Guide To A Graphic Designer Career Path
Many still ask: What does a graphic designer do? The way a book cover looks, the colours that go into a website, the logo plastered on a product, and even the colours used in a TV commercial — these are some of the matters that concern a graphic designer.
Some of those wondering how to be a graphic designer think it is as easy as making doodles on a piece of paper. There is no denying that this role is sometimes overlooked or unappreciated. Many people associate this profession with drawings and comics, and while those are sometimes part of what graphic designers do, it does not reflect the broad range of tasks attached to the job.The role of a graphic designer is crucial to any team, whether it be in the field of media and advertising, marketing, IT, business development, and even medicine. Graphic designers have even been ranked among the most demanded jobs in Malaysia in recent years. It is high time to take this profession seriously and consider a career path as a graphic designer. Read on as JobStreet guides you in finding success in this role.
What does a graphic designer do?
A graphic designer communicates a message to an audience through a visual medium. They can use a wide range of design elements to do this, including illustrations, colours, photo manipulation, typography, and layouts, but fundamental graphic design principles must always guide it. In terms of output, this can come out in print such as books, magazines, and posters; physical forms such as signs and set designs; and digital such as social media, websites, and applications.
At its core, graphic design offers well-thought-out creative solutions to everyday problems. When an organisation comes up with an idea, that information is relayed to its target market through the visual work of the graphic designer. It is not all about creating something appealing to the eyes. It also has to be functional, meaningful, and practical.
Most tasks are deadline-driven, which explains why some graphic designers work late into the night. Also, part of the graphic designer job description is to verbally present and illustrate ideas to stakeholders or managers for approval.
Responsibilities of a graphic designer
The graphic designer’s core responsibilities include:
- Researching about and understanding the idea or information that has to be conveyed
- Designing the organisation’s identity and ensuring consistency across various branding initiatives
- Supporting the organisation’s marketing efforts by creating content for various marketing channels
- Developing a wide range of concepts and visual works that illustrate a central idea
- Designing packaging materials based on industry standards and regulations
- Planning and executing advertising and promotional visuals and content
- Coordinating with outsourced printers and other third parties that aid in the execution of materials
- Evaluating and improving current design works and recommending solutions for future design requirements
- Working closely with the creative team composed of other designers, web developers, artists, and such to create visual requirements
- Keeping oneself updated on current and upcoming design trends
Salary range
According to the JobStreet Salary Insights, the graphic designer salary range in Malaysia starts at RM 1,400 and goes up to RM 3,800 every month. The average salary is RM 2,200 monthly or RM 26,400 annually.
Factors that affect pay grade include the length of experience, industry, and company. Another factor that determines a graphic designer’s salary is location. Those who work in companies or agencies in Kuala Lumpur, Selangor, Putrajaya, Penang, and Johor can expect higher salaries.
Graphic designers working in Marketing and Business Development, Advertising, Media Planning, Publishing, and Printing can also expect better compensation. In terms of skills, having knowledge and experience of the following can boost one’s pay grade: Adobe Illustrator, Adobe InDesign, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe After Effects.
What is the career path of a graphic designer?
There are numerous career paths as a graphic designer. After undergoing a graphic designer course, one can start their career as a Junior Graphic Designer, learning the ins and outs of the industry. One can also take on the position of Multimedia Designer, who creates content for a broad range of outlets. The other option is to start as an Illustrator, whose main task is to create physical or digital images.
After gaining much experience, one can rise to the position of Senior Graphic Designer or Junior Art Director and take on a more active role in conceptualising ideas. Another option is to become a Web Designer and focus solely on creating online content. At the senior level, one can become a Creative Director or Senior Art Director and lead entire teams throughout the design process.
A graphic designer also has several options in terms of employment. One can be fully employed as an in-house designer of a company or organisation. The other option is to be part of an agency that caters to various clients and attends to several projects at once. A graphic designer can also be self-employed and work on a contractual or per-project basis for different clients.
Junior Level (1-3 years experience)
Mid Level (4-8 years experience)
Senior level (8 years or more)
What requirements do you need to become a graphic designer?
Required skills
Graphic design fundamentals
This is the most basic requirement as it sets the foundation of your career. You must have a good grasp of the basics — colour theories, typography, space, patterns, textures, shapes, images, and the like. It is not just about drawing on paper after all.
Adobe Creative Suite
Mastery of or experience in working with the Adobe Creative Suite software is a major requirement for graphic designers. To attend to the specific needs of the role, one must be adept at Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign, all of which are industry-standard applications. Know-how in After Effects and Premiere Pro is also a big plus.
Proficiency in complementary software and applications
Much of the work of a graphic designer is in front of a computer and most of their tools are found in software and applications. You must show comfort and ease in accomplishing tasks and beating deadlines with these implements.
Content creation
Whether it be photography, videography, illustration, sketching, web design, or social media, a wide range of competencies in various creative arts is a major boost to one’s career as a graphic designer.
Other skills
Creativity and originality
Finding solutions to the most mundane problem requires a truckload of innovation. You always have to think out of the box and present ideas and solutions that have never been tried, presented, or executed before. A good problem solver always banks on creativity and originality to get the job done.
Communication
What does a graphic designer do? Communicate. The job revolves around communicating in every way. One moment, you are receiving a written brief from a superior. Next, you are verbally describing the details of the project to the team. Next, you are visually drafting design solutions. There is no moment that you are not communicating as a graphic designer.
Time management
How do you handle deadlines? Would you rather work at your own pace and disregard timeliness? Then this role is not for you. As a graphic designer, you have to turn in your solutions to pressing problems within a limited time frame. Deadlines will come on top of deadlines.
Patience
Graphic designers also deal with revisions. Sometimes, a client is not able to communicate his or her needs immediately and it will take multiple drafts to get in the right direction. You must have enough patience to deal with such situations, and most importantly, not compromise the quality of your work despite the pressure.
Educational background
If you want to know how to be a graphic designer, then you should learn about the principles of drawings, history of arts, advertising principles, creative thinking, and so much more. Some would easily suggest that formal education is not necessary to be a graphic designer. On the contrary, you have to undergo a proper graphic designer course if you want your career to have a strong foundation.
The typical length of study for a Degree in Graphic Design is three years. During the final year, you will undergo industrial training and execute a major project to gain experience and boost your portfolio.
The other option is to take a shorter Graphic Design Diploma program, which takes only two to two-and-a-half years. Degrees and Diplomas in the Arts, Media, Communications, Creative Design, Advertising, Visual Communications, and the like can also lead to a graphic design career.
Opportunities for Continuous Education
It is not required for a graphic designer to take a postgraduate degree, although studying business management or development can help especially as one takes on a more senior role.
What is more important is to continue updating and upgrading your technical skills. You can do this by attending conferences and workshops as well as taking online courses and bootcamps. Gaining knowledge in supplementary disciples, like photography, creative writing, and UI/UX design, will also be beneficial to your career.
How to write a graphic designer resume?
FULL NAME
Contact Information [Home Address, Mobile Number, and Email Address]
Career Summary
Innovative and solutions-based design professional with 4 years of experience in conceptualising and executing creative materials for major communication platforms. Highly proficient in industry-standard software and applications with a focus on digital and print executions. Seeking to expand portfolio servicing the health and finance industries through functional, cost-effective, and creative visual content.
Employment History
[Name of the Agency], Malaysia
Junior Art Director, January 2021 - February 2022
- Handled a team that oversaw the execution of a fitness brand’s campaign
- Designed a website and social media collaterals for a leading bank in Malaysia
- Created the branding identity of a non-profit organisation
[Name of the Company], Malaysia
Junior Graphic Designer, November 2017 - December 2020
- Designed microsites for the company’s top brands
- Created logo studies for a brand of vitamin-rich bottled beverage
- Designed infographics for the company’s internal communications
Skills
- Technical Skills
- Adobe Creative Suite
- Microsoft Office
- Photography
- Videography and Video Editing
- Transferable Skills
- Interpersonal and Communication Skills
- Creativity
- Teamwork
Education
Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Graphic Design
[Name of the University], 2014-2017
- Graduated with First-Class Honours
- Art Director for the University’s student publication in 2016
[INCLUDE A PORTFOLIO OF YOUR BEST WORKS]
Related careers
A career in graphic design can evolve into other creative professions that require the same set of skills and talents. Some related positions:
Success in a career as a graphic designer is based on creativity, hard work, and determination. Talent can open doors but you will also need to put in much work to stay the course and rise through the ranks. Design is a means of creating practical and pleasing solutions to problems, and if you see that skill as one of your strengths, then you should start considering this profession.
Eager to kick-start your career as a graphic designer? Your next step is to update your JobStreet profile and start searching for #JobsThatMatter. You can also check out the Career Resources Hub for more credible insights on how to grow your career.
