Graphic designer
Use your creative skills to design the look of websites, packaging, adverts and more.
About the job
Salary
Source: National Careers Service
Weekly
£385
Entry level
£769
Experienced
Monthly
£1,667
Entry level
£3,333
Experienced
Yearly
£20,000
Entry level
£40,000
Experienced
5,600
people are currently employed
High growth
200 more jobs in 5 years
These figures refer to this job and similar ones with comparable skills and qualifications. They only apply to Scotland. Source: Oxford Economics
What it's 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
brainstorm ideas and develop plans for creating motion graphics
work out costs for the project
choose the best materials and style
make rough sketches or computer visuals to show the client
convert still images into moving graphics to grab the viewer's attention
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.
Hours
Environment
Travel
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Related industries
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Digital technologies Creative
Top skills
Skills are things you're good at. Whether you know what yours are or not, everyone has them!
It's useful to learn which ones are important in a job so you know the areas you need to brush up on. It can also help you work out if you're suited to a career.
Here are some of the skills you'll need to do this job:
- time management
- developing a plan
- attention to detail
- problem solving
- innovative
- designing
- creative
- working with technology
- verbal communication
Your skills are important
Our unique skillsets are what make us stand out from the crowd. Learn about each skill in depth and discover what employers look for in your applications and interviews.
Getting in
Explore the sections shown for more information about getting into this career.
You might have qualifications which are not shown here but will allow you access to a course. You can compare your qualifications by looking at their SCQF Level. For more information about this, check out the SCQF website.
Always contact the college, university or training provider to check exactly what you'll need.
Colleges and universities will list subjects you'll need for entry to a course. Some useful subjects include:
Art and Design
Art and Design (Design)
Computing Science
English and Communication
Graphic Communication
Skills for Work: Creative Digital Media
Foundation Apprenticeship: Creative and Digital Media
You can get a head start in this career by doing a Foundation Apprenticeship in S5 and S6.
You'll get an SCQF level 6 qualification which is the same level as a Higher. You'll also learn new skills and gain valuable experience in a work environment.
Discover what's on offer at your school on Apprenticeships.scot.
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.
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).
You will generally need a portfolio of your work when applying to courses and to jobs.
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