Graphic designers, also known as graphic artists, use graphic design skills to create media products like magazines, labels, advertising, and signing. Working as a graphic designer, you will use your design skills in areas such as colours, composition, layout, and typography to work on a variety of products and activities.

In this blog, we will explain everything a graphic designer needs to know before choosing this profession.  

A Job Description of a Graphic Designer

A graphic designer JD is designed in such a way that it includes all the creative works. For instance, a person working in this position will receive a project to develop appropriate creative ideas and concepts that can meet the client’s objectives. So when applicants are designing their resumes, they can ask for help from services like CV Writing Service UK or others. A proper addition of details is essential. Let’s check the JD in more detail.

Responsibilities

As an applicant or a person working as a graphic designer, you need to play your role in these areas:

• Meet clients or account managers and discuss the objectives of the business and the requirements of the job.
• Provide a rough estimation of the deadline for when all work will be completed and quotations will be delivered to clients.
• Develop and pitch the briefs of designs that align with the client’s purpose.
• Creative thinking to produce new ideas and concepts and develop interactive designs.
• Finding innovative ways to redefine a design within the time frame and budget.
• Presenting the finalized ideas and concepts to the clients or the account managers.
• Working with various media, including computer-aided designs keeping an eye on the latest technologies.
• Demonstrate illustrative skills with rough sketches and work on the layouts that are ready to print.
• Work as one team with the printers, copywriters, photographers, stylists, illustrators, and other team members.

Salary Packages That are Offered to Designers in the UK

Each designer is paid differently from others. It depends on which level you are working. A junior has a low package range compared with a senior position.

The starting salaries for junior designers range from 18,000 pounds to 23,000 pounds. Once the person gains experience, there are chances to raise the salary. A person with some years of experience and knowledge of the work will fall in the category of being at the middle level. The expected pay is between 25,000 pounds and 38,000 pounds.

With the rise in position and moving towards the senior position in graphic design, the role gets bigger. All the creative leads and senior hierarchy are paid a salary that ranges from 35,000 pounds to 55,000 pounds. Creative directors are paid an approx. Of 60,000+ pounds annually. If you wish to kick start this position, then work as a freelancer and earn 200-400 pounds per day. This variation depends on your experience, the track record of your portfolio, and the recommendations from the client.

All these values are dependent on different factors like the type of employer, sector, location, level of expertise, and key responsibilities.

The Work Environment

At the initial level of the job, the designers need to work in the field. Whether it be freelancers, junior, middle, or senior designers, working in teams is a common practice. Sometimes, your office team might ask you to work solo if there is a special occasion. Even freelancers need to work in an office setting by renting a studio or designing a studio in their house with a small team.

These experts spend most of their time in front of computers, sitting and working for long hours. Sometimes your company might ask you to do overtime, especially when deadlines are near. People still find this job satisfactory as they can create high-quality artwork that builds a reputation. There is no job deficiency in the UK for this position, so people can even look for options to work in different cities. Sometimes, designers get a chance to meet their clients one-on-one so they may be asked to travel to other countries or cities for meetings.  

Educational Requirements

A person needs to have a degree in relevant subjects for graphic design work including in visual arts. Moreover, a foundation degree or HND in any of these subjects increases the chances of securing a position for an interview in your dream company. So before you submit your CV to the company for hiring, ask the CV editing service from your list to check if some details need to be omitted or added. Some of these course works include:

• Art and design
• Fine arts
• Graphic design
• Illustration
• Product design
• Photography, and 
• Visual communication.

Any of the design-based courses that give you a perfect ground to increase your knowledge of design, art history, and printing techniques are useful. Moreover, you need to maintain a portfolio alongside your degree to show to potential employers. This will serve as an additional talent apart from the qualifications and highlight your talent and passion for your career.

Skills Required by Graphic Designers

Apart from the technical and design skills, you will also need some of these:

• A passion and enthusiasm for design with a creative part
• A flexible approach when working as a team.
• Effective networking skills to build contacts.
• The ability to create and manage healthy work relationships.
• Time management and organizational skills.
• A keen listening to the details during the finalizing process.
• IT skills.
• A multiple-talent ability to work on several projects at the same time.

FAQs

What is the commonplace for graphic designers to work?

Most designers prefer working in an office setup, such as a studio. This is so that they have access to all types of equipment like drafting tables, computers, and software. But this is not the thumb of the rule, these designers even work independently. If you wish to work solo or without binding yourself to a company’s terms and conditions, you need to get experience in this field.

What skills do graphic designers need to secure this position?

If you are planning to work as a graphic designer, then get yourself an expert in these skills:

• A passion and enthusiasm for design with a creative part
• A flexible approach when working as a team.
• Effective networking skills to build contacts.
• The ability to create and manage healthy work relationships.
• Time management and organizational skills.
• A keen listening to the details during the finalizing process.
• IT skills.
• A multiple-talent ability to work on several projects at the same time.

Is the demand for graphic designers increasing in the future?

As businesses are moving towards visual communications, the demand for graphic design skills is reaching its peak. The technology is opening new avenues for creativity.

How much do graphic designers get paid in the UK?

The average salary package a graphic designer gets paid in the UK in the year 2024 was 28,031 per year. This is the amount that represents the data being collected through surveys.

Career Progression for a Graphic Designer

Choosing your career as a graphic designer, you may wonder if you are moving on the right path. Whether you are new to this field or working for a long time, there are always options to grow and reach the senior position.

Begin your work from a small platform. First, work as a freelancer, and earn some amount and experience. Maintain your portfolio and ask your clients to review your work. These will help you in securing a position for on-site work. Later, keep on going and keep on learning how to reach your dream position.