Graphic designer - overview

Love storytelling through images and words? As a graphic designer, you’ll be a visual communicator, using your creativity and collaboration skills to design attractive visuals and influence branding. Learn more about a career in graphic design, find out what it involves and what you’ll need to study and do to get a role.

Learn what the role involves below.

What does a graphic designer do?

A role in graphic design typically means you'll get to work on a range of products and activities. Whether you go freelance or in-house, your skills will be sought after by businesses that work on things like websites, advertising, books, magazines, posters, computer games, product packaging, exhibitions and displays, and corporate communications and branding.

Collaborating with clients, a creative director or an account manager, you’ll use your creative flair, technical know-how and organisational skills to develop the right ideas and designs for your client. Like most careers in the creative industry, it can be hugely rewarding but will take both talent and dedication on your part.

What will your days involve?

Daily tasks will vary but could involve:

Producing or overseeing the creation of the final product
Liaising with production team to ensure graphic design fits with other elements, processes and timescales
Preparing the specification and instructions for realisation of the project
Preparing sketches, scale drawings, models, colour schemes and other mock-ups to show clients
Undertaking research into the project, considering previous related projects and comparing the costs of using different processes
Liaising with client to clarify the aims of the project brief, discussing the media, software and technology to be used, establishing a timetable for the project and defining budgetary constraints

FAQs

How much can you earn as a graphic designer?

The average salary for a graphic designer in the UK is £31,200. Graduates start at around £22,000.

Does a graphic designer role involve travel in the UK or overseas?

Graphic designers mostly work in studios, though you may need to travel to meet clients. Travelling overseas for work is rare.

Can you work from home as a graphic designer?

There are plenty of opportunities to work from home as a graphic designer. Many graphic designers work completely independently, conducting all business virtually.