Graphic Designer Nov 30th 2021 in Loughborough

Every company will always need a Graphic Designer. A Graphic Designer is someone who will design company logos and may also create the pictures and graphics for websites or promotional materials. A graphic designer’s work involves creating visual content to communicate feelings, emotions or messages. A design job entails using layout techniques, typography and pictures to create an image that optimises the viewer’s experience. You’ll see these images in a magazine, website or advertisement in everyday life.

Graphic designers in the UK create images and visual pieces across a range of products and activities. They’ll work in advertising, websites, magazines, posters, displays, packaging, books and computer games. A creative designer should be flexible, innovative and be able to work as part of a team and with other departments. A graphic designer can be involved in much more than the products or pages themselves; they can work on entire exhibitions, corporate communications and even the organisation’s identity itself and how it’s perceived as a brand.

The role involves meeting clients, creative directors or account managers to discuss the project and what’s needed for the brief. You’ll decide the desired outcome of the piece, the estimated time it’ll take and how much it’ll cost. You’ll develop design briefs, produce new ideas, prepare stimulating and interactive concepts, and adapt work to deadlines. Work may span a range of media, from new technologies to computer‑aided design (CAD), and may require checking, proofreading and ensuring accuracy and high quality. Responsibilities may also include commissioning photographers, illustrators and other designers, and collaborating with stylists, web developers, printers, copywriters, photographers and marketing teams.

Graphic designer qualifications start at GCSE and can be found in A‑Levels, Higher National Diplomas, undergraduate and postgraduate degrees. Courses commonly include: Film and TV, Graphic design, Illustration, 3D design, Fine art, Visual art, Photography. Any of these courses provide insight into the skills you’ll use daily, from thinking and planning to understanding how a visual image is broken down. While formal training is often requested, it’s not essential for entry‑level positions; experience and a solid portfolio can suffice.

Employers seek a flexible approach, excellent communication skills, accuracy, attention to detail, passion, creativity, presentation and time‑management skills, confidence to explain ideas, openness to feedback, ability to negotiate briefs, sell concepts and adapt designs. Practical networking skills are also beneficial.

If you have the equipment, an internet connection and a place to work, remote working is available – especially for freelancers or self‑employed designers. Companies or agencies may, however, require office presence and in‑person client meetings, though some meetings can occur over phone or video call depending on circumstances.

A junior graphic designer salary is around £15,000 to £19,000. After gaining experience, salaries can rise to £27,000, and with a few years of work, you could earn between £25,000 and £35,000. Senior or creative lead positions can range from £35,000 to £55,000, and a creative director may make more than £60,000 per year. Freelancers’ earnings vary by experience and client base, typically between £200 and £400 per day, and may grow with skill set and staff level.

After securing a job, you’re likely to start as a junior designer, develop a reputation and network, then progress to senior role, studio manager or creative director in a large organisation. Career development may involve moving between agencies, broadening experience and enhancing portfolio quality. Many designers become freelance after five to ten years to build reputation and contacts; achieving chartered status with the Chartered Society of Designers may provide advanced professional standing and expanded client base.