Best Career Paths for Graphic Design Graduates (with salary)

A wide range of buyers, including manufacturers, merchants, wholesalers, and advertising agencies, use graphic designers' services. The wide range of marketing requirements across multiple industries increases the clientele for graphic designers.

In fact The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 3% growth rate for graphic designers over the next decade, much faster than the average for all occupations. And the global graphic design industry is expected to reach a staggering $54.1 billion by 2027.

That's a massive opportunity for recent graduates like you, who are or soon will be armed with a graphic design degree and a passion for visual storytelling. But with so many exciting career paths, choosing the right one can feel overwhelming.

This blog is your roadmap to success! We'll explore the top 9 career paths for graphic design graduates, highlighting the skills you need to excel and the types of companies eager to tap into your creativity.

Top 9 Career Paths for Graphic Design Graduates

1. UI/UX Designer

Have you ever looked at an app and thought, "This could be so much easier to use?" Or maybe a website's layout just feels...off? That's where UI/UX Designers come in!

Role Overview: 

UI (User Interface) Designers concentrate on the look and layout of digital interfaces, ensuring that each screen is aesthetically pleasing. They select colour schemes, typography, and design elements that enhance the user experience.

UX (User Experience) Designers, on the other hand, delve into the overall user journey. They conduct user research, create wireframes and prototypes, and perform usability testing to ensure the product meets user needs effectively.‍

Avg. Salary:  £29K - £47K/yr 

2. Graphic Designer

Ever seen a logo that instantly caught your eye or a magazine layout that was just beautifully put together? That's the magic of a Graphic Designer!‍

Role Overview:‍

As a Graphic Designer, you are the creative mind behind the visual concepts people see every day. You use a combination of art and technology to communicate ideas through images and layout designs for various print and digital media.

Key Responsibilities:

- Creating Visual Concepts: Develop and design visual concepts that communicate ideas effectively.

- Design Software Proficiency: Use industry-standard software like Adobe Creative Suite to create high-quality designs.

- Collaboration and Communication: Work with clients and team members to deliver designs that meet project goals.

- Attention to Detail: Ensure accuracy and high standards in all design work, from initial drafts to final products.

For graphic design students and new graduates, pursuing a career as a Graphic Designer opens doors to a dynamic and visually engaging field where your creativity can make a significant impact.

Avg. Salary:  £20K - £31K/yr

3. Web Designer

Web Designers are the architects of the online experience, crafting visually stunning and user-friendly websites that bridge the gap between print and digital communication. They leverage their design expertise to create:

Key Responsibilities:

Designing Intuitive Layouts: Web designers ensure websites are easy to navigate and visually organized, guiding users towards desired actions.

Crafting Engaging User Interfaces (UI): Your design skills come alive as you create UIs that are not only aesthetically pleasing, but also intuitive and foster a positive user experience.

Optimizing for Responsiveness: In today's mobile-first world, ensuring websites seamlessly display across various devices, from desktops to smartphones, is crucial.

Avg. Salary:  £20K - £31K/yr

4. Publication Designer

Publication Design offers a rewarding career path where you'll play a pivotal role in shaping the written word.

In this role, you'll utilize your design expertise to create visually appealing and user-friendly layouts for a variety of publications. This can encompass:

• Magazines: Designing engaging layouts that capture reader attention and guide them through editorial content.
• Newspapers: Creating clear and informative layouts that prioritize readability and information hierarchy.
• Books: Formatting text and graphics to create visually cohesive and aesthetically pleasing books that enhance the reading experience.

Avg. Salary: £23K - £41K/yr 

5. Art Director

Art Directors play a crucial role in steering the visual direction of projects, overseeing creative teams, and ensuring a cohesive vision is brought to life. This career path demands not only your design expertise but also your leadership and communication skills.

Key Responsibilities:

• Creative Leadership: You'll be responsible for guiding and motivating creative teams, ensuring everyone aligns with the overall project vision.
• Concept Development: Working collaboratively with clients and designers, you'll develop innovative and visually striking concepts for campaigns, publications, or marketing materials.
• Project Management: Overseeing projects from inception to completion, you'll manage budgets, and timelines, and ensure the team adheres to deadlines and quality standards.

Avg. Salary:  £32K - £50K/yr

6. Illustrator

Have you ever admired the intricate details of a book illustration or been captivated by the artwork in an advertisement? As an Illustrator, your job is to bring stories and concepts to life through your art.

This role will allow you to:

• Craft Stunning visuals: Utilize industry-standard software like Adobe Illustrator to create illustrations for a variety of media outlets.
• Develop Unique Characters and Worlds: Bring your imagination to life by building visual narratives and creating distinctive characters.
• Collaborate with Creative Teams: Work alongside authors, designers, and other creatives to bring their ideas to fruition through your illustrations

Avg. Salary:  £27K - £44K/yr

7. Brand Designer

Have you ever noticed how some brands instantly stand out with their unique logos, consistent colours, and memorable visuals? As a Brand Designer, your role is to create these distinctive brand identities that leave a lasting impression.

In this role, you'll be the creative force shaping how a company presents itself to the world. You'll utilize your design expertise to create:

• Creating Brand Identity: You’ll develop comprehensive brand guidelines, including logos, typography, colour palettes, and imagery. This ensures consistency across all marketing materials and platforms.
• Market Research: Understanding the market and the target audience is crucial. You’ll conduct research to ensure the brand design appeals to the intended demographic and stands out from competitors.
• Client Collaboration: You’ll work closely with clients to understand their vision and goals. This involves regular meetings and presentations to ensure the brand identity reflects their values and objectives.
• Design Consistency: You’ll maintain consistency in design elements across all channels, ensuring a cohesive and unified brand presence. This includes designing marketing materials, packaging, and digital assets

Avg. Salary:  £28K - £39K/yr

8. Motion Graphics Designer

Have you ever been mesmerised by the moving visuals in a movie intro, a sleek app animation, or a dynamic social media ad? As a Motion Graphics Designer, I bring static designs to life, adding motion and energy to visual storytelling.

Why Motion Graphics Design is a Great Fit for You:

• Dynamic Design: Combine your design foundation with animation principles to create visuals that move and engage audiences in a whole new way.
• Storytelling Through Motion: Learn to tell stories through animation, adding another dimension to your creative impact.
• High Demand: The demand for skilled Motion Graphics Designers is growing rapidly across various industries

Avg. Salary:  £26K - £38K/yr

9. Product Designer

Imagine the sleek design of an iPhone or the intuitive interface of a popular app like Spotify—these are perfect examples of how a Product Designer's work blends aesthetics with functionality to create seamless and enjoyable user experiences.

As a Product Designer, Your focus is on the entire lifecycle of a product, from initial concept through to final design and user experience. Your goal is to create products that are intuitive, user-friendly, and visually appealing. This involves a blend of skills in UX (User Experience) design, UI (User Interface) design, and interaction design.

Avg. Salary: £29K - £46K/yr

_{(Salary figures are estimates and may not reflect actual offers. Consider factors like experience, company and location for personalized salary expectations.)}

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Typical Employers

Graphic design graduates are in high demand across various industries, and your versatile skill set can open doors to a wide range of employers.

• Advertising & Marketing Agencies
• Design Studios
• In-House Design Teams
• Publishing Houses & Media Companies
• Technology Companies
• Non-Profit Organizations
• Freelance Marketplace

 If you’re looking for your first job in graphic design, here are some top companies which are already on Huzzle, and you can immediately get updates about their latest job openings just by following them:

1. Ogilvy

Renowned for its innovative advertising campaigns, Ogilvy offers a dynamic environment for creative minds. As a graphic designer here, you'll work on diverse projects, including print ads, digital content, and branding initiatives. 

2. Design Bridge and Partners

This global brand design agency focuses on creating compelling brand stories through design. Joining their team means you'll be involved in high-profile projects that span from packaging design to brand identity.

3. BBC

The British Broadcasting Corporation is a leader in media and broadcasting. Graphic designers at the BBC work on everything from television graphics and promotional materials to digital content for the web and mobile platforms.

4. The Telegraph

One of the UK's leading newspapers, The Telegraph offers opportunities to design for both print and digital media. You'll be involved in creating visually appealing layouts, infographics, and interactive content.

5. Netflix

Known for its engaging and user-friendly platform, Netflix offers graphic designers the chance to work on a variety of projects, including marketing campaigns, user interface design, and promotional graphics.

These are just a few of the esteemed employers you can connect with through the Huzzle App. Our platform regularly features job postings from these and many other top companies, making it easier for you to kickstart your graphic design career. You can discover the latest opportunities, and apply directly through our app, yeah it’s that easy!

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Key Skills Required for Graphic Design Graduates

Gaining a grasp of efficient graphic communication and developing a solid combination of technical and soft skills are two benefits and of earning a degree in graphic design. To get a graduate job in design, you need to possess a range of skills which are:

Technical Skills

• Creativity
• Proficiency in Design Software: Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign), Sketch and Figma (UI/UX design and prototyping), CorelDRAW
• Typography
• Attention to Detail
• Understanding of Branding
• UX/UI Design

Soft Skills

• Communication Skills 
• Time Management: Handling multiple projects and meeting deadlines efficiently.
• Problem-Solving Abilities: Approaching challenges with creativity and finding effective solutions.‍
• Adaptability and Continuous Learning: Staying current with design trends, tools, and technique

These skills, combined with your passion for design, will set you on the path to success in the graphic design industry.

Current Trends in Graphic Design

The field of graphic design is constantly evolving, and staying updated with the latest trends is crucial to your success as a graphic design graduate in the UK. Here are some current trends that you should be aware of:

1. Minimalism: Clean and simple designs that focus on the essentials. Minimalism is all about stripping away unnecessary elements and creating designs that are visually appealing and easy to understand.
2. Responsive Design: Designing for multiple devices, such as smartphones and tablets. With the increasing use of mobile devices, it's important for graphic designers to create designs that adapt seamlessly to different screen sizes and resolutions.
3. Typography: Unique and creative use of fonts to convey the intended message. Typography plays a crucial role in graphic design, allowing designers to express emotions, create hierarchy, and enhance the overall visual impact of their designs.
4. Authentic Photography: Using real and candid photographs to add a personal touch to designs. Authentic photography helps create a genuine connection with the audience, making the design more relatable and engaging.
5. Illustrations: Hand-drawn illustrations to create a unique and whimsical vibe. Illustrations add a touch of personality and charm to designs, making them stand out and leave a lasting impression.

These are just a few of the trends shaping the UK graphic design industry. By understanding these shifts and incorporating them into your design repertoire, you can create engaging and impactful work that reflects the current design climate.

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Further Education for Graphic Designers

If you're looking to take your skills and knowledge to the next level, pursuing further education will open doors to more prestigious positions. Here are two options to consider:

Master's Programs in Graphic Design

Various universities in the UK offer master's programs in graphic design that cater to individuals who want to expand their expertise. These programs will provide you with a deeper understanding of design theory, research methods, and advanced design techniques.

Continuing Education and Professional Development

Continuing education and professional development courses are a great way to deepen your skills and stay updated with the latest trends in the ever-evolving field of graphic design. Many institutions and professional associations in the UK offer short courses and workshops that focus on specific aspects of design.

Preparing for a Successful Graphic Design Career

As a graphic design graduate in the UK, preparing for a successful career goes beyond just honing your design skills. Here are two essential areas to focus on:

Building a Strong Portfolio

Your portfolio is your calling card as a graphic designer. Fill it with your best and most diverse work to showcase your range of skills to potential employers. Include a mix of both personal projects and client work to demonstrate your ability to bring different visions to life.

Networking and Professional Associations

Networking is essential in any industry, and the graphic design community in the UK is no exception. Attend career events, join design associations, and connect with professionals in the field to expand your network. These connections can lead to valuable opportunities and collaborations throughout your career.

Now that you have a comprehensive understanding of the best career paths for graphic design graduates in the UK, it's time to take charge of your future. Keep honing your skills, staying updated with industry trends, and never stop creating. Your graphic design career in the UK awaits!