Career outlook for
Figures and forecasts for roles at the same level, which require similar skills and qualifications.
Average UK salary
Currently employed in Scotland
Jobs forecast
This information is supplied by LMI For All, where data is currently available for Scotland.
What's it like?
You would use your creative skills to design the look of websites, packaging, adverts and more.
Companies would rely on you to come up with eye-catching designs that will draw in more customers.
You could be working on anything from corporate projects where design requirements are very clear, to smaller jobs where you would be able to let your creativity run wild.
On a typical project, you might:
- Discuss the project with clients and colleagues
- Work out costs for the project
- Choose the best materials and style
- Make rough sketches or computer visuals to show the client
- Use specialist computer software to prepare designs
- Produce a final layout with exact specifications for typefaces, letter sizes and colours
- Ensure that budgets and deadlines are met
You may also produce 3D designs for packaging, exhibitions and displays.
Working conditions
Hours
Environment
Travel
UK employment status
Full-time
Part-time
Self employed
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Top skills
Here are some of the skills that people in this job would be most likely to have:
- Communicating with people
- Communicating ideas through writing
- Using computers
- Designing
- Finding solutions to problems
- Being creative
- Budgeting
- Planning and organising
- Time management
Build your skills
Your skills can help you choose the career that’s right for you. You can build your skills through work, study or activities you do in your spare time.
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Entry requirements for courses can change. Always contact the college, university or training provider to check exactly what you’ll need.
Qualifications
Most graphic designers have a Higher National Certificate (SCQF level 7), Higher National Diploma (SCQF level 8) or a degree (SCQF level 9/10) in Graphic or Visual Communication or Art and Design.
You can enter some Art and Design or Graphic Design National Certificate or National Qualification courses (SCQF level 5) with no formal qualifications but most courses require National 4/5 qualifications (SCQF level 4/5).
You can enter Higher National Certificate (SCQF level 7) or Higher National Diploma courses (SCQF level 8) with National 4/5 qualifications and one to two Highers or equivalent qualifications.
To enter a degree (SCFQ level 9/10) requires National 5 qualifications and a minimum of four Highers or a relevant HNC/HND.
Useful subjects
Courses often require:
- English
- Maths
- Art and Design
- Product Design
- Graphic Communication
Other ICT and design-centred subjects may be helpful.
You will also need
You will generally need a portfolio of your work when applying to courses and to jobs.
Helpful to have
Qualifications that show creative, digital and visual communication skills such as Skills for Work Creative Digital Media (SCFQ level 4) or Creative Industries (SCFQ level 5).
Work-based qualifications such as a Diploma in Creative and Digital Media (SCQF level 7).
Related industries
