Career outlook for
Figures and forecasts for roles at the same level, which require similar skills and qualifications.
Average UK salary
£31,200
Currently employed in Scotland
3,600
Five year job forecast
+9.42%
"LMI for All" supplies our salary and employment status information. "Oxford Economics" supplies job forecasts and employment figures.
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
48%
Part-time
15%
Self employed
37%
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Top skills
Here are some of the skills needed for this job. Sign in to see how your skills match up.
- Time management
- Developing a plan
- Attention to detail
- Working with technology
- Verbal communication
- Innovative
- Designing
- Creative
- Problem solving
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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
