Graphic Designers

At a Glance

Create logos, ads, brochures, layouts, and other designs
May work overtime to meet deadlines
Are creative and artistic
Usually have a bachelor's degree
Use specific graphic design computer software

Career summary

Graphic designers create designs using print, electronic, and film media.

Graphic designers may also be called graphic, commercial, or technical artists.

#match with 4724, checked 2/17/15 lh

Graphic designers create brochures and ads to promote products or services. They produce logos for products or businesses. They create visual designs for company reports and other print materials. Some graphic designers work on design and layout for magazines or other publications. Others work on website design. They choose the colors and images, and design the layout of the website.

Graphic designers usually use computers to do their work. They begin a design project by talking to the client or supervisor. They prepare sketches or images according to the client's needs. Graphic designers draw a sample of the proposed layout, or create the layout on a computer. They present sketches and layout to the art director or client for approval.

Once approved, graphic designers proceed with the project. They select the style and size of the font. Sometimes they take photos of the layout for approval by the client or supervisor. They collect all the materials and present the finished design or product to the client. In some cases, they give detailed instructions to other workers who will help with the project.

Some graphic designers work in television or film. They may design the credits that appear at the beginning or end of a television show or movie. They may create storyboards for film production. Storyboards are drawings that show the sequence of the story to be developed on film.

Related careers

This career is part of the Arts, Audio/Visual Technology, and Communications cluster of careers.

Related careers include:

Military careers

Graphic Designers and Illustrators

Job duties

Task list

The following list of tasks is specific to graphic designers.

Talk to clients or supervisors about design project.
Prepare sketches of images or logos. Consider supervisors' instructions and clients' needs. Make changes if necessary.
Draw sample of proposed layout or design, or create screen layout. Present to art director or client for approval.
Draw and print charts, graphs, illustrations, and other images using computer software.
Decide on size and arrangement of images. Select size and style of type.
Prepare layouts for printer or create final screen layouts.
May photograph layouts and develop film for supervisor or client.
Develop design and layout for magazines, business reports, or Internet websites.
Produce credits for television or other film media, using electronic video equipment.
Prepare drawings to show sequence for story development for film production.
Maintain archives of images, photos, and past works.

Common work activities

Graphic designers perform the following tasks. These tasks are common to many careers.

Think creatively
Get information needed to do the job
Use computers
Update and use job-related knowledge
Make decisions and solve problems
Organize, plan, and prioritize work
Establish and maintain relationships
Communicate with people outside the organization
Communicate with supervisors, peers, or subordinates
Identify objects, actions, and events
Explain the meaning of information to others
Convince others to buy goods or change their minds or actions
Process information
Judge the value of objects, services, or people
Analyze data or information
Develop goals and strategies
Estimate sizes, quantities, time, cost, or materials needed
Perform administrative tasks
Schedule work and activities

Work requirements

Working conditions

In a typical work setting, graphic designers:

Interpersonal relationships

Have a high level of social contact. They regularly talk to supervisors and clients.
Communicate by e-mail, telephone, and in person on a daily basis. They communicate less often by letters and memos.
Are responsible for project outcomes and results. Designs must meet client needs and expectations.
Regularly work in a group or as part of a team.
Occasionally are placed in conflict situations where there may be disagreement about design ideas.

Physical work conditions

Usually work indoors.
May share office space with other designers.

Work performance

Must be sure their work is exact. Errors could cause clients to need to reprint brochures, for example.
Make decisions that affect clients and coworkers on a weekly basis. They make most decisions with consulting a supervisor.
Set most daily tasks, goals, and priorities without consulting a supervisor first.
Abide by strict deadlines on a daily basis. This makes the work environment fairly competitive.
Often repeat the same physical activities, such as drawing or using a computer mouse.

Hours/travel

Generally work a set schedule.
May work part time or full time. Most work full time, however.
May work overtime to meet deadlines.

Physical demands

Graphic designers frequently:

Sit for long periods of time.
Use their hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools, or controls.
Repeat the same movements.

It is important for graphic designers to be able to:

See details of objects that are less than a few feet away.
See differences between colors, shades, and brightness.
Understand the speech of another person.
Speak clearly so listeners can understand.

It is not as important, but still necessary, for graphic designers to be able to:

See details of objects that are more than a few feet away.
Use fingers to grasp, move, or assemble very small objects.
Hold the arm and hand in one position or hold the hand steady while moving the arm.
Use one or two hands to grasp, move, or assemble objects.
Make quick, precise adjustments to machine controls.
Determine the distance between objects.

Skills and abilities

Graphic designers need to:

Communicate

Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
Understand spoken information.
Understand written information.
Listen to others and ask questions.
Write clearly so other people can understand.
Read and understand work-related materials.

Reason and problem solve

Think of original, unusual, or creative ways to solve problems.
Think of new ideas about a topic.
Analyze ideas and use logic to determine their strengths and weaknesses.
Develop rules that group items in various ways.
Use reasoning to discover answers to problems.
Notice when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong.
Judge the costs and benefits of a possible action.
Understand new information or materials by studying and working with them.
Combine several pieces of information and draw conclusions.
Follow guidelines to arrange objects or actions in a certain order.
Concentrate and not be distracted while performing a task.
Recognize the nature of a problem.

Manage oneself, people, time, and things

Manage the time of self and others.
Check how well one is learning or doing something.

Work with people

Be aware of others' reactions and understand the possible causes.
Change behavior in relation to others' actions.

Work with things

Analyze needs and requirements when designing products.

Perceive and visualize

Imagine how something will look if it is moved around or its parts are rearranged.

Education and training

Educational programs

The programs of study listed below will help you prepare for the occupation or career cluster you are exploring.

Programs of study directly related to this occupation

Other programs of study to consider

Training

To work as a graphic designer, you typically need to:

have a high school diploma or equivalent; and
have a bachelor's degree in art or design.

Education after high school

Graphic designers almost always have a bachelor's degree in art or design. However, some graphic designers work their way up into the position after demonstrating significant creativity and artistic ability, as well as advanced skills using graphic design software. Because these skills are taught in an undergraduate program in graphic design, college graduates have an edge with employers.

Formal training helps you develop your talent and skills. Programs in art and design also provide training in the computer software used in the visual arts. Training programs may also offer internships, where you can gain work experience.

Work experience

During and after college, graphic designers prepare for this work by developing a portfolio. A portfolio is a collection of your best work. It demonstrates your skills to clients or employers. A portfolio may include hand drawings, computer images, photos, and print samples.

Participating in an internship while in college is excellent preparation for this occupation. An internship helps you build your skills, demonstrate your talent, and make job contacts.

On-the-job training

Beginning designers usually receive on-the-job training. You can spend up to a year working with an experienced designer, but usually training lasts just a few months.

Military training

Some branches of the military train people to be graphic designers and illustrators. Training lasts up to 12 weeks, depending on your specialty. Additional training occurs on the job.

Helpful high school courses

In high school, take classes that prepare you for college. A college preparatory curriculum may be different from your state's graduation requirements.

You should also consider taking some advanced courses in high school. This includes Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB) courses if they are available in your school. If you do well in these courses, you may receive college credit for them. Advanced courses can also strengthen your college application.

Helpful electives to take in high school that prepare you for this career include:

Art
Commercial Art
Computer Applications
Desktop Publishing
Drawing and Painting
Graphic Arts and Printing
Graphic Design
Web Page Design

Many graphic designers are self-employed. If you want to run your own business some day, you should consider taking these courses as well:

Accounting
Entrepreneurship
Introduction to Business

The courses listed above are meant to help you create your high school plan. If you have not already done so, talk to a school counselor or parent about the courses you are considering taking.

You should also check with a teacher or counselor to see if work-based learning opportunities are available in your school and community. These might include field trips, job shadowing, internships, and actual work experience. The goal of these activities is to help you connect your school experiences with real-life work.

Join some groups, try some hobbies, or volunteer with an organization that interests you. By participating in activities you can have fun, make new friends, and learn about yourself. Maybe one of them will help direct you to a future career. Here are examples of activities and groups that may be available in your high school or community.

Things to know

Employers prefer to hire graphic designers who have excellent portfolios. They want to see work that demonstrates the talent and skills they require for the job. Employers also prefer applicants with strong computer skills. In addition, employers prefer graphic designers who can present their ideas clearly to clients. Most employers require that graphic designers have a bachelor's degree. Some may require a bachelors degree plus a few years of direct work experience.

At four-year institutions, the Bachelor of Fine Arts degree is regarded as the professional undergraduate degree in art. Applicants must demonstrate skills in the specialty for which they are applying. Some employers hire workers on a trial basis to check their skill level, style compatibility, and knowledge of specific graphic design software.

Tips

Your portfolio should be revised before each interview to include work related to the employer's needs. Gain experience by working on publications put out by your school or other organizations. Freelance, volunteer, and temporary jobs offer beginners the chance to adapt talent and training to the business world. Entry-level jobs in larger design firms or departments often are limited to one aspect of the field, such as layout. Smaller firms may hire a beginner to do a variety of tasks.

Gain experience by volunteering to design a project. Keep current on computer hardware and software used in this field since digital design work is growing quickly.

Costs to workers

Workers who join professional associations may need to pay membership fees and annual dues. Workers who operate their own business have business start-up costs. They may also pay for health insurance and continuing education to keep up with changes in graphic design.

Job listings

Listed below are links to job categories from the National Labor Exchange that relate to this career. Once you get a list of jobs, you can view information about individual jobs and find out how to apply. If your job search finds too many openings, or if you wish to search for jobs outside of Washington, you will need to refine your search.

Graphic Designers

To get a listing of current jobs from the WorkSource system, go to the WorkSource website (external link) .

Wages

Graphic designers (SOC 27-1024)

Location	Pay Period
Location	Pay Period	10%	25%	Median	75%	90%
Washington	Hourly	$16.65	$21.56	$28.10	$35.30	$43.46
	Monthly	$2,885	$3,736	$4,870	$6,117	$7,532
	Yearly	$34,630	$44,850	$58,450	$73,420	$90,400
Bellingham	Hourly	$13.60	$16.59	$20.08	$24.81	$30.40
	Monthly	$2,357	$2,875	$3,480	$4,300	$5,268
	Yearly	$28,299	$34,509	$41,766	$51,614	$63,239
Bremerton-Silverdale	Hourly	$13.83	$15.69	$31.19	$36.71	$39.96
	Monthly	$2,397	$2,719	$5,405	$6,362	$6,925
	Yearly	$28,752	$32,621	$64,884	$76,350	$83,125
Clarkston-Lewiston	Hourly	$12.48	$15.01	$17.95	$22.63	$30.29
	Monthly	$2,163	$2,601	$3,111	$3,922	$5,249
	Yearly	$25,967	$31,209	$37,323	$47,065	$62,999
Kennewick-Richland	Hourly	$15.99	$18.20	$22.90	$29.56	$38.17
	Monthly	$2,771	$3,154	$3,969	$5,123	$6,615
	Yearly	$33,271	$37,865	$47,640	$61,483	$79,395
Longview	Hourly	$17.07	$19.32	$27.00	$43.07	$50.28
	Monthly	$2,958	$3,348	$4,679	$7,464	$8,714
	Yearly	$35,518	$40,190	$56,167	$89,574	$104,582
Mount Vernon-Anacortes	Hourly	$15.15	$18.05	$22.40	$31.97	$41.98
	Monthly	$2,625	$3,128	$3,882	$5,540	$7,275
	Yearly	$31,519	$37,552	$46,609	$66,498	$87,314
Olympia-Tumwater	Hourly	$17.23	$20.90	$26.83	$31.72	$37.97
	Monthly	$2,986	$3,622	$4,650	$5,497	$6,580
	Yearly	$35,843	$43,474	$55,812	$65,988	$78,972
Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue	Hourly	$20.10	$25.60	$30.75	$37.77	$46.90
	Monthly	$3,483	$4,436	$5,329	$6,546	$8,128
	Yearly	$41,821	$53,242	$63,944	$78,555	$97,558
Spokane-Spokane Valley	Hourly	$13.44	$15.85	$19.55	$24.14	$29.81
	Monthly	$2,329	$2,747	$3,388	$4,183	$5,166
	Yearly	$27,963	$32,964	$40,684	$50,226	$62,009
Vancouver	Hourly	$17.52	$21.66	$27.94	$35.19	$44.00
	Monthly	$3,036	$3,754	$4,842	$6,098	$7,625
	Yearly	$36,432	$45,048	$58,101	$73,190	$91,525
Walla Walla	Hourly	$20.94	$26.09	$29.34	$33.95	$37.71
	Monthly	$3,629	$4,521	$5,085	$5,884	$6,535
	Yearly	$43,561	$54,261	$61,041	$70,611	$78,433
Wenatchee	Hourly	$13.20	$14.42	$16.71	$19.70	$24.00
	Monthly	$2,288	$2,499	$2,896	$3,414	$4,159
	Yearly	$27,443	$29,984	$34,749	$40,964	$49,922
Yakima	Hourly	$16.89	$18.98	$22.15	$25.92	$30.04
	Monthly	$2,927	$3,289	$3,839	$4,492	$5,206
	Yearly	$35,120	$39,480	$46,080	$53,925	$62,493
United States	Hourly	$14.23	$18.06	$24.21	$31.87	$41.23
	Monthly	$2,466	$3,130	$4,196	$5,523	$7,145
	Yearly	$29,610	$37,550	$50,370	$66,300	$85,760

Wages vary by area of the country. Wages also vary based on the type of project and the skill of the graphic designer. Experienced, self-employed graphic designers can earn much more than those who earn salaries. However, when they are starting out, they can earn much less. Wages tend to be higher in some industries, such as advertising.

Full-time graphic designers usually earn benefits such as sick leave, paid vacation, and health insurance. Self-employed designers must provide their own insurance.

Employment and outlook

Washington outlook

The table below provides information about the number of workers in this career in various regions. It also provides information about the expected growth rate and future job openings.

Graphic Designers (SOC 27-1024)

		This occupation	All occupations
Location	Current employment	Growth over 10 years		Annual openings
Washington	7,196	19.7%	16.1%	1,006
Adams, Chelan, Douglas, Grant, and Okanogan Counties	97	17.5%	13.4%	13
Asotin, Columbia, Ferry, Garfield, Lincoln, Pend Oreille, Stevens, Walla Walla, and Whitman Counties	103	1.0%	8.6%	9
Benton and Franklin Counties	135	8.1%	15.0%	15
Clallam, Jefferson, and Kitsap Counties	196	-5.6%	11.9%	15
Clark, Cowlitz, and Wahkiakum Counties	284	21.8%	15.2%	41
Grays Harbor, Lewis, Mason, Pacific, and Thurston Counties	193	20.7%	14.1%	27
Island, San Juan, Skagit, and Whatcom Counties	320	20.6%	14.6%	45
King County	4,057	26.4%	19.6%	634
Kittitas, Klickitat, Skamania, and Yakima Counties	151	7.3%	13.8%	16
Pierce County	363	-11.8%	15.2%	21
Snohomish County	579	14.3%	12.4%	73
Spokane County	589	18.0%	13.9%	80
United States	290,100	3.1%	5.2%	30,300

National employment

About 22% of graphic designers are self-employed.

Major employers:

Graphic design companies
Newspaper, magazine, and book publishers
Advertising agencies
Printing companies

National outlook

Demand for graphic designers will slow due to decreased use of print media such as newspaper and magazines. However, demand will increase for those who work with various types of online media. The need for designs and media for mobile applications, Internet, and video entertainment will create most of the growth in this occupation.

Competition for jobs will be strong. Opportunities will be best for graphic designers with a bachelor's degree and knowledge of various types of media including print and Internet.

Other resources

Advertising Educational Foundation
708 Third Avenue, 23rd Floor
New York, NY 10017
212.986.8060

American Institute of Graphic Arts
233 Broadway, 17th Floor
New York, NY 10279
212.807.1990

Art Directors Club

Graphic Artists Guild
31 West 34th Street, 8th Fl
New York, NY 10001

NPES The Association for Suppliers of Printing, Publishing and Converting Technologies

Printing Industries of America
301 Brush Creek Road
Warrrendale, PA 15086-7529
800.910.4283
412.741.6860

Society for Experiential Graphic Design
1900 L Street NW, Suite 710
Washington, DC 20036
202.638.5555

Society for Technical Communication
3251 Old Lee Highway, Suite 406
Fairfax, VA 22030
703.522.2075

US Small Business Administration
Seattle District Office
2401 Fourth Avenue, Suite 450
Seattle, WA 98121
206.553.7310

References

Career cluster

Arts, Audio/Visual Technology, and Communications

Career path

Artistic

O*Net occupation

Graphic Designers (27-1024.00)

O*Net job zone

Job Zone 4 - Considerable preparation needed. A minimum of two to four years of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations.

DOT occupation

Graphic Designer (141.061-018)

Strong Interest Inventory

Graphic Designer
Medical Illustrator

Holland occupational clusters

Artistic/Enterprising/Realistic
Artistic/Realistic/Enterprising

COPSystem

Arts Skilled