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Graphic Designer - Tile

Graphic Designer

Graphic Designers work in creative departments within agencies or as part of in-house marketing and design teams.

They collaborate with creative teams to turn ideas into visual designs. They may explore several interpretations of an idea and create artwork for websites, social media, print, packaging and other physical or digital formats.

Graphic Designers also understand how their work will be produced, including the materials, formats and costs involved. Within an agency, they often work closely with creative and client service teams.

Great skills to have as a Graphic Designer

A love of art and visual communication, and the ability to turn spoken or written ideas into visual work.
Strong attention to detail and a willingness to follow brand guidelines, helping to avoid unnecessary rework.
Confidence working independently and spending focused time developing ideas.
Conceptual thinking: the ability to find connections and visual ways of communicating that others may not see.
Openness to feedback and the resilience to adapt your work in response.

See what it's like...

John Pelasio

Senior Designer at Bastion

Lying in the sun

“When it comes to ads and design - If you like or dislike something, understand why... It will definitely help!”

Pathway to becoming a Graphic Designer

Graphic Designers can build their skills through tertiary study, shorter design courses or self-directed learning. Useful areas include visual communication, graphic design, digital design, motion graphics, print, typography and design theory.

Some tertiary design courses ask applicants to submit a portfolio. This might include illustration, painting, photography, digital design, video or other visual work that shows your interests and potential.

Graphic Designers also use a portfolio, sometimes called a ‘book’, when applying for roles. It can include work from study, personal projects, freelance work or speculative design concepts created for brands you have chosen.

A strong portfolio helps a Creative Director or design team understand how you think, how you develop ideas and the quality of your finished work.

Boardroom

Career progression

Design roles do not have fixed time periods between levels of seniority. Progress depends on the quality and breadth of your work, your development, how well you collaborate and the opportunities available. Graphic Designers can move into senior design or creative leadership roles, specialise in a particular area, or work independently as freelancers.