If you’re looking for a great job to exercise your creative skills, consider applying to a graphic design role. With a creative mind and a willingness to learn and grow your skills, an entry-level graphic design job is an amazing place to start. It’s a great role to hold while you figure out where you want your career to go that will give you nice foundational skills in collaboration and project managing.
If you’re a student, the flexibility that most entry-level graphic design jobs have makes balancing classes, internships, and other jobs more manageable–part-time jobs near you are just a click away. Consider applying to a graphic design job after assessing your skills; a foundational understanding of art, communication, and a good resume.
What is a graphic designer?
Graphic designers use mediums of art and visual communication to execute their visions. You could be working on designing websites, advertising campaigns, or visual aids for social media. It’s a great job because of the mixed media you can use—by hand, computer, or both.
Some duties of graphic design jobs include:
- Designing visuals and executing those concepts
- Meeting with team or clients about project proposals
- Suggesting possible solutions to project blockers
- Collaborating with their department to meet goals
What is the job lookout for graphic designers?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the role of graphic designer is supposed to grow about 3% from 2018 to 2028.
How much do graphic designers get paid?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average hourly wage for a graphic designer was $20.05 as of May 2019, but more depending on where you live. That’s about $52,110 per year.
Where can I work as a graphic designer?
On the list of employers hiring on Handshake, there are many companies hiring graphic designers:
- Amazon
- Riot Games
- Red Bull
- W2O Group
- Segal
Other places to apply for “graphic designers near me” in your city include:
- Advertising agencies
- Startups
- Banks
- Clothing brands
What should I put on my resume?
Many places hiring graphic designers are looking for similar skill sets in resumes, but what makes the right candidate is listing the right skills you can offer.
List your past experiences
Even if you’ve never held a graphic design position before, you definitely have skills from past experiences you can offer. From past art projects, to volunteer or freelance work that you did–there are always skills you can pull from your life that apply. For an entry-level graphic design job, those hiring want to know that you know how to apply what you’ve learned to the role and that you’re hungry to start helping out.
Consider listing some of these skills that might make you a better candidate:
- Attention to detail
- Organization
- Ability to work with a vision and execute
- Thoughtful communication
- Open to change and growth
Technical skills
If this won’t be your first role as a graphic designer, then you may have some technical skills from previous jobs to add to your resume. It’s always a good idea to link to or mention campaigns that you’ve worked on, your portfolio, and other art driven projects that you’re proud of. Even if your work is remote, your employer wants to know you’re providing great support out of the office.
What should I write in my cover letter?
Though you might be applying for an entry level position, that doesn’t mean that there aren’t others trying to secure the same position as you. It’s important in your cover letter to stand out and really show what you can offer as an employee. Not only is it recommended that you list skills and experiences you’ve had, but also the willingness to learn and adapt to the role. By letting the hiring manager know that you’re motivated to get started, they might be more inclined to meet you in person and see if you’re the right fit.
Check out this article with proper formatting techniques and more in depth information about the perfect cover letter.
What is it like to work in graphic design?
Comparable to jobs in advertising or marketing, graphic designers use their skills to make a product or company appealing to their target audience. There will be a lot of collaboration involved in the projects you’re on, but that doesn’t mean that you can exercise your creativity and leadership. Because there are so many different parts to companies, you’ll be doing a lot of talking about the design impact, making mood boards, and executing said vision.
What are some essential graphic designer skills?
Some essential skills to have as a graphic designer:
- Knowledge of art technique
- Ability to tell stories through your work
- Team player
- Organization
- Accountability
How to get a graphic design job
After you’ve read through and taken a look at some of our tips and tricks, all there is left to do is find some roles you’re interested in and apply. Even if there aren’t any listings right now, it never hurts to send off an email to companies you’d be passionate about working with in the future. When there are so many jobs that value the self-starter, sending an extra email or spending a little more time on your cover letter could be the tipping point.
Is graphic design a good job?
With so many businesses and companies in need of fresh content, being a graphic designer is a great job for those looking to make an impact in the design world. Think about your favorite ad or design on a product. The brains behind those beautiful campaigns are breathing life into media and design–a great job for those looking to have a similar impact.
What jobs can you get with a graphic design major?
Besides in-office, remote and freelance graphic design jobs with that exact title, there are other jobs you can get with a graphic design major:
- Art Director
- UX Designer
- Product Designer
- Artist
- Photographer
- Marketing Specialist