Graphic design is everywhere, and it impacts our lives every single day. One of the most important roles it plays is in advertising and branding, from billboards to packaging to apps, there’s no escaping the power and influence of graphic design.
What is a Graphic Designer?
A Graphic Designer is someone who creates visual concepts by using a variety of techniques to successfully convey messages and create aesthetic effects. It’s the combination of art and technology to communicate ideas.
Graphic Designers play an important role in shaping how information is presented and how brands are perceived by their audiences. Some of the biggest names in graphic design include; David Carson, Saul Bass, and Stefan Sagmeister.
What is the salary for a Graphic Designer?
In the UK, the average salary for a Graphic Designer varies based on experience, location, and the specific industry. According to Indeed, the average base salary is £28,000.
However, the salary you earn depends on your experience. For instance, entry-level roles usually require less than one year of experience and are perfect for those who are just starting out in the industry. You’ll need to make sure you have a professional portfolio of work which showcases your talent. Similarly, having some work experience under your belt is crucial too as it will provide you with references and evidence of the work you’ve done. Check out our blog on how to get graphic design work experience for some tips!
Mid to senior-level positions are for those who have years of experience, and these positions can be worked up to over time. The main route to successful progression is by developing an in-depth technical knowledge of software applications (Adobe) and creating a solid reputation for reliable, quality and consistent output.. Attending industry events is a great way to get your name out there and meet new people, and may even lead to future business opportunities.
Working freelance is also a great career option! Freelance Graphic Designers have varying incomes based on their number of clients and rates. Websites such as Fiverr allow freelancers to showcase their work and look for potential clients and opportunities. This is also a great option for those who are new to the industry and are looking to build a portfolio of professional work and make connections.
What skills do you need to be a Graphic Designer?
To be a Graphic Designer, there are lots of technical skills you will need to learn. This includes an understanding of design principles, aka knowing how to bring together lines, colour, shape, space, texture, typography, scale, dominance and emphasis, and harmony to create visually appealing designs.
Another skill you will need to understand is ideation, also known as idea generation. Ideation is the creative process of generating, developing and communicating new ideas. It involves: research, development, evaluation, and application.
Branding is also a huge part of graphic design. For example, if you are employed by a company you will be expected to build and maintain its branding. To do this, you will need an in-depth understanding of what makes that brand unique, and then bring that brand to life through logos, colours, typography, illustration, and sometimes even photography. Branding needs to be consistent across all platforms and will be tailored to different audiences.
Some of the soft skills required are; creativity, communication, problem-solving, strategy, and time management.
Is there a shortage of Graphic Designers in the UK?
Simply put, yes! The supply of skilled Graphic Designers in the UK has not kept pace with the demand, leading to a significant skills gap in the design industry. This has made it harder for businesses to find the talent they need, and has led to increased competition for the available pool of designers.
One popular solution to this shortage among some businesses has been outsourcing to agencies or freelancers. The benefit for the business of doing this is that they will have access to a global pool of talent. While the benefit for agencies and freelancers is that it opens up more opportunities to work with a variety of companies while adding to their portfolio of work.
If you’re looking for a Graphic Designer role you will need to stand out from the crowd. Some of the best ways to stand out is to have a well-presented portfolio showing your skills, make sure to promote your work across social media, network, enter competitions, and most importantly, stay persistent. It’s also a good idea to try and find what you like and specialise in it. There are lots of full-time jobs which advertise expert positions for designers and require UX, UI, or product design knowledge.
Some of the industries which always need Graphic Designers include; marketing, advertising, fashion, and technology. The industry is constantly changing, especially as technology advances, meaning there are plenty of other pathways to explore. Other possible careers include:
- Email marketing designer
- Web design
- Video game design
- 3D illustrator
- Social media manager
- Teacher/lecturer
There’s no denying that the job market is tough, however with some well-directed effort and creativity it’s more than possible to land your dream job. Don’t forget to constantly keep learning, practising and improving your skills to give yourself an edge over the competition.
What free software is best for graphic design?
Free design software has come a long way in recent years, and there are plenty of great options out there for graphic design. Some of the best free software is;
Experiment with different software to find the one which works best for you!
What computer is good for graphic design?
Choosing the right computer can feel daunting as there are so many options out there. Luckily, Tech Radar have compared specs, benchmarked performance, and assessed build quality and dimensions to make choosing even easier. Check out their top picks below:
- MacBook Pro 16-inch (M3 Pro/M3 Max): Best laptop for graphic design overall.
- Lenovo IdeaPad Duet 5 Chromebook: Best budget laptop.
- Dell XPS 14: Best Windows laptop for graphic design.
- Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Yoga Gen 8: Best 2-in-1 laptop.
- Lenovo Yoga Book 9i: Best dual-screen laptop.
- MacBook Air 13-inch (M3): Best laptop for battery life.
Where can I study graphic design?
Access Creative College offers a Level 3 Graphic and Digital Design course where you will master typography, illustration, web design, layouts, and so much more! You will gain industry experience by working with live briefs, giving you a leg up when it comes to applying for jobs as you’ll already have the relevant experience.
One of our Alumni, Joseph Smith, agreed that working with live briefs ‘allows students to develop and learn through creative restraints, time restrictions and industry like experience, so at the end of my time at college I had built up a solid portfolio of work that got me into all five of the universities I applied for!’
ACC is the perfect place to start your graphic design journey, apply now September 2024!
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