If you are a graphic designer or an aspiring one, there are many graphic design jobs that you can do. Learning about these job opportunities can help you on the path you want to take as a creative artist.
Besides, being a graphic designer is more than just creating logos or images you can see in brochures, magazines, and online. Graphic designers are creative artists who brainstorm and develop visual concepts that inspire and captivate consumers.
Graphic Design Jobs: What is a Graphic Designer?
The United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) defines graphic designers as people who use computer software or their hands to create visual concepts. They do this to communicate ideas that can inform and inspire consumers.
Graphic artists often work in the advertising, marketing, and web design industries. Their creations play a crucial role in attracting and engaging audiences.
By combining their artistic skills with technological expertise, graphic designers bring ideas to life. Not only that, but they also contribute to the overall visual aesthetic of various mediums.
Typical responsibilities of graphic artists include creating and designing visual elements such as:
- Logos
- Illustrations
- Print and digital media layouts
Do You Want to Be a Graphic Artist?
Some people believe that there are naturally creative individuals. Those who think they are not and want to pursue a career in the graphic design industry know that graphic design skills can be learned.
There are many courses available that can help you become a talented graphic designer. You may also consider online courses, which are cheaper than taking a course from a university.
Aside from taking courses, watching tutorial videos can also significantly help. As long as you are eager to learn, you can be a great artist in no time.
In addition, joining online communities and forums dedicated to graphic design can provide valuable feedback and support from experienced professionals. Surrounding yourself with like-minded individuals can spark creativity and offer opportunities for collaboration.
Remember, practice and perseverance are vital to honing your skills and becoming a successful graphic designer. Besides, you can earn a lot of money in the industry, especially when you’re on the right path.
How Much Do Graphic Designers Make from Graphic Design Jobs?
Before you discover the different graphic design jobs, would it be interesting to learn how much do graphic designers make? Understanding the potential earnings of a graphic designer can provide valuable insight into the financial aspects of pursuing this career.
Additionally, knowing your earning potential can help you make informed decisions about your future and whether this profession aligns with your financial goals. Not only that, but you can also follow a specific path that can help you become an expert in your chosen career.
The income of graphic designers varies because of several factors, including:
- their level of experience
- the size and reputation of the company they work for
- their location
Moreover, the specific industry or niche they specialize in can also impact their earning potential.
In BLS’ statistical report for May 2022, graphic designers have a mean hourly wage (MWH) of $31.01 and a mean annual wage (MWA) of $64,500. This is higher than other jobs with an MWA of less than $50,000.
The graphic designer in the US alone has created employment of more than 211,000, including various industries. For instance, being a motion picture and video visual artist can help you earn as much as $48.79 for MWH and more than $101,000 for MWA.
Therefore, you can earn six figures, depending on the industry you want to enter. Some other sectors that offer high earnings potential for graphic designers include advertising, marketing, and software publishing.
Additionally, with the increasing demand for digital content and online platforms, there are ample opportunities for graphic designers to freelance or start their design businesses, increasing their earning potential.
10 Types of Graphic Design Jobs to Consider
After learning what a graphic designer and their income potential is, it’s time to discover the various careers you might consider. Some popular career options in the field of graphic design include web designer, art director, and brand identity designer.
Each role offers unique opportunities for creativity and specialization within the industry. Exploring these different paths can help you find the career that aligns best with your skills and interests.
To give you a better understanding, here’s a list of graphic design jobs:
1. Advertising Designer
Graphic design jobs require an undergraduate degree, which is no different for advertising designers. Although you may take online courses, a diploma in graphic design can help you land better jobs.
As an advertising designer, you create visually appealing and persuasive advertisements to promote products or services. It involves understanding the target audience, conducting market research, and utilizing your creativity to design compelling visuals.
2. Apparel Graphic Designer
If you are a creative artist who is also into fashion, being an apparel graphic designer could be your next job. Usually, apparel graphic designers use CAD programs to create graphics and scales to fit clothing pattern sizes.
In this graphic design job, you are expected to have a strong understanding of fashion trends and be able to translate them into visually appealing graphics for clothing. You will collaborate closely with the design team to ensure the pictures align with the brand aesthetic and target audience.
Some of the responsibilities of an apparel graphic designer include:
- Conducting market research to stay updated on current fashion trends
- Creating and editing digital graphics using CAD software
- Developing and maintaining a library of visual assets
3. Art Director
If you’ve gained much experience in the graphic design industry, you may be fit to work as an art director. Art directors are responsible for overseeing the visual aspects of a project, ensuring that they align with the overall creative vision.
They collaborate with designers, copywriters, and other creative professionals to bring ideas to life. Moreover, art directors often have the opportunity to lead and mentor a team of designers, providing guidance and feedback to help them grow in their careers.
Some of the duties and responsibilities of an art director include:
- Conducting research and staying up-to-date with industry trends
- Developing and implementing creative concepts
- Managing budgets and timelines
- Making final decisions on visual elements such as layouts, color schemes, and typography
4. Logo Designer
The logo represents the business. Therefore, as a logo designer, your job is to create a visual identity that accurately reflects the values and personality of the brand.
This involves understanding the target audience, conducting thorough research, and using design elements strategically to convey the desired message. By crafting a memorable and visually appealing logo, you can help businesses establish a strong brand presence.
A logo designer’s primary duties are as follows:
- Collaborating with clients to understand their vision and requirements
- Creating unique and innovative logo concepts
- Incorporating feedback to refine the design
Moreover, logo designers may also be responsible for creating brand guidelines to ensure consistency across all brand visual elements.
5. Packaging Designer
Another graphic design job is being a packaging designer. Usually, this job requires experts in CAD software to write every detail in the most appropriate font and size and to show what the product will look like.
Packaging designers are responsible for creating visually appealing and functional packaging designs that attract consumers. They collaborate with marketing teams and clients to ensure the design aligns with the brand’s identity and effectively communicates the product’s features and benefits.
Some of the responsibilities of a packaging designer include:
- Conducting market research to stay updated on current design trends and consumer preferences
- Creating mockups and prototypes of packaging designs
- Working closely with production teams to ensure the feasibility and cost-effectiveness of the design
6. Photo Editor
A photo editor has in-depth knowledge of photo editing software like Photoshop. If you have this skill, you may take advantage of this opportunity and build a strong portfolio.
Some of the primary duties of a photo editor include:
- Adjusting colors and lighting
- Cropping and resizing images
- Removing unwanted elements from photos
- Retouching and enhancing photos
Photo editors may also collaborate with photographers or clients to understand their vision and make the necessary edits to achieve the desired outcome. Additionally, a photo editor should stay updated with the latest trends in photography and editing techniques to ensure high-quality results.
7. Publication Designer
Publication designers work closely with writers and editors to ensure the visual elements enhance and complement the content. They may also collaborate with printers and other production professionals to ensure the final product meets high-quality standards.
Publication designers also play a crucial role in maintaining brand consistency and adhering to the publication’s style guidelines. They must possess a keen eye for detail and be proficient in various design software.
8. Multimedia Designer
A multimedia designer can work in several industries, such as film- and set design, video-game development, television production, etc. This graphic design job has the following duties:
- Creating visual elements for various media platforms, including websites, social media, and print materials
- Developing and implementing design concepts
- Utilizing software tools to create digital artwork
- Collaborating with clients or creative teams to ensure the final product meets their vision and objectives
Multimedia designers may also conduct market research and stay updated on industry trends to create visually appealing and impactful designs that resonate with the target audience.
9. UI Designer/UX Designer
You can be a user interface designer, user experience designer, or both. The main difference between the two is that a user interface designer focuses on a product’s visual and interactive elements.
On the other hand, a user experience designer considers the overall journey and satisfaction of the user. While both roles require a strong understanding of human behavior and design principles, a user interface designer typically works more closely with graphic design tools and coding languages.
Meanwhile, a user experience designer may focus more on research, prototyping, and testing to optimize the overall user experience.
10. Web Designer
If you’re reading this now, you’ll notice the font used and the size of the letters and numbers. A web designer is responsible for this job.
A web designer is responsible for creating a website’s visual layout and user interface, including choosing the font, size, and overall design elements. Usually, web designers work closely with clients to understand their branding and design preferences.
Doing so ensures that the website reflects its unique style and message. Many businesses rely on their websites to promote their products and services, making it an excellent opportunity to enter this field.
Some of a web designer’s duties include:
- Coding and implementing the visual elements of a Website using HTML, CSS, and other programming languages
- Conducting user testing to ensure optimal functionality and user experience
- Creating wireframes and mockups to present design concepts to clients
Final Thoughts on Graphic Design Jobs
How much do graphic designers make depends on the job they want to pursue. Choosing the right path could be challenging, but if you consider several factors, such as your skills, preferred income, and job location, selecting the right one becomes less complicated.
Other factors that can influence a graphic designer’s salary include their level of experience and education. The demand for graphic designers in different industries can also impact their earning potential.
Consider the list of graphic design jobs if you are an aspiring graphic designer or someone looking for a new job in the graphic design industry. This can provide insights into the job titles and responsibilities within the field, helping you identify which roles align with your skills and interests.
Looking for Graphic Design Jobs? Welcome to the Graphic Designer Lounge!
Are you a graphic designer looking for inspiration? Or someone who wants to hire a visual artist to level up their business?
Good news! The Graphic Designer Lounge is a safe place for graphic artists to connect, share ideas, and find inspiration.
Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just starting, this community is here to support and encourage your creative journey. Join us to network with like-minded individuals, learn new techniques, and stay up-to-date with the latest trends in the industry.
