What Does a Graphic Designer Do?

In today’s visually-driven world, graphic designers are pivotal in shaping how we perceive and interact with information. From captivating logos to stunning advertisements, their artistic prowess and technical skills bring ideas to life.

But what exactly does a graphic designer do? And why is the role so crucial?

This comprehensive guide aims to demystify the world of graphic design and shed light on the multifaceted responsibilities shouldered by these creative professionals. Whether you’re a budding designer seeking insights or simply curious about the field, this article thoroughly explores the role of a graphic designer.

We’ll uncover the key responsibilities designers undertake, highlighting the vast array of skills and tools they employ.

What is a Graphic Designer?

A graphic designer is a visual communicator who creates and applies various artistic elements to convey messages or ideas. They collaborate closely with clients, art directors, and other creatives to produce compelling visuals that capture a brand’s essence and impact audiences.

Graphic designers use typography, color, images, and other visual elements to convey information and promote products, services, or ideas. Graphic designers can work on mediums like printed materials or digital content.

Through their design work, graphic designers can influence public opinion, shape experiences, drive engagement, and ultimately generate revenue for organizations.

What Does a Graphic Designer Do?

Graphic designers are creative problem solvers who blend artistic vision with technical expertise to communicate ideas and messages visually. They have a broad range of design responsibilities. Graphic designers create logos, brochures, flyers, banners, web design layouts, social media ads, and other visual materials. Their design work involves multiple facets, such as researching the target audience, interpreting the client’s needs, creating sketches and prototypes, and refining the final output.

Graphic designers also often work with clients, copywriters, photographers, printers, and other professionals to ensure the final product aligns with the branding and messaging goals.

Related reading: What Does a Web Designer Do?

Key Responsibilities of a Graphic Design Job

Graphic designers have a wide array of responsibilities. Here are some common duties performed by graphic designers:

• Brainstorming and idea generation: Graphic designers are charged with developing creative concepts that meet the client’s needs. They must understand the brand goals and create designs that resonate with audiences.
• Research: Good graphic design requires thorough research to meet the target audience’s preferences. Designers must perform extensive market research, analyze competitors’ work, and study design trends.
• Creating designs: Graphic designers use various tools and software to create visuals. This may include logo design, web layouts, illustrations, infographics, and more.
• Communicating with clients and stakeholders: Graphic designers should communicate effectively with clients and other creatives. They must understand the client’s requirements and ensure all stakeholders are updated throughout the project.
• Collaborating with team members: Graphic designers frequently work with other creatives, including copywriters, photographers, and printers. They also interact with developers and coders.
• Presenting designs: Designers must be able to present their visuals to clients professionally. They should be able to explain their design decisions and effectively respond to feedback.
• Project management: Managing multiple projects simultaneously is part of a graphic designer’s job description. Designers must juggle deadlines, prioritize tasks, stay organized, and maintain a high quality control standard for each assignment.

Common Graphic Design Roles

Graphic design is a broad field. While some professionals may carry the title “graphic designer,” there are many roles and job titles related to graphic design, including:

• Art Director: Art directors are responsible for articulating an overall vision for the project while assessing its feasibility. They collaborate with designers to create a plan that meets the client’s objectives.
• Creative Director: Oversees a team of creatives involved in designing visuals for marketing campaigns or other projects. They manage budgets, timelines, and team members to ensure successful results.
• Illustrator: Illustrators create images that help communicate ideas or stories. They may draw illustrations by hand, digitally illustrate images, or combine both.
• Logo Designer: Designers create memorable logos that capture a brand’s essence.
• Motion Graphics Designer: Motion graphic designers create graphics for videos and animations. They use digital tools to design compelling visuals with animation and sound effects.
• User Interface (UI) Designer: Develops the look, feel, and flow of interfaces like mobile apps or software.
• User Experience (UX) Designer: UX designers are responsible for designing user-friendly interfaces and optimizing users’ overall experience.
• Web Designer: Designs websites, web applications, and other digital products.

Related reading: UI vs. UX Design: What’s the Difference?

Tools and Software Used by Graphic Designs

Graphic designers work with a variety of tools and design software to create visuals. Popular programs include Adobe Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator, Figma, Sketch, and many more.

Designers may also use other digital tools like video or animation editors to create interactive content. After Effects is a popular choice.

The specific tools used are not as important as the designer’s creative vision and technical know-how. However, certain employers, teams, and clients will want or require designers to use particular software, so it’s essential to be well-versed with the industry-leading programs.

Where Do Graphic Designers Work?

Graphic designers are employed in almost every industry since all businesses need visuals for marketing materials, branding, and communication. Designers may work for a design agency, in-house, or on a freelance basis.

Those who work for agencies may be assigned to different projects or teams. They typically spend almost all their time designing, since they don’t have business development or operations responsibilities.

In-house designers work on visual designs for their employers, rather than working for clients. Instead of working in a wide range of industries and for many different clients, all of their work is for the same brand. They may also oversee other creatives, manage budgets and timelines, or develop brand strategies.

Freelance graphic designers work independently and are hired by clients for a specific project. They must do everything from finding clients to designing projects. Freelance designers need to be excellent communicators since they’ll need to handle client relations as well as design.

Is Graphic Design a Good Career?

Graphic design is an ideal career choice for those with creative flair and technical skills. Working in design can be very rewarding, both financially and creatively. Designers get to create visuals that help businesses communicate effectively with their audiences and express themselves artistically.

Freelancers have the most flexibility when it comes to working hours and projects. They can choose which projects they want to work on and set their own rates. The downside is that freelancers must find new clients constantly to sustain their income levels. As a result, many creative professionals prefer to work for a design agency or as an in-house designer.

Annual Salary for a Graphic Designer

If you want to become a graphic design, you should be aware of the earning potential. According to ZipRecruiter, the average annual salary for a graphic designer in the United States is $55,650. ZipRecruiter also reports that the average annual income for a freelance graphic designer in the U.S. is $66,089.

Based on these numbers, the average freelancer earns more than the average graphic designer who works as an employee. However, freelancers also have added responsibilities and more fluctuation in income.

Education and Skills Required to Become a Graphic Designer

A bachelor’s degree in graphic design, communications, or related fields is highly desirable but not always necessary. Real-world experience and proven graphic design skills are typically more important than a degree, so a designer with a strong portfolio and no degree may find plenty of work opportunities.

Graphic designers must have a combination of technical and creative skills. The most important traits employers look for are creativity, problem-solving ability, attention to detail, and communication skills.

Technical know-how is also essential for success in the field. Designers must be proficient with Adobe Creative Suite programs like Photoshop, InDesign, and Illustrator. Familiarity with other tools and programs may be required for specific roles.

The Future of Graphic Design

Graphic design is here to stay, and the field will likely continue to evolve. The rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) has already impacted many aspects of the industry—from automated logo generators to AI-driven design tools.

However, AI cannot fully replace designers since creativity is still crucial to successful visuals. As such, there will always be opportunities for talented professionals who can create ideas and produce engaging designs. Graphic designers who keep up with emerging technology and develop their skills accordingly will remain highly sought-after in the job market.