Are you considering a career in graphic design but want to learn more about the field before embarking on a new path? There is no better time to embark on a career as a graphic designer, as the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics anticipates the field to grow through 2030, with an estimated 20,000 job openings each year. This comprehensive career guide will cover all the key areas of graphic design and working as a creative professional. Learning about the industry, the skills needed to excel, and educational requirements is important before making the switch to a new career.

What Does a Graphic Designer Do?

The title of graphic designer encompasses many different roles and functions, but essentially these professionals work to combine images, text, and media into content for a client or company. Graphic designers use these visual images to communicate ideas and engage their audience. The visual images are accompanied by additional design elements to create a final product true to a brand or company’s style guidelines. Graphic designers must have a solid understanding of design principles to create well-rounded content.

What Type of Training Does a Graphic Designer Need?

Individuals with an artistic eye who enjoy creative projects may thrive in a graphic design role where they can use their creativity to meet a client’s specific needs. While some graphic designers choose to obtain a four-year degree, this is not a requirement to work as a professional designer. One popular option for those who want to start a design career without the commitment of a traditional degree is taking graphic design certificate classes.

These classes provide hands-on training for students to learn the fundamental skills and provide an opportunity to build a professional portfolio. These types of courses are versatile, as they can be taken in-person or virtually with a live online format.

Skills Needed for Graphic Design

Succeeding as a graphic designer requires drive, consistency, and a unique set of skills to help complete different project tasks. The field of graphic design is broad and encompasses different areas of specialized work such as web design and animation. While it may be helpful if you are a naturally creative or artistically inclined person, many of the skills needed to work as a graphic designer can be learned through dedicated studying and consistently working to improve technique.

Some of the key skills needed to excel as a graphic designer include:

Creativity: Though this seems straightforward, being able to think creatively is crucial for those working in graphic design. Some daily tasks these professionals must complete are brainstorming ideas and creating original content on strict deadlines. While creativity is not able to be taught directly, individuals can pick up on and learn some of the strategies used by creative professionals in the field.

Time Management: While this is another non-technical skill, mastering time management will help any graphic designer meet deadlines and build a reputation as a reliable designer. Time management is especially crucial for graphic design freelancers who work independently to complete work for clients. There are steps for improving time management skills those looking to work in creative design should master.

Design Principles: Another crucial area for graphic designers to master is the basic design principle elements like color theory, balance, and alignment. Essentially, design principles are a set of tools that ensure an image is visually appealing and structured. Any educational course designed for potential graphic designers should cover the most common design theories and principles.

Different Graphic Design Career Paths

The field of graphic design is truly vast and has many different career paths these creative professionals can take. Regardless of which specialized area a designer chooses to work in, staying current with software and industry trends is a must. Some of the most common career paths those with graphic design training choose to pursue are:

  • Marketing Specialist
  • User Experience (UX) Designer
  • User interface (UI) Designer
  • Brand/Logo Designer
  • Art Director
  • Packaging Designer
  • Creative Director
  • Photo Editor

While graphic design is a key element of these careers, some of these specialized areas of work will require additional training or certification to fully immerse in the role. Be sure to research any specialized positions carefully to ensure you take courses that teach the required skills.

Average Salary of a Graphic Designer

The salary of a graphic designer can vary depending on location, type of employment, and overall experience working in the field. As of May 2020, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported the average salary of a graphic designer to be $53,380. This number can vary due to different factors like experience, with designers in the highest bracket earning over $90,000 annually. It’s important to note that these salary designations are for those who seek traditional employment. Graphic design freelancers have more control over their income, the number of projects they take on, and their overall availability.

Freelancing vs. Traditional Employment

As stated above, there are some differences between traditionally employed graphic designers and those who choose to work freelancing. Traditionally employed designers work for a company on a team of creative professionals and complete tasks towards an overall project goal. This type of role differs from that of a graphic design freelancer who works independently to secure clients and complete work. Choosing between the two options is dependent on the personal preference of the designer and the ability to stay motivated while working independently.

Software and Continued Education

With technology rapidly advancing each year, it’s crucial that graphic designers stay relevant with any software updates or changes with industry-standard practices. One of the easiest ways for current or potential graphic designers to ensure their software skills are sharp is to enroll in graphic design classes. There are options that can cover specific software in as little as a day or longer classes for those who need an in-depth curriculum.

If you currently work full time or worry about fitting classes into your busy schedule, live online graphic design bootcamps provide the same in-depth training from the comfort of your own home. You won’t have to worry about commuting or dealing with traffic, as these classes are held live and can be taken from nearly any location. If you are ready to get started, search for graphic design bootcamps in your area to see what options are available for you.