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Graphic Designer

Also known as Commercial Artist and Communication Designer.

Graphic designers produce visual communications, including art and layouts of text for reproduction in print and electronic media such as magazines, newspapers, books and websites, as well as image designs for corporate identity programmes, exhibitions and advertising.

Graphic designers may specialise in a number of fields, including brand and identity strategy; digital and web-based design; television, film and computer graphics; set and exhibition design; corporate design; book and magazine design; and advertising and illustration.

They may progress to positions such as design directors, art directors or creative directors.

Graphic designers may work as members of a design team in design studios or advertising agencies, or alone undertaking consultancy or freelance work.

TASKS

Graphic designers may perform the following tasks:

talk to clients to get a clear understanding of their visual communication requirements and develop design 'roughs' (sketches)
prepare comprehensive layouts of the design using techniques such as photography, illustration and computer-generated imagery
identify communication problems and develop visual solutions
present and propose designs to clients for approval
prepare designs for print or digital publication and signage
design and set up exhibitions for advertising or educational purposes
supervise all design production stages, including arranging and supervising printing

PERSONAL REQUIREMENTS

creative and imaginative
understanding of colour and form
able to work under pressure and meet deadlines
good communication skills
good marketing abilities
able to work as part of a team

Good Outlook for this career!

Interest Area

EDUCATION & TRAINING

To become a graphic designer you usually have to complete a VOC qualification in graphic design. Applicants may be required to attend an interview and/or submit a folio of work. As subjects and prerequisites can vary between institutions, you should contact your chosen institution for further information. You may be able to study through distance education.

Entry to this occupation may be improved if you have a degree in graphic design or a related area such as digital media or visual communication design. To get into these courses you usually need to gain your HSC/ACT Year 12. Prerequisite subjects, or assumed knowledge, in one or more of English and a visual arts or design subject are normally required. Applicants may also be required to attend an interview and/or submit a folio of work.

A number of universities in Australia offer degrees in these areas.

Universities have different prerequisites and some have flexible entry requirements or offer external study. Contact Open Universities Australia or the universities you are interested in for more information as requirements may change.

Additional Information

Graphic designers are required to have computer and technical skills.

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

Graphic designers work for advertising agencies, graphic design houses, commercial art studios, computer game developers, retail stores, printing firms, book and newspaper publishers, and marketing and public relations firms. They often work as part of a team, but may also work on a freelance basis.

Quality, individuality, skill and a high standard of work are needed to find employment. Competition for jobs is very high and many employers consider the quality of artwork in a graduate's portfolio to be the most important selection criterion.

Smaller design studios often prefer graduates who can do their own artwork as well as formulate design concepts. There may also be opportunities to move into related industries such as film and television.