The Professional Association for Design defines the field of graphic design as “the art and practice of planning and projecting ideas and experiences with visual and textual content.” In a nutshell, graphic designers create the eye-catching images that define the world around us using a variety of multimedia resources.
Designers don’t just have an artistic penchant or superior computer skills, they have an eye for detail, a keen sense of observation and a love of all things beautiful.
Most employers require you to have at least a bachelor’s level online graphic design degree for entry level jobs. The most common online graphic design degrees are Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Fine Arts, and the actual title of each school’s design program varies.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics
listed the median salary for a graphic designer as $44,150 per year, or
$21.22 per hour, as of 2012. The most recent information on glassdoor.com lists the average national graphic designer salary as $46,196 per year.
What is a Graphic Designer?
Designers love concepts and objects, messages and experiences and are infinitely curious about how messages and objects work, what they do or could look like and what they mean. Designers constantly observe, analyze and wonder. They look for ways to improve on existing images and messages and, like many of us who want to excel in our craft, ways to make the otherwise mundane come to life.
If you can look past the technical to the verbal, conceptual and visual side of things, you will likely do well as a designer.
It is important to keep in mind that designers are lifelong learners. As technology and the culture and trends of mass media change, designers must adapt. That means you should continuously stay abreast of the latest methods, techniques and tools of the trade.
As a designer, you will hone your craft through creating designs and using the constructive criticism of peers, professors and employers to make those designs better. Practice makes perfect, and the ability to accept and learn from criticism from peers and even the consumer at large are crucial for success in this field.
More specialized graphic design careers include:
- Computer animation
- Video game design
- Multimedia specialist
- Interior design
- Production design
- Illustration
- 3D animation
How to Become a Graphic Designer
Although there are no hard and fast education requirements, there are some general steps most individuals follow to become a graphic designer:
- Earn an associate’s or a bachelor’s degree OR go down the self-taught path via online instruction;
- Acquire the required software;
- Build your portfolio.
Graphic design is, of course, a technology-based field, one that is centered on doing and creating. It is more lab-oriented and less lecture-driven. However, there are different paths you can take to learn graphic design.
If you are a self-starter, are familiar with online learning, have pretty savvy computer skills and want to explore the graphic design field as a whole before selecting a more narrow focus, you should do fine with self-taught graphic design training, like Lynda or NetTuts.
However, if you are new to online learning, learn better with step-by-step guidance and advice or have specific career goals requiring a more advanced level of expertise, you may want to seek out a more structured, instructor-led program like an online graphic design degree.
Graphic Design Education
According to a joint statement by AIGA and the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD), graphic design students should “make informed decisions about the match between their own educational goals and what programs deliver in actual preparation for performance in the field.”
However, the joint statement warns that “the presence of graphic design content in college courses or curricula, or even its designation as an area of emphasis or concentration, does not automatically indicate that the degree program adequately prepares students for professional practice.”
Online Graphic Design Degree Programs
Wondering how to become a graphic designer with online education? There’s no one hard and fast pathway to success. Depending on your background, a number of different online graphic design degree programs can help you cultivate competency in graphic design and put you on the road to securing a lucrative and satisfying job.
Certificate
Graphic design certificates are usually geared toward professionals already working in the field or a related discipline but want to learn more about a specific skill set, such as animation or advertising design. Certificates are also a great way to learn how to use new software.
GetEducated’s Picks
- Penn Foster Certificate in Graphic Design
- University of Massachusetts – Lowell Certificate in Graphic Design & Digital Imaging
- Penn Foster Computer Graphic Artist
Associate
Associate’s degrees give prospective design students an opportunity to focus primarily on the skills needed to get an entry-level position in the field without needing to take many of the non-major electives required for a bachelor’s degree. You can complete full-time associate’s degree programs in two years or less.
GetEducated’s Picks
- Sessions College of Professional Design Associate of Occupational Studies in Graphic Design
- Penn Foster Associate of Science in Graphic Design
Bachelor
Although working toward a bachelor’s degree takes longer, usually about four years for a full-time student, and is a more expensive option, it is important to keep in mind that a majority of employers want you to have this degree.
GetEducated’s Picks
- Full Sail University Bachelor of Science in Graphic Design
- National University Bachelor of Arts in Digital Media Design
Master
If you have already earned a bachelor’s degree, especially if you have some experience in the field, you may look to expand your craft with a master’s degree. Master’s candidates usually focus on a specific area of their chosen field and explore that area in-depth. This increased expertise is attractive to potential employers and boosts earning potential.
GetEducated’s Picks
- Savannah College of Art & Design Master of Arts in Graphic Design
Southern New Hampshire University
- Full Sail University Master of Fine Arts in Media Design
Online Tutorials & Courses
There are also options if you’d like jump into learning graphic design before enrolling in a formal online graphic design program. These options may also be a better fit for students already working in graphic design or related fields who want a refresher course or more in-depth study in a specific aspect of the field.
Individual online graphic design courses or small series’ of courses are available and tend to be inexpensive and, in some cases, even free. These courses are usually categorized based on experience level, from beginner to expert design offerings.
Finding Graphic Design Software
You will find that computer and software requirements for students in online graphic design programs are often more specialized and more expensive than in many fields that simply require you to have an online presence.
Before you start any online program, be sure to check out the technical prerequisites to get an idea of what software you will be expected to use, what type of computer is needed and what level of computer training or expertise must be demonstrated.
Macintosh computers have been preferred by designers for decades. In addition, you will need everyday access to design and typesetting programs, such as InDesign, Photoshop and Corel Draw, to name a few examples.
Before you go computer shopping, contact your school to get a complete list of system and software requirements. Also, ask your school if discounts are available through specific companies to purchase the hardware and software you’ll need.
If you can, talk to other designers, professors and computer professionals and do your own research online to learn which computers and software programs are the best buys for graphic designers and to find out just how much the technical graphic design requirements will cost you.
Keep in mind, these purchases won’t just be used for school. Although computer hardware and software is constantly updated, look for products that you believe will allow you to produce quality designs when you first hit the job market.
Building a Graphic Design Portfolio
Unlike other fields of study that require internships, student teaching and job shadowing experiences to gain real-world, on-the-job experience while in school, the key to your future employment after graphic design school will be a portfolio of your design work.
Most graphic designers start their portfolios before college and use the examples they have created of their artistic and creative prowess to impress not only potential employers, but also college admissions officers.
Your portfolio represents your body of work over time, a resume of sorts for those in any art-related field. For this reason, the portfolio is never complete. You will simply adapt the portfolio through additions and deletions to meet your needs over time.
The main graphic design job requirement is your portfolio therefore It is difficult to overstress it’s importance. The process of planning and selecting the perfect portfolio additions is a time-consuming one. However, it is a labor of love that will pay dividends in school and job searches for years to come.
If you do not have any graphic design work to showcase yet, don’t fret. Begin building your portfolio based on what interests you most and what is drawing you to the field. It is OK to include artwork and sketches or drafts that may never have been seen by a consumer or even a college professor. If you see a design or two you would love to recreate – go for it.
Once you get college and professional experience, you will see how your early style and influences have grown and made you the designer you want to be.
If you are unsure how to get started with a portfolio, there are myriad templates available online. Check out your options on sites like Pinterest, JUST Creative, and Square Space.
Graphic Design Certification & Licensure
No license or certification is required to become a graphic designer. However, a grassroots effort was launched in 2010 that proposed the formation of the Design Certification Counsel of America (DCCA) to administer certification when professionals became increasingly concerned with less-qualified individuals undercutting their rates for work in the graphic design arena.
According to the web site, the other core design fields, including industrial design, interior design, architecture and engineering do require proof that an individual is ready to practice professionally.
The grassroots effort feels that certification should be based on a combination of work experience, professional competency, business practice and education.
Although no professional certification is currently required or available for graphic designers, Adobe does offer training and certification validating your expertise in several design-specific software programs.
How to Change Careers to Become a Graphic Designer
Many designers do not start out in the field. Many professionals in their 20s or 30s choose graphic design as a career change. This is a field you may want to switch to after you’ve earned degrees and gained some work experience in other fields. Computers and marketing tools are essential in today’s business world. As a result, professionals in most fields are introduced to graphic design to some degree in their everyday work.
Those who develop a love for a field they may have never considered before often set their sights on becoming a graphic designer. The accessibility of online graphic design degrees allows working professionals in other fields to go back to school to hone their existing skills or seek a whole new career path.
Since online graphic design schools are plentiful, it is relatively easy to complete your graphic design certificate or degree program while working full-time. This is especially true if you are already familiar with the field and may even have some help or encouragement from your current employer to further your graphic design education.
Still, if you are considering a graphic design career, you should honestly evaluate your mathematical and computer skills before making a final decision. Graphic design requires so much more than just an artistic flair. Graphic designers make a commitment for lifelong learning in an ever-changing, challenging work environment.
Graphic Designer Jobs & Salary
Growth in the graphic design field was projected to be 7% from 2012 to 2022, which BLS said is slower than the average national job growth rate. There were 259,500 graphic design jobs in 2012.
Of course, pay for graphic designers varies from employer-to-employer, the level of seniority and the job description.
As a graphic designer, you may find yourself employed in specialized design services, publishing, or advertising and public relations. In 2012, about 24% of graphic designers were self-employed, working as freelance graphic designers.
As a junior-level designer, your title may be graphic designer, UI/UX designer, visual designer, motion designer, digital designer, web designer, animator, production artist or graphic artist.
One rung up on the career ladder, the title may be more focused, such as information designer, interaction designer, product designer, environmental graphics designer, information architect, package designer, exhibition designer, experience designer, or content strategist.
At the top, graphic design artists occupy positions like executive creative director, head of design or chief creative officer.
You should not necessarily expect to be working 9 to 5 in an office environment. Designers work in agencies, work for themselves or work with a partner, and work environments vary from small studios to large advertising agencies and other corporations.
Typically, designers often like to keep their options open and move in and out of all of these different work scenarios throughout their careers.
Glassdoor.com lists the average national pay for many common graphic design jobs:
- Senior graphic designer – $65,000
- Web/graphic designer – $49,874
- Junior graphic designer – $42,322
- Graphic design technical director – $132,913
- Motion graphics designer – $64,750
- Graphics designer/animator – $127,898
- Graphic design specialist – $55,000
- Association graphic designer – $53,602.
How to Become a Graphic Designer Online
Now that you know how to become a graphic designer, it’s time to decide which path to embark on. Teaching yourself is a great option if you are a self-starter and are highly motivated. If you want a more structured approach that you can be sure will prepare you for the challenges in your new career, consider one of the many online graphic design degree programs listed here.
1. Learn Graphic Design Principles
To become a Graphic Designer, you first need a solid understanding of the principles of graphic design. Good design is carefully crafted. It involves a lot of planning and requires an expertise in applying design theory and principles. Graphic Designers need to consider elements such as lines, color, shape, space, texture, typography, scale, dominance and emphasis, and harmony. All of these elements impact a design and can shape how an audience feels.
2. Enroll In a Graphic Design Course
A graphic design course teaches you the fundamentals of design and helps you build your skills through working on projects. Graphic design courses will also introduce you to mentors and peers, who will be invaluable as you grow your network. Most graphic design courses will cover topics such as color theory, typography, layout, and graphic design tools and software. Depending on the depth, some courses will also teach you about graphic design history, user experience(UX), and website design principles.
There are a variety of options available, from structured academic courses to online courses that offer more flexibility. Find one that works with your schedule and learning preferences.
3. Learn Key Graphic Design Tools
There are a variety of tools that Graphic Designers use. Most commonly, they work with graphic design software. Adobe Creative Suite is the standard for most Graphic Designers. You will want to become familiar with PhotoShop, Illustrator,and InDesign, as the majority of design work can be created through these tools. There are many user guides and training resources widely available. To get started, you may want to take a look through Adobe’s series of tutorials.
4. Work On Your Own Projects to Develop Your Graphic Design Skills
After you’re equipped with knowledge on graphic design principles and tools, it’s time to practice. The best way to grow your skills and master graphic design software is to work on your own design projects. To get started, you can create mock ads and logos for real or made-up companies. You can also take a company’s existing designs and try creating a new design — this is good practice for identifying and designing for target audiences. Another option is to volunteer with local non-profits or brands. Offer your design skills to these organizations so you get more practice, as well as gain real-world experience.
5. Develop a Portfolio to Showcase Your Graphic Design Work
A strong portfolio is essential for any Graphic Designer. Your portfolio can include projects you completed for a course, as well as personal or work projects. Focus on quality over quantity. Your portfolio is the first impression that potential employers or clients will see, so select work that demonstrates your design skills and interests.
What Are Different Types of Graphic Designers?
Graphic Designers can work in-house, where they create designs for one company or brand; at an agency, where they work with a range of clients and brands; or as a freelancer, where they run their own design business.
In-House Graphic Designers
In-House Graphic Designers are employed by an established brand or company. They tend to have a range of general design skills to suit the various needs of a company. Their tasks will vary, and include everything from designing new marketing campaigns to compiling annual reports. Depending on the size of the creative department, In-House Graphic Designers may work with a team of other designers, or they may be the solo designer within a company.
With in-house graphic design, there is usually a more traditional work environment, with steady paychecks and a regular work schedule. In-House Graphic Designers need an in-depth understanding of the company and brand they work for, including the company’s style and audience. Because they work to build the brand, In-House Graphic Designers think about long-term design ideas and strategies. They continually build and improve upon their previous work.
Agency Graphic Designers
Agency Graphic Designers work with a range of brands and clients. Because agencies are hired by outside clients, the needs of those clients will vary. In general, Agency Graphic Designers work on short-term projects geared towards specific campaigns. Agency work tends to be more fast-paced, and Agency Graphic Designers may be designing for several brands at once.
Typically, there are several Graphic Designers that work within an agency. Each may have a different area of specialization or expertise. Agency Graphic Designers work with colleagues who are very familiar and skilled in design, which means there will be a high expectation for stellar design.
Agencies are a great opportunity to work alongside other designers and get a first-hand look into their design processes. This can be particularly useful for new Designers who are eager to learn from established Designers.
Freelance Graphic Designers
Freelance Graphic Designers are self-employed and run every aspect of their business, from the actual design work to managing clients and issuing invoices. They work with a variety of clients, on a range of projects. Successful Freelance Graphic Designers are self-motivated and business-savvy.
Working as a freelancer offers great flexibility. Freelance Graphic Designers can live and work anywhere, and they create their own schedule. They can be selective about the work they take on, though it is important to grow a strong clientbase when first beginning a freelance business.
In addition to graphic design work, Freelance Graphic Designers need to devote time to marketing themselves and handling administrative tasks. Freelancers always need to seek out new clients and opportunities. At times, they will be competing with other Designers to land projects. The pay can also vary greatly depending on the type and amount of work.
How Do I Become a Freelance Graphic Designer?
To become a Freelance Graphic Designer, you will need to find clients, market yourself and grow your network. You will need strong design skills, as well as an understanding of how to run a business.
- Learn and practice graphic design: To begin, you will first need graphic design knowledge and experience applying your skills. You can learn graphic design through taking a design course and developing personal projects.
- Brand and market yourself: Come up with a name for your business, which could simply be your name. Create a web presence for yourself and build a portfolio that highlights your best work. Make it easy for potential clients to find and contact you.
- Find clients: It’s essential to secure your first clients as soon as possible. This will get your business off the ground and help you build confidence and momentum. To find clients, you can try searching freelance job websites, or turn to your personal network. Ask friends, peers, or relatives if they know anyone who is looking for a Graphic Designer.
- Overdeliver on your first projects: The first project you complete for a client should be exceptional. Overdeliver and impress them with your skills. They will then be more likely to hire you again or refer other contacts to you.
- Learn the business of design: As a Freelance Graphic Designer, you run every aspect of your business. You will need to perform essential tasks like marketing, sending proposals, and writing invoices.
- Accept most incoming work: When you first start your business, you will want to take on the majority of work that comes in. This is essential for building your clientbase. Once you have become more established, you can certainly be more selective about the work you choose.
- Build your network: As a freelancer, your network—which includes current clients, past clients, potential clients, peers, friends, and family — is an essential part of your business. You should always be looking for new clients. Freelance work can be unpredictable, which means you may have an influx of projects one month and little work the next month. To increase the chances that you will have a steady stream of work, dedicate time each week to reach out to clients. This may include cold calling, networking, or marketing activities like SEO or social media advertisements.
- Ask for referrals: Word-of-mouth marketing is one of the best ways for Freelance Graphic Designers to gain more clients. After you have completed a project and impressed a client, ask if they know anyone with graphic design needs. Referrals will likely become more organic over time, but build this into your workflow when you first start out.
Is Graphic Design a Growing Field?
Graphic design is growing, but it varies based on the area of specialization. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that there will be an overall decline in graphic design employment through to 2029. However, this is largely based on the declining print industry. There will be fewer opportunities for Graphic Designers in the areas of newspapers, periodicals, book and directory publishers. On the other hand, digital design is becoming increasingly popular, and the career outlook is much more favourable. Graphic Designers with skills in website design, animation, mobile and application design, and multimedia and virtual design are in high demand. Other fields of design, such as UI and UX design, also report a high growth.
How Do I Start a Career in Graphic Design?
There are a few key steps to starting a career in graphic design: learn the principles of design, enroll in a graphic design course, practice graphic design tools, work on projects, and build your portfolio.
The first and most obvious step is to learn about graphic design theory and elements. This can be done through your own research or enrolling in a graphic design course. A graphic design course will equip you with the necessary knowledge and give you a chance to work on different projects.
You will also need to master common graphic design tools, such as Photoshop, Illustrator and InDesign. These tools are used by many Graphic Designers in their day-to-day work, so becoming familiar with these tools and their functions is essential.
Whether you want to work in-house, at an agency, or as a freelancer, you will need to build your portfolio first. Create personal projects or volunteer to get some practical experience to add to your portfolio. Employers and potential clients will want to see examples of your work, so create a strong and appealing portfolio that showcases your skills.
Growing your network is also essential. Connect with other designers, join design organizations such as AIGA and reach out to potential mentors or designers you admire. Your network will be a great asset when you are looking for graphic design opportunities.
What Is the Salary for a Graphic Designer?
According to Payscale, the average annual salary for a Graphic Designer is around $46,000 in the United States and $44,000 in Canada. For Senior Graphic Designers in the United States, the average goes up to $62,000 a year.
Salaries also vary depending on areas on specialization. Motion Designers average around $62,000 a year, while a Web Designer salary can range between $45,000 and $53,000. UI and UX Designers can earn around $77,000 and $85,000, respectively.
How Do I Become a Graphic Designer With No Experience?
Even with no experience, you can still become a successful Graphic Designer by practicing and applying your skills and growing your network. Here are a few other tips to get you started:
Intern or Volunteer
Internships and volunteer opportunities are great ways to gain practical experience and make connections. An internship with an agency can give you insight into how these companies function and prepare you for working with a range of clients. You can also offer your design skills to help nonprofits and charities, such as galleries, animal shelters, and community centers. Not only will you give back to the community, but you will also build connections that can help you as you move forward in your design career.
Work on Personal Projects and Build Your Portfolio
While you are applying for jobs or contacting potential clients, work on your own projects. Personal projects are a great way to practice your skills and create additional material for your portfolio. Build an online portfolio to showcase your best work and send it along to potential employers or clients.
Contact Design Agencies
Introduce yourself to your favourite designers or agencies and ask for an informational interview to learn more about their work. Keep up to date with design agencies and send samples of your projects. They may have a future opening, so this is a good way to keep them interested in your work.
Network With Other Designers
Keep in touch with people you meet in your graphic design program or course and create new connections by joining design organizations. Your peers may share future opportunities, recommend you to their colleagues, or pass along work they do not have the capacity for.
Develop Your Specialty
While you will want to have general knowledge of graphic design across all areas, having a speciality can help set you apart when applying for jobs. There are a range of specialities you can explore, such as logo design, web design, typography, and animation.
Gain a Solid Understanding of User Experience
User experience (UX) design focuses on the usability and function of products. To enhance your work and make you stand out as a job candidate, learn the fundamentals of UX. Graphic Designers often work alongside Web Designers or Web Developers, and they will appreciate a designer who can create visuals with UX in mind.
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