Become a Brochure Designer
Brochure designers are graphic designers that create print media, such as brochures or pamphlets, for clients. Some designers specialize in persuasive brochures, encouraging people to buy a product or participate in an upcoming event. Other designers focus on the tourism industry and create brochures about travel destinations or family-friendly activities.
Brochure designers work at advertising agencies, but many also work as independent contractors. Many work long hours seated at a computer. Those working freelance spend considerable time looking for new clients. A bachelor's degree in graphic design is the main training requirement for brochure designers, and certifications are available through various software vendors.
Career Requirements
| Degree Level | Bachelor's degree |
| Degree Field(s) | Graphic design, advertising, or tourism |
| Experience | None (entry level) |
| Key Skills | Artistic ability, creativity, problem-solving and written communication skills, desktop publishing, graphic manipulation programs, scanners, and printing equipment |
| Salary (2018)* | $50,370 per year (median salary for all graphic designers) |
Sources: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, O*Net OnLine
Let's take a look at the steps needed to become a brochure designer…
Step 1: Earn a Degree
Most brochure designers have a background in graphic design, and employers prefer to hire designers with at least a bachelor's degree. While most students major in graphic design, some also choose to minor in advertising or tourism since these industries use brochures as a major marketing tool. Graphic design undergraduate coursework includes color theory, drawing, visual layout, print communications, and technical writing.
Success Tip:
- Build advanced graphic manipulation skills. Most undergraduate graphic design courses train students in graphic manipulation software. However, with the rapid advancement of imaging software, extended education and community learning programs also offer courses training users on newer versions of these programs. Many courses are completed in a semester. Individuals also choose to earn software certification to prove their skills to future employers. For example, Adobe offers certification programs for beginners and advanced users on almost all Adobe products.
Step 2: Build a Portfolio
The majority of designers display their skills to potential employers with portfolios. Portfolios include either physical or digital copies of prior projects. For example, a brochure designer exhibits samples of print media designs, such as brochures and flyers. Many designers choose to place samples in protective plastic sheets that are kept secured in a binder. Digital portfolios are displayed online or placed on a CD or DVD.
Most undergraduate graphic design programs include mandatory portfolio coursework. Some programs have students choose their best assignments from every semester. Other programs have students work as interns and use internship projects as portfolio highlights. Several programs also include tips on complementing portfolios with professional resumes.
Step 3: Gain Experience for Career Advancement
After several years of experience as a graphic designer, prospective designers can specialize in brochure design, especially when they've built up enough clientele. Brochure designers should always keep up with the latest design trends to stay current, which is also helpful with career advancement.
A bachelor's degree is recommended, and a portfolio is needed in order to gain work and the necessary experience to become a brochure designer.
