what is a graphic designer?
A graphic designer creates and designs graphics for various media to communicate messages to a specific audience. As a graphic designer, you will use design elements such as typography, images, and layout techniques.
You should familiarize yourself with various tools and software, such as Adobe Creative Suite, Sketch, and Canva, or use pencils and paper or a graphics tablet to create your designs. You will also need skills and knowledge in color theory, typography, user interface design, photography, branding, illustration, and more.
It’s also essential to have good communication, problem-solving abilities, time management skills, and a keen eye for detail. Furthermore, most positions will require a degree or certificate in graphic design or a related field or evidence of your previous work to exhibit your abilities.
You can enjoy the benefits of expressing your aesthetic vision, working with multiple customers and industries, learning new technology and trends, and positively affecting society through your designs.
Would working as a graphic designer suit your passion for creating unique and functional visuals? Then read on to find what competencies and qualifications you need to thrive in a graphic designer role.
view jobs near youaverage graphic designer salary
The average salary for a graphic designer varies depending on several factors, such as location, experience, and industry.
The median salary of a graphic designer in the United States is $50,710 per year, according to 2021 Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data. However, the type of graphic design position and your employer will play a big role in your pay level. Those who work in printing and related fields earned a median of $39,090 while designers working with newspaper/periodical/book publishers earned a median of $44,540.The median reaches $52,050 for the advertising and PR fields and $58,610 for specialized design services.
A graphic designer’s salary also differs by state and city. The highest-paying states for graphic designers are New York, Massachusetts, and California, all of which paid out an average of over $60,000 in 2018.. The lowest-paying states are South Dakota, Wyoming, and Oklahoma.
Wondering what you can earn as a graphic designer? Find out immediately with the Randstad salary checker! You can quickly and easily see what the average salary of a graphic designer is.
types of graphic designer
Several types of graphic designers specialize in different kinds of design. Here are some of the common types of graphic designers:
- visual identity graphic designer: As a visual identity graphic designer, you create the visual elements of a brand, such as logos, business cards, and icons. You also make consistent brand guidelines that communicate the brand's message across different media and applications.
- user interface graphic designer: You create visual designs of a digital interface, such as websites or mobile apps. The designs should be user-friendly and pleasing. You should ensure the interface meets the users’ and company’s needs and goals. You need to have skills in web design, prototyping, and coding.
- motion graphic designer: Your job is to create animated graphics and visual effects. You can work on various media such as videos, TV shows, commercials, GIFs, video games, apps, websites, and movies. You need to have skills in animation, storyboarding, and illustration.
working as a graphic designer
What does it take to become a graphic designer? It’s essential to understand the requirements and qualifications necessary for the job. Read on to find out what you need to be a graphic designer.
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graphic designer job description
Wondering what a graphic designer does? Here are some of the everyday tasks:
- meeting with clients or stakeholders: This helps to understand their goals, budget, and timeline. You can also ask questions to clarify doubts or get more information on the project.
- researching: As a graphic designer, you research the target audience, market, competitors, and trends in order to develop insights into the needs, tastes, and habits of the target audience. You also examine the market condition, the tactics and designs of rivals, and existing and developing trends in graphic design.
- developing design concepts: You accomplish this by exploring ideas for each project’s visual content and layout. This involves brainstorming or using sources, such as art or nature for inspiration.
- creating visual elements: You use design software and tools, such as InDesign, After Effects, Sketch App, Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, or WordPress, to create visual elements for each project. You can also use traditional tools such as pens and paper.
- applying your color and design knowledge: You choose and apply colors, fonts, images, and styles by using your knowledge of color theory, typography, and image editing to select and apply these styles. You may use the message, brand identity, mood, or audience to ease your choice-making.
- testing and amending designs: As a graphic designer, you work across many media and platforms to ensure the designs are practical, appealing, and user-friendly. You may use mockups, prototypes, and simulators to test your designs on different devices, screens, and browsers. You may also monitor the performance and efficacy of their designs using technologies like analytics, feedback forms, and user testing.
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graphic designer work environment
The work environment of graphic designers might vary based on the sort of graphic design you specialize in, your industry, and the firm you work for. You may work in an office environment or remotely. You may also work in a comfortable setting that will boost your creativity and productivity. There are opportunities to work full-time or part-time or extra hours on weekends, depending on your workload and deadlines. If you value your independence, freelance and contract jobs are available, too. You can choose a work environment that suits your preferences, needs, and goals.
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who are your colleagues?
Depending on your specific project and the type of industry, you may work with different types of colleagues. Some include:
- other graphic designers
- art directors who supervise the visual style of the company
- web developers who build and maintain digital materials
- copywriters who create written content
- marketing managers who plan and execute marketing strategies and campaigns
- project managers who manage timelines and budgets
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work schedule
The work schedule of a graphic designer may vary depending on the job, client, or employer. You may work regular hours, such as Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. You may also work flexible hours on weekends or at night. You can work as a freelancer, which allows you to determine your hours and pricing but also requires managing your business and locating clients. Lastly, depending on your preference, you will have the opportunity to work in an office, a studio, or remotely.
Meeting deadlines is a common factor that will influence your working schedule. You may need to work long or irregular hours, such as at night, to meet project deadlines. You may also need more time sitting and working on a computer.
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job outlook for graphic designers
According to government statistics, the employment of graphic designers should expand by 3% from 2021 to 2031. The job outlook for a graphic designer may vary depending on the industry, location, and type of work you do. Graphic designers who work in online and mobile design may experience a growth in demand. As more firms and organizations increase their digital presence, they will require graphic designers to create visually appealing and effective layouts.
Graphic designers with user interface design, animation, or interactive media skills may also have better job prospects because the sector continues to grow. The job outlook for a graphic designer also depends on education and experience. Graphic designers who can deal with various customers and adapt to new technology and trends may have more chances than those who cannot. Graphic designers with more skills, experience, and quality work samples may be more likely to acquire jobs or clients than those with less.
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benefits of working for randstad as graphic designers
Working through Randstad offers you a range of benefits:
- being paid weekly
- flexibility
- always a contact person you can fall back on and ask for help from
- many training opportunities
- a range of jobs in your area
Want a permanent contract? But you wonder why it would be interesting for you to work with a staffing company? A temporary job as graphic designers is often a stepping stone to an attractive permanent job. Every year, thousands of people earn a permanent contract with great employers thanks to a temporary job found through Randstad. What's more, many companies recruit their permanent employees through Randstad too!
graphic designer skills and education
To become a graphic designer, you will need:
- a bachelor’s degree in graphic design or a field like visual communication where you will cover design theory, history typography, color theory, digital imaging, and graphic design software such as Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign
- an associate’s degree or certificate in graphic design that will take two years or less to cover basic graphic design skills, such as software skills, design principles, and portfolio development
- to enroll in online courses in graphic design, such as Coursera’s Graphic Design Specialization, which includes lessons on the foundation of graphic design, typography, image making, and the history of graphic design
- to acquire new graphic design skills or approaches, such as using internet resources such as tutorials, blogs, podcasts, videos, and so on; you will also need to develop personal projects or participate in challenges or contests to improve your graphic design abilities and portfolio
skills and competencies
The following technical skills and soft skills are important for your career:
- typography skills: You need to arrange words in a visually appealing way by using the appropriate fonts and styles.
- color theory: As a graphic designer, you need to understand how colors affect each other and how to use them effectively.
- design principles: It is essential to know how to use white space, balance, alignment, and hierarchy to create good designs.
- creativity skills: You should generate original and innovative ideas that align with the project’s goals and target audience.
- time management and organization skills: As a graphic designer, you need to handle multiple projects, meet deadlines, and prioritize tasks by managing your time and workload efficiently.
FAQs about working as a graphic designer
Here you will find answers to the most frequently asked questions about a graphic designer.
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are drawing skills a vital aspect for a graphic designer?
Drawing skills are not necessarily a requirement, but they can be an added advantage in some areas of the job, such as sketching out ideas or creating illustrations. Visualizing and adjusting visual elements is more important than drawing skills.
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what qualities make a graphic designer successful?
You need to be creative and a critical thinker. You should also have a keen eye for details and good communication and collaborative skills. Lastly, you need to maintain a high quality of work even when handling multiple projects.
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is it necessary for graphic designers to keep up with new technology and design trends?
Yes. As a graphic designer, keeping up with new technology and design trends is necessary, as they may affect your work and career differently. You can achieve this by participating in workshops, online courses, or conferences for exposure.
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what skills do I need to become a graphic designer?
You need both technical skills and soft skills to succeed. Technical skills are specific skills related to graphic design, such as software, typography, color theory, and design principles. Soft skills are the general skills useful for any job, such as communication, creativity, collaboration, time management, and problem-solving.
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what are some career advancement opportunities for graphic designers?
The position of graphic designer is often an entry point that could lead to more opportunities. You may advance your career by becoming an art director or creative director.
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how do I find a job as a graphic designer?
Applying for a graphic designer job is easy: create a Randstad profile and search our graphic designer jobs for vacancies in your area. Then simply send us your CV. If you do not have a resume, no worries. Just check out our resume builder. This state of the art tool will help you to create your own resume. Need help with your application? Check out all our job-hunting tips!
