Graphic Designer

Design or create graphics to meet specific commercial or promotional needs, such as packaging, displays, or logos. May use a variety of mediums to achieve artistic or decorative effects.

On the job, you would:

Key information into computer equipment to create layouts for client or supervisor.
Review final layouts and suggest improvements, as needed.
Determine size and arrangement of illustrative material and copy, and select style and size of type.

Important Qualities

Analytical skills. Graphic designers must be able to perceive their work from their consumers’ point of view to ensure that the designs convey the client’s message.

Artistic ability. Graphic designers must be able to create designs that are artistically interesting and appealing to clients and consumers. They produce rough illustrations of design ideas, either by hand sketching or by using computer programs.

Communication skills. Graphic designers must communicate with clients, customers, and other designers to ensure that their designs accurately and effectively convey information.

Computer skills. Most graphic designers use specialized graphic design software to prepare their designs.

Creativity. Graphic designers must be able to think of new approaches to communicating ideas to consumers. They develop unique designs that convey their client’s message.

Time-management skills. Graphic designers often work simultaneously on multiple projects, each with a different deadline.

Personality

A3	Your Strengths	Importance	Characteristics of this Career
		95%	Attention to Detail - Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.
		91%	Dependability - Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations.
		86%	Innovation - Job requires creativity and alternative thinking to develop new ideas for and answers to work-related problems.
		86%	Cooperation - Job requires being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude.
		86%	Adaptability/Flexibility - Job requires being open to change (positive or negative) and to considerable variety in the workplace.
		85%	Initiative - Job requires a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges.
		81%	Self-Control - Job requires maintaining composure, keeping emotions in check, controlling anger, and avoiding aggressive behavior, even in very difficult situations.
		80%	Achievement/Effort - Job requires establishing and maintaining personally challenging achievement goals and exerting effort toward mastering tasks.
		80%	Stress Tolerance - Job requires accepting criticism and dealing calmly and effectively with high-stress situations.
		80%	Independence - Job requires developing one's own ways of doing things, guiding oneself with little or no supervision, and depending on oneself to get things done.
		79%	Persistence - Job requires persistence in the face of obstacles.
		76%	Integrity - Job requires being honest and ethical.
		70%	Analytical Thinking - Job requires analyzing information and using logic to address work-related issues and problems.
		68%	Concern for Others - Job requires being sensitive to others' needs and feelings and being understanding and helpful on the job.
		65%	Leadership - Job requires a willingness to lead, take charge, and offer opinions and direction.
		57%	Social Orientation - Job requires preferring to work with others rather than alone, and being personally connected with others on the job.

A3	Your Strengths	Importance	Strengths
		100%	Artistic - Work involves creating original visual artwork, performances, written works, food, or music for a variety of media, or applying artistic principles to the design of various objects and materials. Artistic occupations are often associated with visual arts, applied arts and design, performing arts, music, creative writing, media, or culinary art.
		56%	Realistic - Work involves designing, building, or repairing of equipment, materials, or structures, engaging in physical activity, or working outdoors. Realistic occupations are often associated with engineering, mechanics and electronics, construction, woodworking, transportation, machine operation, agriculture, animal services, physical or manual labor, athletics, or protective services.
		56%	Enterprising - Work involves managing, negotiating, marketing, or selling, typically in a business setting, or leading or advising people in political and legal situations. Enterprising occupations are often associated with business initiatives, sales, marketing/advertising, finance, management/administration, professional advising, public speaking, politics, or law.

A3	Your Strengths	Importance	Values of the Work Environment
		78%	Achievement - Occupations that satisfy this work value are results oriented and allow employees to use their strongest abilities, giving them a feeling of accomplishment. Corresponding needs are Ability Utilization and Achievement.
		72%	Independence - Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to work on their own and make decisions. Corresponding needs are Creativity, Responsibility and Autonomy.
		61%	Recognition - Occupations that satisfy this work value offer advancement, potential for leadership, and are often considered prestigious. Corresponding needs are Advancement, Authority, Recognition and Social Status.
		58%	Working Conditions - Occupations that satisfy this work value offer job security and good working conditions. Corresponding needs are Activity, Compensation, Independence, Security, Variety and Working Conditions.

Aptitude

A3	Your Strengths	Importance	Abilities \| Cognitive, Physical, Personality
		75%	Originality - The ability to come up with unusual or clever ideas about a given topic or situation, or to develop creative ways to solve a problem.
		72%	Near Vision - The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
		72%	Fluency of Ideas - The ability to come up with a number of ideas about a topic (the number of ideas is important, not their quality, correctness, or creativity).
		69%	Written Comprehension - The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
		66%	Oral Comprehension - The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
		63%	Written Expression - The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.
		63%	Oral Expression - The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
		56%	Speech Clarity - The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.
		56%	Deductive Reasoning - The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
		56%	Visual Color Discrimination - The ability to match or detect differences between colors, including shades of color and brightness.
		56%	Speech Recognition - The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person.
		53%	Inductive Reasoning - The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
		53%	Problem Sensitivity - The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem.
		53%	Information Ordering - The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).
		53%	Visualization - The ability to imagine how something will look after it is moved around or when its parts are moved or rearranged.

A3	Your Strengths	Importance	Skills \| Cognitive, Physical, Personality
		55%	Critical Thinking - Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
		54%	Reading Comprehension - Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
		54%	Speaking - Talking to others to convey information effectively.

Job Details

Responsibilities

Maintain records, documents, or other files.

Research new technologies.

Operate photographic developing or print production equipment.

Perform administrative or clerical tasks.

Conduct market research.

Collect data about customer needs.

Conduct research to inform art, designs, or other work.

Edit written materials.

Write advertising or promotional material.

Design layout of art or product exhibits, displays, or promotional materials.

Design layouts for print publications.

Create computer-generated graphics or animation.

Design layouts for print publications.

Draw detailed or technical illustrations.

Review art or design materials.

Collaborate with others to develop or refine designs.

Confer with clients to determine needs.

Design layout of art or product exhibits, displays, or promotional materials.

Draw detailed or technical illustrations.

Collaborate with others to develop or refine designs.

Review art or design materials.

Design layouts for print publications.

Operate still or video cameras or related equipment.

Create computer-generated graphics or animation.

A3	Your Strengths	Importance	Attributes & Percentage of Time Spent
		98%	Electronic Mail - How often do you use electronic mail in this job?
		95%	Spend Time Sitting - How much does this job require sitting?
		91%	Time Pressure - How often does this job require the worker to meet strict deadlines?
		87%	Telephone - How often do you have telephone conversations in this job?
		86%	Work With Work Group or Team - How important is it to work with others in a group or team in this job?
		85%	Importance of Being Exact or Accurate - How important is being very exact or highly accurate in performing this job?
		83%	Level of Competition - To what extent does this job require the worker to compete or to be aware of competitive pressures?
		83%	Indoors, Environmentally Controlled - How often does this job require working indoors in environmentally controlled conditions?
		82%	Face-to-Face Discussions - How often do you have to have face-to-face discussions with individuals or teams in this job?
		81%	Contact With Others - How much does this job require the worker to be in contact with others (face-to-face, by telephone, or otherwise) in order to perform it?
		77%	Freedom to Make Decisions - How much decision making freedom, without supervision, does the job offer?
		77%	Structured versus Unstructured Work - To what extent is this job structured for the worker, rather than allowing the worker to determine tasks, priorities, and goals?
		69%	Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions - How much does this job require making repetitive motions?
		65%	Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls - How much does this job require using your hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools or controls?
		65%	Importance of Repeating Same Tasks - How important is repeating the same physical activities (e.g., key entry) or mental activities (e.g., checking entries in a ledger) over and over, without stopping, to performing this job?
		61%	Coordinate or Lead Others - How important is it to coordinate or lead others in accomplishing work activities in this job?
		56%	Frequency of Decision Making - How frequently is the worker required to make decisions that affect other people, the financial resources, and/or the image and reputation of the organization?
		56%	Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results - What results do your decisions usually have on other people or the image or reputation or financial resources of your employer?
		54%	Letters and Memos - How often does the job require written letters and memos?
		53%	Responsibility for Outcomes and Results - How responsible is the worker for work outcomes and results of other workers?
		51%	Deal With External Customers - How important is it to work with external customers or the public in this job?
		77%	Duration of Typical Work Week - Number of hours typically worked in one week.

A3	Your Strengths	Importance	Tasks & Values
		98%	Thinking Creatively - Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
		94%	Working with Computers - Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
		90%	Getting Information - Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
		80%	Making Decisions and Solving Problems - Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
		80%	Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work - Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
		80%	Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates - Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
		80%	Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships - Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
		75%	Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge - Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
		74%	Communicating with People Outside the Organization - Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
		66%	Providing Consultation and Advice to Others - Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.
		66%	Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events - Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
		65%	Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others - Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
		63%	Developing Objectives and Strategies - Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.
		61%	Processing Information - Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
		61%	Scheduling Work and Activities - Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
		56%	Selling or Influencing Others - Convincing others to buy merchandise/goods or to otherwise change their minds or actions.
		56%	Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others - Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.
		55%	Training and Teaching Others - Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
		54%	Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment - Providing documentation, detailed instructions, drawings, or specifications to tell others about how devices, parts, equipment, or structures are to be fabricated, constructed, assembled, modified, maintained, or used.
		54%	Developing and Building Teams - Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.
		51%	Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others - Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.

What Graphic Designers Do

Graphic designers create designs either by hand or using computer software packages.

Graphic designers create visual concepts, using computer software or by hand, to communicate ideas that inspire, inform, and captivate consumers. They develop the overall layout and production design for applications such as advertisements, brochures, magazines, and reports.

Duties

Graphic designers typically do the following:

Meet with clients or the art director to determine the scope of a project
Use digital illustration, photo editing software, and layout software to create designs
Create visual elements such as logos, original images, and illustrations to help deliver a message
Design layouts, including selection of colors, images, and typefaces
Present design concepts to clients or art directors
Incorporate changes recommended by clients or art directors into final designs
Review designs for errors before printing or publishing them

Graphic designers, also referred to as graphic artists or communication designers, combine art and technology to communicate ideas through images and the layout of websites and printed pages. They may use a variety of design elements to achieve artistic or decorative effects.

Graphic designers work with both text and images. They often select the type, font, size, color, and line length of headlines, headings, and text. Graphic designers also decide how images and text will go together in print or on a webpage, including how much space each will have. When using text in layouts, graphic designers collaborate with writers, who choose the words and decide whether the words will be put into paragraphs, lists, or tables. Through the use of images, text, and color, graphic designers may transform data into visual graphics and diagrams to make complex ideas more accessible.

Graphic design is important to market and sell products, and it is a critical component of brochures and logos. Therefore, graphic designers often work closely with people in advertising and promotions, public relations, and marketing.

Frequently, designers specialize in a particular category or type of client. For example, some designers create the graphics used on product packaging, and others may work on the visual designs used on book jackets.

Graphic designers need to keep up to date with software and computer technologies in order to remain competitive.

Some individuals with a background in graphic design become postsecondary teachers and teach in design schools, colleges, and universities.

Some graphic designers specialize in experiential graphic design. These designers work with architects, industrial designers, landscape architects, and interior designers to create interactive design environments, such as museum exhibitions, public arts exhibits, and retail spaces.

Work Environment

Graphic designers held about 270,900 jobs in 2022. The largest employers of graphic designers were as follows:

Self-employed workers	19%
Advertising, public relations, and related services	9
Specialized design services	9
Printing and related support activities	6
Publishing industries	6

Graphic designers generally work in studios, where they have access to equipment such as drafting tables, computers, and software. Although many graphic designers work independently, those who work for specialized graphic design firms are often part of a design team. Many graphic designers collaborate with colleagues or work with clients on projects.

Work Schedules

Graphic designers’ schedules vary depending on workloads and deadlines.

Those who are self-employed may need to adjust their workday to meet with clients in the evenings or on weekends. In addition, they may spend some of their time looking for new projects or competing with other designers for contracts.

Getting Started

Education:

65%

Bachelor's Degree

15%

High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)

How to Become a Graphic Designer

Graphic designers should demonstrate their creativity and originality through a professional portfolio.

Graphic designers usually need a bachelor’s degree in graphic design or a related field. Candidates for graphic design positions should have a portfolio that demonstrates their creativity and originality.

Education

Graphic designers typically need a bachelor's degree in graphic design or a related fine arts field. People who have a bachelor’s degree in another field may complete technical training in graphic design to meet most hiring qualifications.

The National Association of Schools of Art and Design accredits more than 360 postsecondary colleges, universities, and independent institutes with programs in art and design. Most programs include courses in studio art, principles of design, computerized design, commercial graphics production, printing techniques, and website design. In addition, students should consider courses in writing, marketing, and business, all of which are useful in helping designers work effectively on project teams.

High school students interested in graphic design should take basic art and design courses, if available. Many bachelor’s degree programs require students to complete a year of basic art and design courses before being admitted to a formal degree program. Some schools require applicants to submit sketches and other examples of their artistic ability.

Many programs provide students with the opportunity to build a portfolio—a collection of completed works that demonstrates an artist’s styles and abilities. For many artists, including graphic designers, developing a portfolio is essential because employers rely on portfolios in making hiring decisions.

Graphic designers must keep up with new and updated computer graphics and design software, either on their own or through formal software training programs. Professional associations that specialize in graphic design, such as AIGA, offer courses intended to keep the skills of their members up to date.

Other Experience

Graphic designers often gain experience through internships, which they may undertake while enrolled in a design program. Internships allow aspiring graphic designers to work with designers and to experience the design process from concept to completion.

Licenses, Certifications, and Registrations

Certification programs are generally available through software product vendors. Certification in graphic design software demonstrates competence and may provide jobseekers with a competitive advantage.

Advancement

Experienced graphic designers may advance to chief designer, art director, or other supervisory positions.

Job Outlook

Employment of graphic designers is projected to grow 3 percent from 2022 to 2032, about as fast as the average for all occupations.

About 22,800 openings for graphic designers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

Employment

As companies continue to increase their digital presence, graphic designers may be needed to help create visually appealing and effective layouts of websites and social media sites. However, a decrease in print newspapers and magazines may limit employment growth for graphic designers who create advertisements for companies and products.

Contacts for More Information

For more information about graphic design, visit

AIGA

Graphic Artists Guild

Society for Experiential Graphic Design

For more information about art and design and a list of accredited college-level programs, visit

National Association of Schools of Art and Design

Similar Occupations

This table shows a list of occupations with job duties that are similar to those of graphic designers.

Occupation	Job Duties	Entry-Level Education	Median Annual Pay, May 2022
Art Directors	Art directors are responsible for the visual style and images in magazines, newspapers, product packaging, and movie and television productions.	Bachelor's degree	$105,180
Craft and Fine Artists	Craft and fine artists use a variety of materials and techniques to create art for sale and exhibition.	See How to Become One	$53,140
Desktop Publishers	Desktop publishers use computer software to design page layouts for items that are printed or published online.	Associate's degree	$47,910
Drafters	Drafters use software to convert the designs of engineers and architects into technical drawings.	Associate's degree	$60,400
Industrial Designers	Industrial designers combine art, business, and engineering to develop the concepts for manufactured products.	Bachelor's degree	$75,910
Special Effects Artists and Animators	Special effects artists and animators create images that appear to move and visual effects for various forms of media and entertainment.	Bachelor's degree	$98,950
Technical Writers	Technical writers prepare instruction manuals, how-to guides, journal articles, and other supporting documents to communicate complex and technical information more easily.	Bachelor's degree	$79,960
Web Developers and Digital Designers	Web developers create and maintain websites. Digital designers develop, create, and test website or interface layout, functions, and navigation for usability.	Bachelor's degree	$80,730

Graphic Designer

What they do:

On the job, you would:

Important Qualities

Personality

Characteristics of this Career

Strengths

Values of the Work Environment

Aptitude

Abilities | Cognitive, Physical, Personality

Skills | Cognitive, Physical, Personality

Job Details

Attributes & Percentage of Time Spent

Tasks & Values

What Graphic Designers Do

Duties

Work Environment

Work Schedules

Getting Started

How to Become a Graphic Designer

Education

Other Experience

Licenses, Certifications, and Registrations

Advancement

Job Outlook

Employment

Contacts for More Information

Similar Occupations