Graduate Graphic Design Jobs

If you’re a graphic design graduate looking to start out your career or if you’re contemplating doing a graduate design degree, then you’ve come to the right place. We’ll go over what the graphic design field has to offer, what you can expect once you get your degree and how to find graduate graphic design jobs near you.

Why Work in Graphic Design?

A career in graphic design is ideal for a creative mind. You must be imaginative, skilled and willing to work hard. In return, you’ll find yourself in a stable career with solid prospects for the future. There is currently a high demand for graphic designers in the UK as well as internationally. As graphic design can be done remotely, the chances of finding a job are much higher.

Graphic Design Related Degrees

The most straightforward way of getting into graphic design is to do a degree in Graphic Design and Illustration. A whole host of universities across the UK offer courses and you can expect to have your undergraduate degree in around 4 years. A Higher National Diploma (HND) will take around 2 years to obtain.

However, there are other routes you can take in order to become a graphic designer, i.e. if you’ve already studied another related degree. Examples of degrees that will put you at a greater advantage include:

• Programming – a knowledge of programming languages and the ability to code the placement of designs on websites is a big advantage.
• Advertising & Marketing – the content you create as a graphic designer is generally used by businesses to market and advertise their company. Previous knowledge of this field is doubly beneficial.
• Writing – as well as creating visual displays, graphic designers often have to create brochures and digital texts to accompany their designs. If you can create the texts on your own, companies can avoid hiring a copywriter separately.
• Business Management – A degree in business management will allow you to take on jobs with more responsibility, i.e. leading a graphic design team.

Above all, a strong graduate portfolio will be key in finding a job as a graphic designer. For help creating a professional portfolio, check out our dedicated guide on How to Make a Graduate Portfolio.

What Can You Do With a Degree in Graphic Design?

There are plenty of graduate opportunities in graphic design. And with more and more businesses embracing remote working, graphic designers can benefit from a great deal of flexibility.

You can expect to work in a shared studio or office, although it may sometimes be necessary to work alone. It’s also possible to become a freelance graphic designer once you’ve built a strong network of contacts, an outstanding portfolio and a good reputation.

There is a variety of different fields where graphic designers can find themselves working in. Some examples include:

• Creative Director
• Advertising Art Director
• Layout artist
• Brand Identity Designer
• Illustrator
• Logo Designer
• Production Designer
• Web Designer
• Multimedia Designer

Internships and graduate schemes are also available for graphic designers, allowing you to build your portfolio and gain valuable on-the-job work experience.

Earning Prospects

Entry-level graphic design jobs pay in the region of £18,000 to £23,000. Designers with some experience will see salaries rise to between £25,000 and £38,000. While senior-level graphic designers and creative directors can earn upwards of £60,000.

The best way to increase your salary more quickly is to move jobs frequently. This will help you gain experience and develop your portfolio. However, before making any moves, be sure to do your research on the best career development options.

Find Graphic Design Jobs For Graduates

With no shortage of graduate opportunities in graphic design, the key is a well-developed portfolio and building a network of contacts. Also, keeping up-to-date with industry trends will help you to nail your first graduate job interview.

Developing a Student is packed with help and advice for anyone looking for graduate graphic design jobs. Check out our graduate jobs board for the latest graduate opportunities in graphic design, as well as information on work experience and internships.

Feel free to get in touch with our team if you have any questions. Finally, sign up for our newsletter below for all the latest from Developing a Student.