Graphic
designers produce designs that get their clients' messages across with high
visual impact. They work on a huge variety of products, including websites,
packaging, books and magazines, corporate identity (to give organisations a
visual 'brand'), advertising, exhibitions and displays, and computer games.
Most
graphic design work is now done on computer using specialised industry-standard
graphics and multimedia software packages. Graphic designers have to work
closely with other colleagues involved in projects, such as copywriters,
photographers and sales staff. They may also work directly with clients.
Graphic
designers usually work 37 hours a week, Monday to Friday. Extra hours are
common, especially to meet critical project deadlines. Part-time work may be
possible. The work is usually done in an open-plan design studio. It involves
sitting and working at a computer for long periods.
Salaries
may range from around £11,000 to £65,000 a year.
A graphic
designer must have:
·
creative
flair, originality and a strong visual sense
·
strong
computer skills
·
confidence,
to present and explain ideas to clients and colleagues
·
an
interest in graphics and typography.
Around
185,000 people work across the design sector as a whole. There are nearly
40,000 businesses working in graphic design, ranging from major agencies to
sole freelancers.
There are
two main types of employer.
·
Agencies
carry out graphic design work for a range of clients. They may specialise in
advertising, corporate communications or general graphic design.
·
Many
large organisations have in-house design teams. These include publishers,
banks, retailers, government departments, local authorities, universities and
packaging companies.
Employers
are based all over the UK. Almost half of design agencies are in London and the
South East.
The design sector is growing. However, because there are many higher education
courses in graphic design, competition for vacancies can still be keen. Gaining
early experience and building a portfolio of work is an advantage. Some graphic
designers create websites to show off their work. Vacancies are advertised in
trade press, such as Design Week, or
national press, such as The Guardian (Mondays).
Some graphic design vacancies are filled through specialist recruitment
agencies.
Entry for Students -
While
there are no set entry requirements, most graphic designers have a degree or
diploma. This may be in graphic design, illustration, fine art or a related
subject. There are many courses at universities and arts colleges across the UK.
With enthusiasm and a strong portfolio of work, it may be possible to enter
without a degree or diploma. However, qualifications make career progression
easier. Many students take a one-year Foundation Diploma in Art and Design
before applying for a degree or diploma course. This enables students to try a
variety of art and design subjects, and allows them to build up a portfolio of
work. Entry requirements are usually five GCSEs/S grades (A-C/1-3), and
sometimes A levels/H grades, or equivalent qualifications. For a degree course,
two A-levels/H grades are usually needed, including an art-related subject, as
well as five GCSEs/S grades (A-C/1-3), or equivalent qualifications. For BTEC
national diplomas or certificates, entry requirements are four GCSEs/S grades
(A-C/1-3). For a higher national certificate/higher national diploma (HNC/HND)
course, entry requirements are one A level/two H grades in art and design
subjects, or a BTEC national diploma/certificate in a relevant subject, or the
equivalent. Many institutions now offer Foundation degrees in art and design
subjects. These usually involve two years of part-time study. Successful
candidates then have the option of transferring to the latter stages of an
honours degree course. Entry requirements vary between institutions.
With a first degree in a related subject, it is possible to apply for a
postgraduate degree or diploma in specialised areas of graphic design.
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