At the crossroads of art, technology, and marketing is graphic design. This is a unique career that allows you to use your creativity to make something unique.
To become a graphic designer, you'll need training, experience, and a specific skill set. Below, you'll discover everything you need to know about becoming a graphic designer.
What Is a Graphic Designer?
Graphic designers are artists who create visual concepts for clients. This is often done on the computer, but sometimes by hand or through a combination of both.
These visual concepts may include:
- company logos
- graphics for marketing campaigns and social media posts
- layouts for print advertisements
- product packaging
- store signage
Graphic designers usually work in studios or offices. The majority are self-employed freelancers or contractors, but some work for specialized design services or as part of an advertising team.
The job duties of a graphic designer can vary depending on who they work for. General job requirements include:
- creating graphics and other digital elements
- designing layouts, which may include selecting colors, images, and typefaces
- meeting with clients to understand project specifications or make changes
- reviewing designs before publication
- using computer software to create designs
- working with other artists or teammates
Graphic Design Job Outlook
The United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects that the employment of graphic designers will grow by 3% by 2031. This is a little slower than average for all other occupations.
This is expected to be an increase of about 6,800 jobs.
Education Requirements to Become a Graphic Designer
While there are no specific education requirements to become a graphic designer, most graphic designers hold at least a bachelor's degree.
Bachelor's degrees are four-year undergraduate degrees. Students can major in graphic design or in other areas of the fine arts.
Students can find an accredited program through the National Association of Schools of Art and Design, which accredits art and design colleges and universities.
Some of the top graphic design schools in the country include:
- ArtCenter College of Design in Pasadena, CA
- Parsons School of Design in Manhattan, NY
- Rhode Island School of Design in Providence, RI
- The Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, NY
- Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, VA
These programs often cover a range of topics including:
- design practices
- drawing
- typography
- web design and programming
Master's degree programs in graphic design are available as well to help you enhance and hone your skills.
One of the largest benefits of earning a degree in graphic design is that it allows you to create and improve your portfolio.
A portfolio is a collection of your work that you can show potential employers and clients. This gives them an idea of your abilities and your aesthetic and helps you get hired.
Once you've earned your degree, that doesn't mean you can stop learning. Market and design trends change all the time, and it's important to keep up.
Organizations like the American Institute of Graphic Arts (AIGA) offer certification, courses, events, webinars, and other methods of professional education to keep you at the top of the field.
Other Requirements to Become a Graphic Designer
While earning a degree in graphic design is a great way to start your career path toward becoming a graphic designer, there are other requirements you may need to fulfill as well.
Skill Requirements for Graphic Designers
Graphic designers need to have a particular set of skills in order to do their job successfully. Some of these skills are talent-based, while others are easier to learn.
These skills include:
- analytical skills: to be able to view work through an impartial lens to analyze the message it sends
- artistic ability: one of the most important skills involved in creating eye-catching, creative designs
- communication skills: to be able to effectively communicate with clients and other team members
- computer skills: to use computers to create and format their designs
- marketing skills: to understand the target audience of their work so they can create effective designs
- time-management skills: to work under tight deadlines and need to be able to manage their time well
Experience Requirements for Graphic Designers
Some employers prefer to hire graphic designers who have some amount of experience in the industry. There are a few ways you can gain this experience.
Internships are one of the best ways to develop your skills and gain graphic design experience. You may be able to complete an internship while still in your degree program.
During an internship, you may work under the supervision of an experienced graphic designer. This gives you a first-hand look into the world of professional graphic design.
Another way to gain experience is to ask around and see if friends and family have a need for a graphic designer.
You can also offer your services through freelance sites like Fiverr and Upwork. You may not get paid very much, but you will get used to designing for clients.
The goal of gaining graphic design experience is to continue developing the portfolio you started in your degree program.
The more projects you can showcase, the more of your skill set your potential employers and clients will get to see.
Become a Graphic Designer
Working as a graphic designer allows you to flex your creative muscles every day. Using the information above, you can start your path toward becoming a graphic designer today.
