrator, for example, can be used on both a business card and a billboard without losing resolution or clarity.

Learn Adobe InDesign®

InDesign is a cross-platform desktop publishing and design program – meaning it can be used on Windows or Mac computers – that allows the user to plan for print output from the beginning of a project. While you can do basic page layout and design with Photoshop and Illustrator, InDesign allows for complete control over the text and graphics of a publication.

InDesign combines controls to create each page, including specifying the bleed area (the edges where color bleeds off the page), placing images, setting up columns of text, inserting special layouts such as cross-heads or callouts, and adding other interactive elements and components such as links and buttons.

4. Choose an Area of Specialization

Graphic designers often choose between two career paths: the generalist who is familiar with many different types of design work, or the specialist who focuses on one area. Many designers specialize because they find that they enjoy one type of work more than another, and they want to dedicate their time to building expertise. Others choose to specialize because they find that it is more lucrative or enables them to build a better client base.

A few popular areas of specialization include:

Brand Identity and Logo Design

A brand identity is the visual representation of a business, person, organization, product, or service. Aspects of brand identity include logo design, color schemes, fonts and typefaces, and visual styles such as illustration. A brand identity should be memorable and distinctive – a clear representation of what the business or person is about.

The graphic designer who specializes in brand identity design is concerned with building a consistent image from the beginning of a project to make sure that colors, fonts, and images work together as a cohesive whole.

Layout and Print Design

User interface design.

A user interface is a collection of controls and indicators that enable both computer software and people to interact with a machine, especially computers and home appliances. These include computer desktop icons, software buttons, and windows, as well as touch screens on mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets.

A user interface designer will work closely with computer programmers or other technical staff to ensure that the design and the computer code work in tandem to meet user objectives (which may include gaining and maintaining attention, increasing brand awareness, and increasing sales conversions).

Web and Mobile Design

5. build a stand-out portfolio.

At some point during your design career, you’ll need to show potential employers or clients examples of your work. Your portfolio is your  opportunity to shine  and gain an edge over other candidates by showcasing the breadth and depth of your creative skills throughout, along with your aesthetic sensibilities and creative flair.

In the traditional sense, a professional portfolio is simply a presentation folder that holds items such as samples of designs that you produced for previous clients or employers; copies of awards and design publications where your work has been featured; letters of recommendation from former collaborators; and documents showing evidence of your skills using certain design software applications.

6. Learn Business Basics

There are entire books devoted to the topic of business basics, so it’s impossible to cover all of these subjects in a short article. However, there are some basic guidelines that you should follow if you want your business to be successful.

Your ability to make smart decisions about how your business (or you as an employee) is managed will likely determine whether you thrive or fail. It’s important that you learn how to write up a business contract, create fees for services rendered, work with clients to meet deadlines and manage marketing efforts.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics , the average salary for a graphic designer was $64,500 in May 2022, which is the equivalent of $31.03 per hour. Graphic designers in the top 10 percent nationally earned an annual mean wage of $100,920 or $48.52 per hour.

The job market for graphic designers varies greatly depending on experience and skill level, which suggests that most graphic designers will have significant opportunities to earn more as their career progresses.

Highest Paying States for Graphic Designers

Graphic designer jobs.

Graphic designers work in various settings and top industries, including advertising, media, publishing, fashion, entertainment, public relations (PR), marketing, and retail. Many designers working within these fields are self-employed and work as freelance contractors, while others work for advertising agencies, design firms, or in-house design departments at larger companies. Some designers may also teach as professors or instructors at design schools.

The most popular job titles for graphic designers include:

Art Director

Art professor.

Instructors at design colleges and universities typically have a Master’s degree in graphic design, fine arts, or a closely related field. They teach students about design principles, software, and design trends while also helping them develop the skills necessary to be successful in the field. They are also typically involved in curriculum development and may be called upon to contribute to the design industry through research and creative work. Many art professors also have professional job experience as graphic designers and can share real-world insights with their students.

Creative Director

Freelance graphic designer, logo designer.

A logo designer (or brand identity specialist) designs company logos and branding materials for companies, products, services, and events. They work with their clients to develop a unique visual identity that can be used across various marketing materials and communications. This may include custom illustration work and carefully selected colors, typefaces, and complementary images. One brand identity specialist may be responsible for developing the visual identity for an entire company, or they may work on multiple projects or for a specific department or product line.

UI UX Designer

A  UI UX designer  is responsible for creating an online user experience that is easy to navigate and visually appealing. The focus of their job is on the overall ease and pleasure of use when designing screens, menus, buttons, graphics, navigation, and sample layouts for websites, applications, and other computer software interfaces. Companies employ UI designers to improve customer satisfaction and increase conversion rates by making their products more user-friendly.

Additional Resources

• The International Council of Graphic Design Associations (ICOGRADA)
• Graphic Artists Guild
• Society of Illustrators
• Association of Registered Graphic Designers
• International Society of Typographic Designers
• Society of Illustrators, Artists, and Designers (SIAD)
• Society for Experiential Graphic Design
• Society of Graphic Designers of Canada

Graphic Designer FAQ

Is graphic design a good career?

Yes, graphic design is a  good career . Graphic design ranked as the second-best college major out of more than 200 possibilities for its high earning potential, a mid-career salary of more than $71,000 per year on average, and overall job satisfaction. The strong demand and job outlook for graphic designers in various industries are also promising, with the projected number of job openings expected to rise by three percent between 2020 and 2030.

How many years does it take to become a graphic designer?

Can I call myself a graphic designer without a degree?

Is graphic design hard?

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How to become a graphic designer

CareerExplorer’s step-by-step guide on how to become a graphic designer.

Is becoming a graphic designer right for me?

The first step to choosing a career is to make sure you are actually willing to commit to pursuing the career. You don’t want to waste your time doing something you don’t want to do. If you’re new here, you should read about:

Still unsure if becoming a graphic designer is the right career path? Take the free CareerExplorer career test to find out if this career is right for you. Perhaps you are well-suited to become a graphic designer or another similar career!

Described by our users as being “shockingly accurate”, you might discover careers you haven’t thought of before.

High School

If you are interested in pursuing a career in graphic design, there are several high school courses that can help you build a strong foundation in design principles, software skills, and art techniques. Here are some courses that you may find helpful:

• Visual Arts: This course will help you develop your artistic skills and creativity. You will learn about different art techniques, such as drawing, painting, sculpture, and printmaking. You will also study art history and learn how to analyze and critique artwork.
• Computer Graphics: This course will introduce you to the basics of graphic design software, such as Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator. You will learn how to create and edit images, design layouts, and manipulate typography.
• Web Design: This course will teach you how to design and develop websites using HTML, CSS, and other web technologies. You will learn how to create responsive layouts, design user interfaces, and optimize websites for search engines.
• Marketing and Advertising: This course will help you understand the principles of marketing and advertising. You will learn how to create effective campaigns that communicate a message and persuade people to take action.
• Photography: This course will teach you how to use a camera and edit photos. You will learn about lighting, composition, and color theory. You will also study the history of photography and learn how to critique and analyze photographs.

Keep in mind that these courses may not be available at every high school. If your school does not offer these courses, you may be able to find similar courses at a local community college or online. Additionally, you can always explore free online resources to learn more about graphic design principles and software skills.

Formal Education Steps

To become a graphic designer, there are several formal education steps that you can take to acquire the necessary skills and knowledge. Here is an overview of the typical educational path:

• High School Diploma: A high school diploma or equivalent is typically required to pursue a career in graphic design.
• Bachelor's Degree: Many graphic designers have a Bachelor's Degree in Graphic Design or a related field, such as fine arts or visual communication . A bachelor's degree program typically takes four years to complete and includes courses in design principles, typography, color theory, and software skills.
• Internships or Entry-Level Jobs: After completing a bachelor's degree program, many graphic designers gain experience through internships or entry-level jobs. These positions can provide valuable hands-on experience and help designers build their portfolios.
• Continuing Education: Graphic design is a field that is constantly evolving, so many designers continue to take courses or pursue advanced degrees to stay up-to-date on the latest trends and techniques. This may include attending workshops or conferences, pursuing a Master's Degree in Graphic Design or a related field, or taking courses in specialized areas such as web design, user experience design, or motion graphics.
• Certification: While not required, some graphic designers choose to obtain certification to demonstrate their skills and knowledge to potential employers. There are several certification options available, such as the Adobe Certified Expert (ACE) certification, which tests proficiency in Adobe software.

It's worth noting that there are many successful graphic designers who do not have a formal education in the field. However, acquiring a degree or certification can help you stand out in a competitive job market and provide a solid foundation of skills and knowledge. Additionally, building a strong portfolio of work is crucial for any graphic designer, regardless of their educational background.

Internships

Internships can be a great way for graphic artists to gain practical experience and build their portfolios. Internships are competitive, so it's important to start your search early and be persistent. Even if you don't land an internship right away, continue to work on your portfolio and seek out opportunities to gain experience in the field. Here are some tips on finding and applying for internships in the graphic arts field:

• Research Companies: Start by researching companies that interest you and align with your career goals. Look for companies that have a strong reputation in the industry and offer internship opportunities.
• Check Job Boards: Check job boards such as Indeed, Glassdoor, and LinkedIn for graphic design internships. You can also check the websites of specific companies that you are interested in to see if they have any internship openings.
• Network: Networking can be a powerful tool for finding internships. Attend industry events, join professional organizations, and connect with professionals in your field through social media platforms like LinkedIn. Let them know that you are looking for an internship and ask if they know of any opportunities.
• Prepare Your Portfolio: A strong portfolio is crucial for any graphic artist. Make sure that your portfolio is up-to-date and showcases your best work. Include a variety of projects, such as logos, packaging, posters, and websites.
• Tailor Your Resume and Cover Letter: Customize your resume and cover letter for each internship that you apply for. Highlight your skills and experience that align with the internship requirements and the company's needs.
• Follow Up: After submitting your application, follow up with the company to express your interest in the internship and ask about the status of your application. This demonstrates your enthusiasm and professionalism.

A portfolio is a crucial tool for graphic designers, as it showcases their skills and capabilities to potential clients and employers. Take the time to curate your portfolio carefully and make sure it accurately represents your strengths and expertise. Here are some things that you need to keep in mind:

• Quality Over Quantity: A portfolio should showcase your best work, not every project you've ever worked on. Choose a selection of projects that demonstrate your range of skills and expertise.
• Show Your Process: It's important to show the process behind your work, not just the final product. Include sketches, mock-ups, and drafts to give potential clients and employers insight into your creative process.
• Tailor Your Portfolio: Customize your portfolio to the job or client you are applying for. Choose projects that are relevant to the industry or job you are targeting and highlight your experience in that area.
• Keep It Simple: Your portfolio should be easy to navigate and visually appealing. Avoid clutter and excessive text. Let your work speak for itself.
• Showcase Your Strengths: Use your portfolio to highlight your strengths. If you excel in logo design, for example, make sure to include several strong logo designs in your portfolio.
• Update Regularly: Your portfolio should be updated regularly with your most recent and relevant work. Set a schedule to review and update your portfolio every few months.
• Online Presence: In addition to a physical portfolio, having an online presence is also important. Create a website or online portfolio that is easily accessible and showcases your work in a professional manner.

Certifications

Certifications are not necessary to have a successful career as a graphic artist, but they can help you stand out in a competitive job market and demonstrate your expertise to potential clients and employers. Before pursuing a certification, research the requirements and cost of each certification to determine if it aligns with your career goals. Here are some popular certifications for graphic artists:

• Adobe Certified Expert (ACE): This certification is offered by Adobe and tests proficiency in Adobe software, such as Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign. There are several levels of certification, including entry-level, specialist, and expert.
• Certified Graphic Designer (CGD): Offered by the Society of Graphic Designers of Canada (GDC), this certification is for designers with at least four years of professional experience. The certification process includes a portfolio review and an exam.
• Certified Web Designer (CWD): Offered by the International Webmasters Association (IWA), this certification tests proficiency in web design principles and technologies, such as HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.
• Certified Brand Strategist (CBS): Offered by the Brand Establishment, this certification is for designers who specialize in brand identity and strategy. The certification process includes an exam and a portfolio review.
• Certified User Experience Professional (CUXP): Offered by the Nielsen Norman Group, this certification is for designers who specialize in user experience (UX) design. The certification process includes an exam and a portfolio review.
• W3C Certified: Offered by the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C), this certification tests proficiency in web standards and technologies, such as HTML, CSS, and XML.

Online Resources

There are many online resources available for graphic artists to learn new skills, stay up-to-date with industry trends, and connect with other professionals. Here are some popular online resources for graphic artists:

• Adobe Creative Cloud: Adobe Creative Cloud is a suite of software programs that is essential for many graphic designers. Adobe offers tutorials, training videos, and forums to help users learn and improve their skills.
• Skillshare: Skillshare is an online learning community that offers thousands of courses in design, illustration, and other creative fields. The platform offers both free and paid courses, and users can interact with instructors and other students.
• Behance: Behance is a social media platform for creatives to showcase their work and connect with other professionals. It's a great place to find inspiration, get feedback on your work, and discover new trends in the industry.
• Dribbble: Dribbble is another social media platform for designers to showcase their work and connect with other professionals. It's a great place to find inspiration, discover new trends, and network with other designers.
• Canva: Canva is a graphic design platform that is great for beginners or non-designers. It offers templates, graphics, and other design assets that can be customized to create professional-looking designs.
• AIGA: AIGA is a professional association for design that offers resources, events, and networking opportunities for graphic artists. It's a great place to connect with other professionals and stay up-to-date with industry news.
• Creative Bloq: Creative Bloq is a website that offers articles, tutorials, and resources for designers. It covers a wide range of topics, from graphic design to web design to 3D modeling.

Employment Opportunities

Graphic artists have a wide range of employment opportunities available to them in various industries. Here are some common employment opportunities for graphic artists:

• Advertising agencies: Graphic artists can work for advertising agencies, creating visual designs for print and digital advertising campaigns.
• Marketing departments: Many companies have in-house marketing departments that employ graphic artists to create marketing materials such as brochures, flyers, and social media graphics.
• Graphic design firms: Graphic design firms specialize in creating visual designs for a variety of clients and projects.
• Publishing companies: Graphic artists can work for publishing companies, designing book covers, layouts, and illustrations.
• Web design companies: Web design companies employ graphic artists to create the visual elements of websites, including layouts, graphics, and typography.
• Freelance: Many graphic artists work as freelancers, offering their services to clients on a project-by-project basis.
• Non-profit organizations: Non-profit organizations often need graphic artists to create designs for fundraising campaigns, events, and other promotional materials.
• Education: Graphic artists can also work in education, teaching design principles and software skills at the high school or college level.

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Graphic Designers

Career, salary and education information.

What They Do : Graphic designers create visual concepts, using computer software or by hand, to communicate ideas that inspire, inform, and captivate consumers.

Work Environment : Many of these workers are employed in specialized design services, publishing, or advertising, public relations, and related services industries.

How to Become One : Graphic designers usually need a bachelor’s degree in graphic design or a related field. Candidates for graphic design positions should have a portfolio that demonstrates their creativity and originality.

Salary : The median annual wage for graphic designers is $50,710.

Job Outlook : Employment of graphic designers is projected to grow 3 percent over the next ten years, slower than the average for all occupations.

Related Careers : Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of graphic designers with similar occupations.

Following is everything you need to know about a career as a Graphic Designer with lots of details. As a first step, take a look at some of the following Graphic Designer jobs, which are real jobs with real employers. You will be able to see the very real job career requirements for employers who are actively hiring. The link will open in a new tab so that you can come back to this page to continue reading about the career:

Top 3 Graphic Designer Jobs

Graphic Designer About Larry H. Miller Real Estate Larry H. Miller Real Estate (LHMRE), a portfolio company of the Larry H. Miller Company, is a vertically integrated real estate platform that ...

The Lead Graphic Designer ensures that each client's desired message and identity is conveyed to consumers by leading the visual aspects of an advertising or media campaign. They collaborate with our ...

As a Junior Graphic Designer , you will work closely with our senior designers and project managers to create visually appealing and effective designs for our clients. This is an excellent opportunity ...

See all Graphic Designer jobs

What Graphic Designers Do [ About this section ] [ To Top ]

Graphic designers create visual concepts, using computer software or by hand, to communicate ideas that inspire, inform, and captivate consumers. They develop the overall layout and production design for various applications such as advertisements, brochures, magazines, and corporate reports.

Duties of Graphic Designers

Graphic designers typically do the following:

• Meet with clients or the art director to determine the scope of a project
• Use digital illustration, photo editing software, and layout software to create designs
• Create visual elements such as logos, original images, and illustrations that help deliver a desired message
• Design layouts and select colors, images, and typefaces to use
• Present design concepts to clients or art directors
• Incorporate changes recommended by clients or art directors into final designs
• Review designs for errors before printing or publishing them

Graphic designers combine art and technology to communicate ideas through images and the layout of websites and printed pages. They may use a variety of design elements to achieve artistic or decorative effects.

Graphic designers work with both text and images. They often select the type, font, size, color, and line length of headlines, headings, and text. Graphic designers also decide how images and text will go together on a print or webpage, including how much space each will have. When using text in layouts, graphic designers collaborate closely with writers , who choose the words and decide whether the words will be put into paragraphs, lists, or tables. Through the use of images, text, and color, graphic designers can transform statistical data into visual graphics and diagrams, which can make complex ideas more accessible.

Graphic design is important to marketing and selling products, and is a critical component of brochures and logos. Therefore, graphic designers, also referred to as graphic artists or communication designers, often work closely with people in advertising and promotions, public relations, and marketing.

Frequently, designers specialize in a particular category or type of client. For example, some create the graphics used on retail products packaging, and others may work on the visual designs used on book jackets.

Graphic designers need to keep up to date with the latest software and computer technologies in order to remain competitive.

Some individuals with a background in graphic design become postsecondary teachers and teach in design schools, colleges, and universities.

Some graphic designers may specialize in the field of experiential graphic design. These designers work with architects , industrial designers , landscape architects , and interior designers to create interactive design environments, such as museum exhibitions, public arts exhibits, and retail spaces.

Work Environment for Graphic Designers [ About this section ] [ To Top ]

Graphic designers hold about 265,000 jobs. The largest employers of graphic designers are as follows:

Graphic designers generally work in studios, where they have access to drafting tables, computers, and the software necessary to create their designs. Although many graphic designers work independently, those who work for specialized graphic design firms often work as part of a design team. Many graphic designers collaborate with colleagues or work with clients on projects.

Graphic Designer Work Schedules

Graphic designers' schedules can vary depending on workloads and deadlines.

Those who are self-employed may need to adjust their workday to meet with clients in the evenings or on weekends. In addition, they may spend some of their time looking for new projects or competing with other designers for contracts.

How to Become a Graphic Designer [ About this section ] [ To Top ]

Get the education you need: Find schools for Graphic Designers near you!

Graphic designers usually need a bachelor's degree in graphic design or a related field. Candidates for graphic design positions should demonstrate their creativity and originality through a professional portfolio that features their best designs.

Education for Graphic Designers

A bachelor's degree in graphic design or a related field is usually required. However, individuals with a bachelor's degree in another field may pursue technical training in graphic design to meet most hiring qualifications.

The National Association of Schools of Art and Design accredits about 350 postsecondary colleges, universities, and independent institutes with programs in art and design. Most programs include courses in studio art, principles of design, computerized design, commercial graphics production, printing techniques, and website design. In addition, students should consider courses in writing, marketing, and business, all of which are useful in helping designers work effectively on project teams.

High school students interested in graphic design should take basic art and design courses in high school, if the courses are available. Many bachelor's degree programs require students to complete a year of basic art and design courses before being admitted to a formal degree program. Some schools require applicants to submit sketches and other examples of their artistic ability.

Many programs provide students with the opportunity to build a professional portfolio of their designs. For many artists, including graphic designers, developing a portfolio—a collection of completed works that demonstrates their styles and abilities—is essential because employers rely heavily on a designer's portfolio in deciding whether to hire the individual.

Graphic designers must keep up with new and updated computer graphics and design software, either on their own or through formal software training programs. Professional associations that specialize in graphic design, such as AIGA, offer courses intended to keep the skills of their members up to date.

Other Experience for Graphic Designers

Graphic designers often gain their initial experience through internships. Internships provide aspiring graphic designers an opportunity to work with designers and to experience the design process from concept to completion, in some cases while completing a design program.

Licenses, Certifications, and Registrations for Graphic Designers

Certification programs are generally available through software product vendors. Certification in graphic design software can demonstrate a level of competence and may provide a jobseeker with a competitive advantage.

Advancement for Graphic Designers

Experienced graphic designers may advance to chief designer, art director , or other supervisory positions.

Important Qualities for Graphic Designers

Analytical skills. Graphic designers must be able to look at their work from the point of view of their consumers and examine how the designs they develop will be perceived by consumers to ensure they convey the client's desired message.

Artistic ability . Graphic designers must be able to create designs that are artistically interesting and appealing to clients and consumers. They produce rough illustrations of design ideas, either by hand sketching or by using computer programs.

Communication skills . Graphic designers must communicate with clients, customers, and other designers to ensure that their designs accurately reflect the desired message and effectively express information.

Computer skills . Most graphic designers use specialized graphic design software to prepare their designs.

Creativity . Graphic designers must be able to think of new approaches to communicating ideas to consumers. They develop unique designs that convey a certain message on behalf of their clients.

Time-management skills . Graphic designers often work on multiple projects at the same time, each with a different deadline.

Graphic Designer Salaries [ About this section ] [ More salary/earnings info ] [ To Top ]

The median annual wage for graphic designers is $50,710. The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $31,310, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $98,260.

The median annual wages for graphic designers in the top industries in which they work are as follows:

Graphic designers' schedules can vary depending on workload and deadlines.

Job Outlook for Graphic Designers [ About this section ] [ To Top ]

Employment of graphic designers is projected to grow 3 percent over the next ten years, slower than the average for all occupations.

Despite limited employment growth, about 24,800 openings for graphic designers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Most of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

Employment of Graphic Designers

As companies continue to increase their digital presence, graphic designers may be needed to help create visually appealing and effective layouts of websites and social media sites. However, a decrease in print newspapers and magazines may limit employment growth for graphic designers who create advertisements for companies and products.

Careers Related to Graphic Designers [ About this section ] [ To Top ]

Art directors.

Art directors are responsible for the visual style and images in magazines, newspapers, product packaging, and movie and television productions. They create the overall design of a project and direct others who develop artwork and layouts.

Craft and Fine Artists

Craft and fine artists use a variety of materials and techniques to create art for sale and exhibition. Craft artists create handmade objects, such as pottery, glassware, textiles, and other objects that are designed to be functional. Fine artists, including painters, sculptors, and illustrators, create original works of art for their aesthetic value, rather than for a functional one.

Desktop Publishers

Desktop publishers use computer software to design page layouts for newspapers, books, brochures, and other items that are printed or published online.

Drafters use software to convert the designs of engineers and architects into technical drawings. Most workers specialize in architectural, civil, electrical, or mechanical drafting and use technical drawings to help design everything from microchips to skyscrapers.

Industrial Designers

Industrial designers develop the concepts for manufactured products, such as cars, home appliances, and toys. They combine art, business, and engineering to make products that people use every day. Industrial designers consider the function, aesthetics, production costs, and usability of products when developing new product concepts.

Special Effects Artists and Animators

Special effects artists and animators create animation and visual effects for television, movies, video games, and other forms of media.

Technical Writers

Technical writers, also called technical communicators, prepare instruction manuals, how-to guides, journal articles, and other supporting documents to communicate complex and technical information more easily. They also develop, gather, and disseminate technical information through an organization's communications channels.

Web Developers

Web developers design and create websites. They are responsible for the look of the site. They are also responsible for the site's technical aspects, such as its performance and capacity, which are measures of a website's speed and how much traffic the site can handle. In addition, web developers may create content for the site.

More Graphic Designer Information [ About this section ] [ To Top ]

For more information about graphic design, visit

Graphic Artists Guild

Society for Experiential Graphic Design

For more information about art and design and a list of accredited college-level programs, visit

National Association of Schools of Art and Design

A portion of the information on this page is used by permission of the U.S. Department of Labor.

Explore more careers: View all Careers or the Top 30 Career Profiles

Search for jobs:.

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How To Become a Graphic Designer: Step-by-Step

Published on:.

January 15, 2019

What is Graphic Design?

If you are interested in learning how to become a graphic designer, it’s important to first understand what a graphic design job would entail. Graphic design is the art of storytelling through visual communication. Utilize images, graphics, and text to build a brand and attract your target audience. As a graphic designer, you’ll be able to get involved in a multitude of industries including advertising, entertainment, and news (print publications, digital, and broadcast media). Practice your graphic design skills, build your portfolio, and learn more about getting involved with this creative industry.

What You’ll Need to Become a Graphic Designer

If you’re aspiring to be a professional graphic designer or thinking about pursuing a creative career in graphic design , you’ll want to carefully consider your training, objectives, as well as your creative and technical background. While the career opportunities are vast in the graphic design industry, it’s important to decide which direction you’ll want to go in at the onset of your college education. Choosing the appropriate coursework and receiving the right qualifications to further your graphic design skills will make all the difference once you’re in the workforce carving your own career path.

How to Become a Graphic Designer: Education, Training, and Qualifications

Although a sense of creativity, style, originality, excellent communication skills, and a familiarity with computer graphics, animation, and design software are desirable, planning your continued education requires careful preparation, including a visual portfolio of creative work that you’ve cultivated throughout high school to showcase your graphic design skills. Many universities recommend that students complete a year of basic art and design courses during high school to develop and learn the fundamentals of art and design. It’s essential for students to find out the specific requirements for the school or university you’re applying to and retrieve as much information as possible from your high school’s art department, guidance counselors, and other administration to help you learn and get started in the application process.

For most entry-level and advanced graphic design positions, you will need a minimum of a bachelor’s degree from an accredited university , college, or private design school. However, if you are seeking an associate’s degree, you can obtain your certification from a variety of schools. Upon graduation, a 2-year degree will allow you to try assistant-level positions within the graphic design field. For those who already possess a bachelor’s degree in another major, you can complete a 2 or 3-year program in graphic design to learn the technical requirements and receive the certification needed to pursue a career in this field. If you are going back to college (continuing education), it’s usually best to contact the admissions office of whatever school you’re applying to find out the application process and what will be required (i.e., portfolio samples, transcripts, resume, etc.).

Your Curriculum: What to Expect

Depending on what area of graphic design you wish to pursue, your curriculum may include website visual design, studio art, computerized design, motion graphics, printing techniques, commercial graphics production, typography, and other similar coursework that falls under a fine art or graphic design program. Other courses may revolve around design principles, including design theory and learning the design process. Additionally, a liberal arts education will also include courses such as art history, sociology, psychology, writing, foreign languages/cultural studies, marketing, and business, among others. Such coursework enables aspiring graphic designers to become more well-rounded and better prepared for their industry, which typically requires a great deal of communication and collaborative efforts.

Keeping Up with Industry Trends & Advancements

It is also essential that graphic designers keep up with industry trends and technological advancements (including updated computer graphics & design software), either independently or through professional hands-on training programs. It’s a known fact that consumer tastes and preferences change rapidly, and to keep up with the ever-fluctuating trends, graphic designers must be on their A-game at all times. Having the ability to adapt to new ideas, work under pressure, remain well-read and even follow fashion, music, and other cultural cues are integral to becoming a successful graphic designer.

It’s also beneficial to work independently as well as collaboratively, have excellent time management skills, possess self-discipline, take initiative and adhere to company deadlines and production schedules. Maintaining good business sense and having a penchant for sales and marketing are also notable attributes, particularly for those who work as a freelance designer or run their own businesses. It is also advantageous for graphic designers to maintain excellent communication skills – since you’ll be collaborating with so many different individuals, you’ll be expected to communicate your ideas succinctly through visual, verbal, and writing cues.

Why Pursue a Formal Graphic Design Education?

Although it may seem like a field you can break into by learning on the job or on your own, there are a number of advantages to receiving your bachelor’s degree in graphic design. For starters, you’ll be qualified for more graphic designer jobs – most employers won’t even consider you for a position unless you possess some form of degree or certification in graphic design. Secondly, your earning potential increases significantly if you have a degree – you can sometimes make many thousands of dollars more than an employee without a degree.

Also, those with certifications and a college education stand out amongst their peers: employers are more willing to hire those with formal training, expertise, and skills than someone who is self-taught or less educated. Finally, studying in a collegiate setting will not only provide you with the skillset and experience you need for your career but allow you to work alongside industry professionals, both on-campus and off-site (for example, an internship during your studies), and to build a graphic design portfolio that encapsulates all of the work you’ve amassed in your design courses. Your school’s faculty provides a level of instruction and personal mentoring that you just cannot replicate by watching online training courses or YouTube videos. Thus, it is highly encouraged for those interested in pursuing a graphic design career to enroll in a bachelor’s degree program.

Graphic Designer Salary

Salaries for graphic designers can vary based on education level, work experience, design skills and knowledge of tools and graphic design software, geographical location, and type of employer. According to Payscale , the average salary for a Graphic Designer is $47,284, but this average pay does vary. For instance, graphic designers who work in San Francisco earn an average of 44.7% more than the national average.

Life After Graduation: Career Paths & Possibilities for the Graphic Designer

Now that we’ve outlined how to become a graphic designer , you may be wondering what you can expect after graduation. As mentioned, there are many different career opportunities you can pursue with this major and graphic designers work in various industries requiring their skills – but what exactly can you do with a graphic design degree? From advertising agencies working with clients, to behind the scenes roles working for a brand creating layouts and illustrations… the possibilities for graphic design are endless. Even starting your own business as a freelance graphic designer is possible if you possess the artistic ability and verbal and visual communication skills. Depending on your specific design skill set, strengths, and areas of interest, you may want to consider the following options when planning your future:

Top 10 Careers For Individuals With a Degree in Graphic Design:

1.)    Graphic Designer

2.)    Art Director/Creative Director

3.)    Commercial and Industrial Designers

4.)    Marketing Manager                                       

5.)    Marketing Specialist

6.)    Multimedia Artist/Animator

7.)    Public Relations Specialist

8.)    Software Applications Developer

9.)    Software Quality Assurance Tester

10.)  Web Developer/Web Design

As you can see, a formal education can help you to develop and achieve the proper skills and expertise needed to explore a vast array of professional career opportunities. Whether you choose to pursue your masters, a career in the graphic design industry, or branch out into a related field, the skills you’ve acquired will only help leverage your career while increasing your earning potential and opportunities for advancement.

To learn more about how to become a graphic designer and learning an undergraduate degree in graphic design & interactive media at NewSchool, contact our Enrollment Team .

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• graphic design school
• graphic designer
• how to become a graphic designer

Top Graphic Design Careers & Job Requirements

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Graphic Designer Requirements

As a Graphic Designer, you'll need to have significant experience working with graphic design programs and be able to produce the kind of work employers want for their projects. Here, we delve into the necessary education, experience, skills, and tools needed to enter this creative field, and the potential routes to gain these, such as through a degree program or a specialized training program like a bootcamp.

Key Insights

• Graphic designers combine text and visually appealing imagery to communicate a message and need to stay up-to-date with the latest design trends.
• While there isn't a strict requirement for a degree, having a degree in art, design, or a related field can be beneficial and make you more marketable in competitive job markets.
• Practical experience in graphic design projects is often more important than work-related experience. This can be attained through degree programs or specialized training programs.
• Successful graphic designers need a solid background in design principles and familiarity with software programs like Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign. Basic coding skills in HTML and CSS can also be beneficial.
• Most Graphic Design jobs require a portfolio demonstrating the kinds of projects a candidate has worked on. The quality of the portfolio often determines if a candidate's application is considered or quickly rejected.
• Aside from a strong portfolio, a comprehensive resume and a set of compelling professional references are also crucial when applying for Graphic Designer positions.

Becoming a Graphic Designer requires applicants to demonstrate their skills and training to prospective employers. While the requirements for each job will vary from position to position, there are a few consistent requirements that applicants must meet to remain competitive on the job market. Regardless of what fields of graphic design you hope to find employment in, you’ll need to demonstrate to your employer that you have significant experience working with graphic design programs and that you can produce the kind of work they want for their projects.

While Graphic Designer skills and tools will vary between jobs, this will cover hard requirements across industries.

What is a Graphic Designer?

A Graphic Designer is a creative professional who combines text and visually appealing imagery to share a message with an audience. This could be through advertising, social media, or product packaging, to name a few. They are well-versed in design principles like color and typography and are committed to staying up-to-date on the latest trends. Whether they work for an agency or freelancer, they collaborate with clients and other team members to create high-quality designs that appeal to new and existing customers. 

In addition to proficiency in professional design programs like Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator , a successful Graphic Designer must also work well with others. Graphic Designers rarely work alone, and since their job is to create a product that matches a client's vision, they must be willing to accept feedback and suggestions from others. Time management skills are also crucial for a Graphic Designer; since most of them work freelance, they often work on multiple projects for many clients simultaneously. 

Read more about what a Graphic Designer does . 

Whether Graphic Designers need a degree is a surprisingly divisive topic amongst professionals; some will say that a degree isn’t nearly as valuable as a portfolio, while others point out that self-teaching requires a great deal of time and discipline. There are plenty of Graphic Designers who hold a bachelor’s degree in art, design, or a related field. Some companies require a degree, but it’s becoming increasingly common for creative professionals to gain experience through freelancing and completing personal passion projects. 

The short (and overly simplified) answer is: A degree is not a requirement, but it helps. If you’d like to pursue a degree to help you stand out in a competitive market, you might consider minoring in public relations, marketing, or advertising. Since Graphic Designers are commonly employed to help sell a good or service, knowing some marketing principles could help you understand the ins and outs of a solid campaign. These added skills will make you more marketable and help you land a lucrative career outside of graphic design if you need more time to build your portfolio.

Read more about if you need a degree to become a Graphic Designer .

Most Graphic Designer positions don’t have a strict work-related experience requirement. Instead, they tend to require that prospective candidates have significant practical experience working on graphic design projects. While you can achieve this through on-the-job training, it is far more likely that you will get this experience through either a degree program or a specialized training program.

While most students will receive this training through a four-year degree program, an alternative route to gain this experience is an accelerated skills program, such as a certificate-granting training program or a bootcamp. These courses will teach students how to use the essential tools associated with their jobs much faster and with an eye for career development. The drawback is that since these courses are accelerated, students won’t have as much time to experiment with their designs and develop a personal style. Students will likely need to find other methods of building practical experience and developing their techniques and styles. Some jobs will likely require less experience, so these are good options to explore.

To succeed as a Graphic Designer, you’ll need to start with a solid background in design principles, like typography, composition, and textures. Knowing how these factors work together will help you design images that appeal to the widest audience possible. Graphic Designers should also be familiar with various software programs, including Adobe Photoshop , Adobe Illustrator , and Adobe InDesign . Most available positions require experience with at least one of these programs; many require all three.

Since it’s becoming more common for designers to create images for the web, learning some basic coding skills in HTML and CSS can also be beneficial. Other required skills will depend on the specific designs you create in your role. For example, designers who want to focus on improving the user experience of a product will need to be proficient in using programs like Adobe XD or Figma . 

Outside of the technical demands of a career in graphic design, an ideal candidate will also possess several soft skills. Creativity likely goes without saying, but creativity is about more than enjoying and creating art in all its forms; it’s also a skill that needs to be honed. Many creative professionals will complete brief, daily exercises to ensure they’re practicing creative strategies and keeping their skills up-to-date. Graphic Designers should also have excellent communication skills; not only is their work designed to communicate with an audience, but they also frequently work in large teams and need to balance multiple stakeholders' requests as they fine-tune their designs. 

Read more about what skills you need to become a Graphic Designer .

Almost all Graphic Design jobs will require prospective employees to provide hiring committees with sample portfolios demonstrating the kinds of projects that a candidate has worked on. Usually, this is the most critical part of the hiring process. A good portfolio will be the difference between being considered for the job and having your application quickly rejected.

Students working in traditional mediums may want to make a physical portfolio that they can distribute and share with their potential employers or they can build a web portfolio that will make sharing this content easier. Building an online portfolio is a good way to demonstrate your proficiency with digital publishing and distribution, though it may require more work from the prospective designer. One of the advantages of a physical portfolio is that you can customize it for the job you are applying for. An online graphic design studio will want different skills than a fashion design magazine, so students will have an opportunity to tailor their portfolio to the job description,

Students should build a portfolio that demonstrates their versatility for employers. Designers don’t want to look as if they can only do one kind of work, or they will only be competitive for a narrow collection of jobs. Designers also don’t want to produce an overly extensive portfolio that includes mediocre, unfinished, or non-demonstrative designs. Students constructing portfolios should be judicious in what they plan to include.

Resume & LinkedIn Profile

Another important element of preparing your job materials is the process of compiling a resume. Next to the design portfolio, the resume is the most crucial element of your materials, since it is one of the things employers use to quickly judge the quality of an applicant. You’ll want to ensure that your resume is no longer than two pages long and doesn’t feel padded out to appear heftier than it actually is. Most hiring managers and committees know what a resume should look like and can spot a candidate who is trying to look impressive with an overly long resume. You should include important information like your prior work experience, your education, and the kinds of graphic design tools and techniques you have experience using. You should use this space to establish your experience and specific work-related skills. Let the portfolio demonstrate your proficiency in the creative aspects of the process.

Students interested in building a resume should consider exploring Noble’s Graphic Designer resume guide . Here, you’ll learn more about how to tailor your resume to the field of graphic design. Students having to cut down on their credentials to fit the two-page soft limit may want to consider using LinkedIn or another online CV system. This allows them to expand their resume, providing prospective employers with a formal two-page resume and a link to a larger collection of work experience. Users interested in learning more about this process may wish to consult Noble’s LinkedIn Guide for Graphic Designers .

The final and likely least consequential element of building an application is finding professional references that can vouch for your work skills and work ethic. These should be strictly professional relationships, and they should bias toward colleagues who have supervised or overseen your work. You can include colleagues or coworkers who worked on projects with you, but employers might make a note if you have too many of these included. You can also include instructors and teachers, assuming they can speak to your specific graphic design skills (it is likely that a history professor you worked with in your undergraduate training will be of little use). You should never include family members or friends as your references.

It is as essential to include good references who are willing to vouch for your abilities and dedication as it is to demonstrate to employers that you can find qualified individuals to give you references. In many cases, glowing references from someone far outside the field of graphic design won’t be as helpful as a less laudatory reference from a manager who oversaw graphic design projects on which you worked. It is as vital to demonstrate to employers that you can find valuable references, so anyone interested in working in the field should consider building networking relationships early on.

Learn the Skills to Become a Graphic Designer at Noble Desktop

If you want to start a career in graphic design, the graphic design classes offered by Noble Desktop are an excellent place to start. Students can take all their classes remotely or in-person at their Manhattan campus. For students who want to start slow by just learning one popular design program, Noble offers an Adobe Photoshop Bootcamp , an Adobe InDesign Bootcamp , and an Adobe Illustrator Bootcamp . These beginner-friendly courses take just a few days to complete and will provide students with foundational design skills.

For those who feel ready to dive into a more comprehensive program, Noble Desktop’s Graphic Design Certificate might be a better fit. Students will complete hands-on assignments using popular design programs, including Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign. This program is ideal for those hoping to start a career as a Graphic Designer. Certificate students at Noble Desktop receive individual career mentorship, where experts in the design industry help craft resumes and portfolios and provide helpful tips for finding lucrative employment. 

If a class isn’t feasible for your current schedule, Noble Desktop has a host of resources on its website to help start your graphic design career. You can browse their collection of articles about Photoshop , Illustrator , and InDesign if you’re curious about how each program works. You can also review information about other design tools to see if another field might interest you more.

Key Takeaways

• Graphic Designers aiming to work in the field professionally have a few requirements they need to establish as they enter the job market.
• Graphic designers must be very comfortable with the major graphic design tools they intend to work with professionally. While a four-year college degree isn’t a strict requirement, some professional training is likely necessary.
• Designers will need to demonstrate that they have experience working with design tools, but they are likely to be able to demonstrate this through their education and hands-on experience in training programs.
• A strong portfolio of sample designs is the most important element of a job application for a Graphic Designer. They should also have a strong resume and a set of compelling references.
• Students who want to build the hands-on experience and portfolios they will need for a career in Graphic Design may wish to enroll in a comprehensive graphic design course through Noble Desktop. These classes are available both in-person and in live online classrooms.

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Graphic Designer Education Requirements

The educational requirements for a graphic designer are a high school diploma, a certificate, an associate, or a bachelor's degree. According to Benjamin Ivey , Assistant Professor and Graphic Design Program Coordinator at Mississippi College, "School can only give you so much education. But when students take the initiative to learn something outside of class, they are taking their education." This shows that having a degree is not enough; it is important to take the initiative to learn new skills outside of school.

What education do you need to become a graphic designer?

What degree do you need to be a graphic designer.

The most common degree for graphic designers is bachelor's degree, with 68% of graphic designers earning that degree. The second and third most common degree levels are associate degree degree at 23% and associate degree degree at 3%.

• Bachelor's , 68%
• Associate , 23%
• Master's , 3%
• High School Diploma , 3%
• Other Degrees , 3%

What should I major in to become a graphic designer?

The best majors for a graphic designer include graphic design, fine arts, design and visual communication, communication, computer applications, business, graphic communications, photography, computer science, and visual and performing arts. According to Jennifer McMillan , Adjunct Professor at Santa Ana College, "I don't know that a resume for a graphic designer has as much power as a portfolio." Additionally, Chad Anderson , Associate Professor of Graphic Design at Jacksonville State University, highlights the importance of real-life experiences and professional competitions in building a strong resume for graphic designers.

• Graphic Design , 55%
• Fine Arts , 9%
• Design And Visual Communication , 7%
• Communication , 4%
• Other Majors , 25%

Most common colleges for graphic designers

Graphic designers often get their degrees at The Art Institute of Pittsburgh, Savannah College of Art and Design, and School of Visual Arts. Here are the most common colleges for graphic designers in the US based on their resumes.

Best majors for graphic designers

Best colleges for graphic designers.

When it comes to being a graphic designer, advanced education can lead to higher salaries and better job opportunities. Zippia identified the best colleges for graphic designers based on metrics like admissions rate, retention rate, mean earnings of graduates, working vs. non-working student ratio, average cost of attendance, and median debt for graduates. Some of the top schools for graphic designers include University of Pennsylvania, Carnegie Mellon University, University of Southern California, and Northeastern University.

1. University of Pennsylvania

Philadelphia, PA • Private

In-State Tuition

2. Carnegie Mellon University

Pittsburgh, PA • Private

3. University of Southern California

Los Angeles, CA • Private

4. Northeastern University

Boston, MA • Private

5. New York University

New York, NY • Private

6. Boston University

7. Harvard University

Cambridge, MA • Private

8. Duke University

Durham, NC • Private

9. George Washington University, The

Washington, DC • Private

10. Pennsylvania State University

University Park, PA • Private

20 best online courses for graphic designers

1. User Experience Design Immersive (Full-time)

Launch a future-proof career designing digital experiences that power revenue, user loyalty, and product success. Distinguish yourself as a designer by compiling a portfolio to showcase solo, group, and client projects to employers based on UI design and Agile methodologies...

2. User Experience Design (Part Time)

Translate user wants and needs into intuitive digital experiences that power revenue, loyalty, and product success. Build confidence and credibility to tackle complex design problems on the job. This course is offered in person and live online, in a remote classroom setting...

3. UX Designer

Design impactful user experiences for products in today’s digital world. Build a portfolio that showcases your ability to transform user research to high-fidelity interactive designs...

4. Product Design

Learn the steps you need to turn an idea into reality. By the end of this course you’ll learn how to bring an idea from concept to hand off for development and onto creation of a prototype...

5. Graphic Design Mastery: The FULL Branding & Design Process

Follows the FULL Graphic Design Process for A Company: Logo, Ad, Social Media, T-Shirt, Package, Website Design & More!...

6. Graphic Design Masterclass - Learn GREAT Design

The Ultimate Graphic Design Course Which Covers Photoshop, Illustrator, In Design,Design Theory, Branding and Logo Design...

7. Visual Design (Part Time)

Gain the vocabulary and tools to tackle diverse design challenges on the job. Kickstart your portfolio and create beautiful, responsive designs for the web. This course is offered in person and live online, in a remote classroom setting...

8. Intro to UX Design

Are you interested in UX Design, but have no prior experience or an idea of where to start? You’ve come to the right place! In this two-hour livestream, we’ll explore the decision-making process that separates a good user experience from a great one, and learn some tools that you can implement in your own UX process today. All in real time, taught by an industry professional. Come learn the basics and gain the skills you need to begin your UX Design journey!...

9. Graphic Design Mastery- AI, Photoshop, Illustrator, Indesign

Graphic Design for beginners including Graphic Design Theories, Photoshop, Illustrator, Indesign, AI & Creative Thinking...

10. 47 Graphic Design Projects for Photoshop Beginners

Photoshop graphic design for beginners!  Includes 47 Photoshop projects for your graphic design portfolio...

11. T-Shirt Design Workshop 02: Mixed Media Design

Create T-Shirt Designs using Photoshop, Illustrator, and hand-drawing techniques...

12. Adobe Photoshop Graphic Design

Design 4 Beautiful eye catching Graphic Design Projects from Scratch with Adobe Photoshop Graphic Design Basics...

13. Graphic Design Masterclass Intermediate: The NEXT Level

Up Your Graphic Design Skills: Logo Design, Photo Manipulation, Package Design, Infographics, Portfolio Building, Grids!...

14. Master Graphic Design & Software with Practical Projects

Conquer Popular Graphic Design Projects: Logo, Package, Magazine, Book Cover Design, Branding, Digital Graphics & More!...

15. T-Shirt Design Workshop 01: Foundation

Design a t-shirt like a professional: specialty printing methods, fabrics, inks, dyes, and washes...

16. T-Shirt Design Masterclass In Photoshop Sell Your T-Shirt

Design Stylish TShirt Photoshop With Adobe Photoshop CC and Learn How To Earn Money By T-Shirt Design...

17. Graphic Design Bootcamp: Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign

Bestselling Beginner Course! Use Photoshop, Illustrator, & In Design for logo design, web design, poster design, and more...

18. Digital Design Masterclass For Graphic Designers

Icon Set Design, E-book cover, Digitizing Sketches, Social Media Design, Wordpress Web Design, Adobe Xd, GIFS and more!...

19. Graphic Design Masterclass: Learn Graphic Design in Projects

Graphic design principles, typography, & color mastery using Illustrator, In Design, and Photoshop. For beginners & more!...

20. The Complete Graphic Design Theory for Beginners Course

Learn Graphic Design Theory and the Basic Principles of Color Theory, Typography, Branding, Logo Design, Layout & More!...

Top 10 most affordable universities for graphic designers

The most affordable schools for graphic designers are Brooklyn College of the City University of New York, university of florida, and brigham young university.

If the best universities for graphic designers are out of your price range, check out these affordable schools. After factoring in in-state tuition and fees, the average cost of attendance, admissions rate, average net price, and mean earnings after six years, we found that these are the most affordable schools for graphic designers.

1. Brooklyn College of the City University of New York

Brooklyn, NY • Private

Cost of Attendance

2. University of Florida

Gainesville, FL • Private

3. Brigham Young University

Provo, UT • Private

4. Fashion Institute of Technology

5. lehman college of the city university of new york.

Bronx, NY • Private

6. SUNY Farmingdale

Farmingdale, NY • Private

7. Purdue University

West Lafayette, IN • Private

8. University of Utah

Salt Lake City, UT • Private

9. San Jose State University

San Jose, CA • Private

10. University of Washington

Seattle, WA • Private

Top 10 hardest universities to get into for graphic designers

The hardest universities for graphic designers to get into are Carnegie Mellon University, University of Pennsylvania, and Northeastern University.

Some great schools for graphic designers are hard to get into, but they also set your career up for greater success. The list below shows the most challenging universities to get into for graphic designers based on an institution's admissions rates, average SAT scores accepted, median ACT scores accepted, and mean earnings of students six years after admission.

1. Carnegie Mellon University

Admissions Rate

SAT Average

2. University of Pennsylvania

3. northeastern university.

4. Northwestern University

Evanston, IL • Private

5. University of Southern California

7. new york university, 8. harvard university, 10. duke university, top 10 easy-to-apply-to universities for graphic designers.

The easiest schools for graphic designers to get into are Notre Dame College, notre dame de namur university, and cardinal stritch university.

Some schools are much easier to get into. If you want to start your career as a graphic designer without much hassle, check out the list of schools where you will be accepted in no time. We compiled admissions rates, average SAT scores, average ACT scores, and average salary of students six years after graduation to uncover which were the easiest schools to get into for graphic designers.

1. Notre Dame College

Cleveland, OH • Private

2. Notre Dame de Namur University

Belmont, CA • Private

3. Cardinal Stritch University

Milwaukee, WI • Private

4. Marymount University

Arlington, VA • Private

5. Grand View University

Des Moines, IA • Private

6. Centenary University

Hackettstown, NJ • Private

7. Linfield College

McMinnville, OR • Private

8. Gwynedd Mercy University

Gwynedd Valley, PA • Private

9. Longwood University

Farmville, VA • Private

10. Mount Saint Mary's University

Average graphic designer salary by education level.

According to our data, graphic designers with a Master's degree earn the highest average salary, at $58,581 annually. Graphic designers with a Bachelor's degree earn an average annual salary of $53,661.

Graphic Designer Education FAQs

What is the best college for graphic designers, search for graphic designer jobs.

Updated April 5, 2024

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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Key Qualifications

• 8–10 years crafting and designing in a range of styles and media — static, dynamic, and interactive. You have taken briefs and come up with original and conceptual designs and styles
• Mastery of Adobe suite, Keynote, Sketch, Blender, FCP, Motion, and 3D design tools
• Strong knowledge of good design principles, typography, and layout
• Experience with HTML, CSS, and/or other interactive technologies
• Strong written and verbal communication skills to all audiences and partners
• Experience of prioritizing multiple, concurrent projects with a collaborative approach
• Strong ability to drive action through collaboration, proactivity, and flexibility
• Have a pulse on trends in design, education, technology, and the arts
• Experience working with or in a disruptive tech environment, or in an events or communications agency
• Proficient in Keynote, Pages; skilled in Slack, Quip; and experience using project management tools

Description

Education & experience, additional requirements, pay & benefits.

• At Apple, base pay is one part of our total compensation package and is determined within a range. This provides the opportunity to progress as you grow and develop within a role. The base pay range for this role is between $110,700.00 and $212,600.00, and your base pay will depend on your skills, qualifications, experience, and location. Apple employees also have the opportunity to become an Apple shareholder through participation in Apple’s discretionary employee stock programs. Apple employees are eligible for discretionary restricted stock unit awards, and can purchase Apple stock at a discount if voluntarily participating in Apple’s Employee Stock Purchase Plan. You’ll also receive benefits including: Comprehensive medical and dental coverage, retirement benefits, a range of discounted products and free services, and for formal education related to advancing your career at Apple, reimbursement for certain educational expenses — including tuition. Additionally, this role might be eligible for discretionary bonuses or commission payments as well as relocation. Learn more about Apple Benefits. Note: Apple benefit, compensation and employee stock programs are subject to eligibility requirements and other terms of the applicable plan or program. Apple is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to inclusion and diversity. We take affirmative action to ensure equal opportunity for all applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, Veteran status, or other legally protected characteristics.

Education Requirements for Graphic Artists

Getting started as a graphic artist.

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Do You Need a Degree to Become a Graphic Artist?

Educational backgrounds of graphic artists, a glimpse into the educational canvas of graphic artists, emerging patterns in graphic artists' academic pursuits, essential educational insights for aspiring graphic artists.

• Design Fundamentals: Knowledge of design theory, color, and composition, which can be gained through formal education or self-directed learning.
• Technical Skills: Proficiency in design software and tools, often acquired through dedicated practice, workshops, or online courses.
• Creative and Critical Thinking: The ability to generate original ideas and critique work constructively, skills that can be honed in various academic disciplines or through real-world experience.

Charting a Creative Journey: Education and Beyond

• Portfolio Development: Creating a strong body of work that showcases versatility and skill.
• Lifelong Learning: Staying current with design trends, software updates, and industry standards through continuous education.
• Community Engagement: Participating in design communities, seeking mentorship, and attending industry events to build connections and gain inspiration.

The Bottom Line: A Spectrum of Educational Backgrounds

Most common degrees for graphic artists, graphic design, visual communications, marketing or advertising, web design or multimedia design, popular majors for graphic artists, illustration, digital media, advertising, popular minors for graphic artists, photography, art history, writing and rhetoric, web development, why pursue a degree for a graphic artist career, networking and professional development in graphic design, career transition and advancement for graphic artists, what can you do with a degree in graphic design, degree alternatives for a graphic artist, professional design certifications, design bootcamps and workshops, online courses and moocs, mentorship and networking, self-learning and personal projects, navigating a graphic artist career without a degree, build a compelling portfolio, master industry-standard software, gain real-world experience, network with industry professionals, stay abreast of design trends, develop business and marketing skills, seek feedback and critique, consider specialization, education faqs for graphic artist, do you need to go to college to become a graphic artist, is it worth it to get a degree for a graphic artist role, how important is continuous learning for a graphic artist.

Graphic Artist Certifications

More Education for Related Roles

Shaping visual concepts that captivate and communicate, driving brand identity forward

Bringing ideas to life through visual storytelling, creating compelling art and designs

Shaping visual concepts that captivate audiences and drive brand storytelling

Shaping visual concepts, leading creative teams to produce compelling design narratives

Shaping visual concepts that captivate audiences, driving brand identity and innovation

Shaping user experiences through intuitive design, bridging the gap between user and product

GOBankingRates

10 Jobs That Aren’t Worth Their Education Requirements

Posted: January 20, 2024 | Last updated: March 9, 2024

It's important to determine if a job will be a good fit . It's sometimes clear a role won't be rewarding when you consider salary and education requirements.

GOBankingrates identified 10 Jobs that require significant education or training but may not be rewarding in terms of salary and career prospects. To determine which jobs aren't worth their education requirements, GOBankingRates analyzed data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

The study looked at median salary and compared it with education requirements and job outlook. Here are 10 jobs you might want to reconsider .

Grant Cardone: Here's How To Become Rich If You're Earning an Average Salary Also: Ramit Sethi Shares 3 Tips for Becoming Rich on an Average Salary

1. Historian

• Median Salary : $64,540
• Education Required : Master's or PhD
• Concerns : There are limited job opportunities, often in academia or museums, with modest salaries.
• Job outlook : 3% growth

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2. Librarian

• Median Salary : $61,660
• Education Required : Master's in Library Science
• Concerns : This is a shrinking job market due to digitization, with relatively low salaries for the level of education.

3. Social Worker

• Median Salary : $55,350
• Education Required : Master's in Social Work
• Concerns : Despite the critical nature of their work, social workers often receive modest salaries.  
• Job outlook : 7% growth

4. Anthropologist

• Median Salary : $63,940
• Education Required : PhD in anthropology
• Concerns : Academic positions are scarce and often don't pay high salaries despite lengthy education.
• Job outlook : 4% growth

5. Academic Researcher

• Median Salary : $60,410
• Education Required: Master's or PhD in a relevant field
• Concerns : This is a highly competitive job market with relatively low pay and unstable positions.
• Job outlook : -4% decline

• Median Salary : $61,810
• Education Required : Bachelor's degree and sometimes a master's degree
• Concerns : Teachers often report salaries that do not align with their education and responsibilities.
• Job outlook : 1% growth

7. Journalist

• Median Salary : $55,960
• Education Required : Bachelor's degree
• Concerns : This is a highly competitive field with declining job opportunities due to changes in technology and media consumption.
• Job outlook : -3% decline

8. Graphic Designer

• Median Salary : $57,990
• Concerns : This is an oversaturated market with many freelancers. It can be challenging to find stable, well-paying positions.

9. Dieticians and Nutritionists

• Median Salary : $66,450 per year
• Education Required : Bachelor's degree and often a master's degree in nutrition or dietetics, along with licensure
• Concerns : Despite their essential role in healthcare and wellness, dietitians and nutritionists do not typically command high salaries, especially in public health or community settings.
•  Job outlook : 7% growth

10. Mental Health Therapist

• Median Salary : $56,570
• Education Required : Master's degree and licensure
• Concerns : While the job is important, it often does not pay a high salary, especially in non-profit or community settings.
• Job Outlook : 15% growth

This list is a general overview and does not apply to everyone in these professions. Many people find these careers fulfilling and successful, and job markets can vary by location and over time.

Methodology: To find 10 jobs that aren't worth their education requirements, GOBankingRates consulted the Bureau of Labor Statistics' Occupational Outlook Handbook. Each occupation's median annual salary, sourced from the BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates, was compared with education requirements and job outlook. All data is current as of January 22, 2024.

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