Graphic Designer

Your Fit

Income

$62K

Preparation

Considerable

Growth

3.3%

Definition
Your fit with this career
How much they earn
What they do
Job satisfaction
How to become

What is a Graphic Designer?

A Graphic Designer is a creative professional who combines art and technology to communicate ideas visually. They use a variety of design elements to create visual content for print media, digital media, advertising, and branding.

Sample job titles:

Artist, Designer, Graphic Artist, Graphic Designer

Your test results

Why this fit score?

The fit report shows your areas of fit and misfit with Graphic Designer.

Fit report

Test scores

The scores report summarizes what we learned about you. It shows your results on everything measured in the career test.

Scores report

How much does a Graphic Designer earn

Income data is from Employment and Social Development Canada's 2024 wage tables. The closest match for this career in Canada’s occupational classification system is Graphic Designer.

Bottom 10%	Bottom 25%	Median (average)	Top 25%	Top 10%
$41K per year	$48K per year	$62K per year	$82K per year	$108K per year

Compared to other careers: Median is $2.6K below the national average.

See income by country/state/province

What does a Graphic Designer do?

Work environment

Graphic Designers typically work in studios where they have access to drafting tables, computers, and the necessary software. Many work for advertising agencies, design services, publishers, or as freelancers. The work environment is usually fast-paced and deadline-driven, requiring both individual effort and collaboration with clients or team members.

Quick task list

Creates visual concepts, using computer software or by hand, to communicate ideas.
Develops layouts for print publications, advertisements, websites, and corporate reports.
Selects colors, images, text style, and layout for projects.
Presents design concepts to clients or art directors.
Incorporates changes recommended by clients or art directors into final designs.

See full list of tasks with expert relevance ratings

Areas of specialization

Print Design: Specializing in creating graphics for printed materials like brochures, magazines, and product packaging.
Web and Digital Media Design: Designing visuals for websites, social media, and digital advertising campaigns.
Branding and Identity Design: Developing logos and branding materials that represent a company or product.
Motion Graphics: Creating animated and video graphics.
User Interface (UI) Design: Designing the visual elements of software applications and websites.

Description

Graphic Designers play a critical role in various industries by creating visual content that captures attention and communicates messages effectively. They combine artistic ability with technical skills to produce designs that are both aesthetically pleasing and functional. Designers must keep up with the latest trends and technologies in graphic design, as the field is constantly evolving with advancements in software and changes in consumer preferences.

A successful Graphic Designer must have a keen eye for detail, a strong sense of aesthetics, and the ability to convey concepts visually. They often work on multiple projects simultaneously, requiring good organizational and time-management skills. In addition to technical and artistic skills, communication and problem-solving skills are crucial, especially when revising designs based on feedback or working within the constraints of budgets and deadlines.

The role of a Graphic Designer is versatile and can vary greatly depending on the employer and specific projects. From creating corporate branding materials to designing user interfaces for mobile applications, the opportunities in this field are diverse. Many graphic designers also choose the path of freelancing, offering their services to various clients and having more control over their projects and schedules.

Job Satisfaction

Sources of satisfaction

The creative process of bringing ideas to life visually.
Seeing your designs used in various media and impacting viewers.
The diversity of projects and the opportunity to work on different types of design tasks.
Continuous learning and adapting to new design trends and software.

You might make a good Graphic Designer if you are...

Creative and have a strong visual sense.
Proficient with design software like Adobe Creative Suite.
Detail-oriented and have a good eye for aesthetics.
Able to communicate effectively and work well in a team.
Adaptable and enjoy the challenge of solving design problems.

Pros:

Creative and fulfilling work.
Opportunities to work in a variety of industries.
Potential for freelance work and flexible working arrangements.

Cons:

Tight deadlines and potentially high-pressure environment.
The need to continually update skills and adapt to new technologies.
Competitive job market, especially for high-profile projects or companies.

How to become a Graphic Designer

Typical education

Most Graphic Designer positions require a bachelor's degree in graphic design or a related field, which is typically 4 years of post-secondary education. Some positions may accept candidates with a combination of education and extensive experience.

High school preparation

Courses:

Art and Design courses to develop foundational skills.
Computer Science or Graphic Design classes to learn relevant software.
Business Studies to understand the commercial aspects of design.

Extra-Curricular Activities:

Joining an art or design club.
Volunteering to design materials for school events or local organizations.
Participating in design competitions or workshops.

Preparation after high school

Pursue a bachelor's degree in graphic design, visual communication, or a related field.
Develop a strong portfolio showcasing your design projects.
Complete internships in design studios or agencies to gain practical experience.
Stay updated with the latest trends and advancements in design software and technology.

More resources

AIGA, the professional association for design - Provides resources, networking opportunities, and professional development for designers.
Behance - An online platform to showcase and discover creative work.
Graphic Design USA - Features news, trends, and information in the field of graphic design.
Lynda.com - Offers a wide range of online courses in graphic design and related software.

Similar careers

Similarity is based on what people in the careers do, what they know, and what they are called. The process of establishing similarity lists is described in this white paper.