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Last Updated on September 23, 2024
Careers in graphic design are in demand right now.
The
Well, as much as a client will let you anyway.
Different Careers in Design
But it’s not just the diversity and creativity that makes careers in design so sought after.
Creative careers offer almost endless job opportunities. Whether you’re fresh out of university, or have been creating logos for over 10 years, there is a job in graphic design for you. Here we will look at a few options you need to consider, before entering into a design career:
Careers in graphic design are in demand right now. The career path of choice for many young graduates, a job in design offers so much. You can work on everything from one-off jobs for local companies, to huge campaigns for multinational businesses.Click To TweetPrint vs. Online
A job in the creative industry tends to fall into one of two camps:
Print or Digital.
If you’re looking at taking your first steps into graphic design – or you’re looking for a change in direction – you should consider the different directions you can take. More often than not, you will need to be proficient in both areas, but some creative’s still choose to specialise.
For those looking to pursue a
- Logo design
- Printed publications (brochures, magazines, etc)
- Advertising and Promotional Materials (flyers, letterheads, etc)
- Branding
- Packaging design
If the online scene is more your thing, you don’t necessarily need a sound coding knowledge. But what you do need to do is craft web-friendly sites that are both eye-catching, user-friendly and functional.
In House vs. freelance
When it comes to making your creative career a reality, your next decision is how you choose to work.
Will you go it alone as a freelancer? Or would you prefer to join a
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There are a whole host of benefits to each option so it really is down to personal preference. As a freelancer, you can be much more flexible with your hours and workload. Though you may have prolonged periods where you have no work at all.
As part of an agency, you know the work will always be coming in. Though you don’t have the flexibility of working from home, and will often find yourself doing lots of overtime at the office. As an in-house designer though, you have a set wage and always know you’ll be able to make ends meet.
Now, we will take a quick look at the hierarchical structure of the industry:
1. Artworker
Artworker positions are the ‘entry-level’ design jobs. Their role is to produce print-ready copy and can involve everything from typesetting and formatting to creating simple grid layouts and basic designs.
They have a sound knowledge of all the graphic design and editing software such as Photoshop, InDesign, and Illustrator. This is often the starting point for many people wanting to grow their
Creative art workers are an essential part of any graphic design agency; helping with the mundane tasks, as well as having a real input into work with clients.
2. Middle-Weight Designer
Middle-weight designers are exactly that – the middle of the proverbial food chain. With a few years of creative experience under their belts, mid-level designers have much more freedom than art workers.
They take a much more active role in custom design projects and liaise fully with clients – whether they’re part of a
A middle-weight designer is expected to have a wealth of experience across a whole host of design projects. They should be comfortable producing everything from flyers and logos to websites and even mobile apps.
3. Senior Designer
You often earn the title of ‘senior’ designer when you have been working in the industry for six or more years.
As the senior designer, you are the voice of reason. You have the most experience, and your opinions carry the most weight. More often than not, the senior-level designers have the final say on projects.
Getting Your Dream Job
Careers in design are extremely contested so you need to stand out. A strong portfolio is key to help you shine in interviews, as well as a wide depth of knowledge. There are some more great tips for getting a graphic design job here.
This guide has hopefully shown you that there is a wealth of opportunities for a
– more – Get your dream job
Have you ever struggled to complete a design project on time? Or felt that having a tight deadline stifled your capacity for maximum creativity? If so, then this book is for you.
