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Graphic designer

Alternative titles for this job include

Graphic designers create visual branding, adverts, brochures, magazines, website designs, product packaging and displays.

Average salary (a year)

£20,000 Starter

to

£40,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

37 to 40 a week

You could work

evenings occasionally

How to become

Explore the different ways to get into this role.

How to become

You can get into this job through:

  • a university course
  • a college course

University

You could take a foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree in a design related subject like:

  • graphic design
  • art and design
  • communication design
  • illustration

Getting work experience during your course will give you an advantage when you start applying for jobs. Talk to your university careers service about work experience, internship and year placement opportunities, as well as any support offered to help you build a portfolio.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • a foundation diploma in art and design
  • 1 or 2 A levels, or equivalent, for a foundation degree or higher national diploma
  • 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree

More Information

College

You could take a college course in graphic design or art and design, and use this to join a company as a design assistant.

You would need a good portfolio to showcase your skills to employers.

Entry requirements

Entry requirements for these courses vary.

More Information

More Information

Career tips

There's a lot of competition for graphic design work. You'll need a portfolio that shows your creative ideas, skills and work experience to help you get started.

Experience of using publishing software will also give you an advantage.

Professional and industry bodies

You could join the Chartered Society of Designers and the International Society of Typographical Designers for professional development and to make industry contacts.

Further information

You can get more information on working in creative careers from Discover Creative Careers.

What it takes

Find out what skills you’ll use in this role.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

  • design skills and knowledge
  • to be thorough and pay attention to detail
  • knowledge of media production and communication
  • knowledge of the fine arts
  • the ability to come up with new ways of doing things
  • excellent verbal communication skills
  • thinking and reasoning skills
  • to be flexible and open to change
  • to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently

What you’ll do

Discover the day to day tasks you’ll do in this role.

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

As a graphic designer, you could:

  • discuss the client's requirements and come up with creative ideas
  • work out budgets and deadlines
  • produce drafts and present your ideas on wording, images and layout
  • prepare designs using specialist software
  • review what you've done to make sure it meets the design brief
  • make presentations to clients for feedback and approval
  • keep up to date with design trends and developments in software tools

Working environment

You could work in a creative studio, in an office, at a client's business or from home.

Career path and progression

Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities.

Career path and progression

With experience, you could:

  • become a senior designer or creative director
  • move into project or studio management
  • go freelance or start your own design agency
  • take up teaching or lecturing

Current opportunities

Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

We can't find any apprenticeship vacancies in England for a graphic designer right now.

The Find an apprenticeship service can help you with your search, send alerts when new apprenticeships become available and has advice on how to apply.

Courses In England

Graphic Design

  • Provider: LUMINATE EDUCATION GROUP
  • Start date: 13 September 2025
  • Location: Leeds

Graphic Design Level 3

  • Provider: THE OLDHAM COLLEGE
  • Start date: 08 September 2025
  • Location: Oldham
Find courses near you

Jobs In the United Kingdom

The Find a job service can help you with your search for jobs and send alerts when new jobs become available.

Search further careers

Related careers

Skills assessment

Take an assessment to learn more about your skills and the careers that might suit you.

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