Graphic Designer

Graphic designers work to bring many kinds of communication alive. They produce designs that get their clients’ messages across with high visual impact. The role demands a keen business sense as well as creative flair.

Graphic design input is required for a huge variety of products and activities including:

• websites
• packaging
• books and magazines
• corporate identity, to give organisations a visual ‘brand’
• advertising
• exhibitions and displays
• computer games
• TV and film title sequences.

Tasks are likely to include:

• finding out about the project requirements (taking a ‘brief’)
• estimating the time the project will require and providing a cost quotation
• coming up with design concepts that fit the client’s needs
• presenting options for design treatments
• creating final designs, working to a deadline and budget
• amending designs according to the client’s final comments
• proofreading and preparing designs to be sent to print.

Apart from rough sketches, most graphic design work is now done on computer. Graphic designers use specialised industry standard graphics or multimedia software packages. They may use different media such as photography and illustration to get the results they want.

Graphic designers may deal directly with their clients. Those working in an agency may take briefs from an account manager who has responsibility for client contact. Designers also have to work closely with other colleagues involved in projects, such as copywriters, photographers and sales staff. In order to win work, they may take part in formal presentations to ‘pitch’ their ideas to potential clients.

Hours and environment

Graphic designers usually work 37 hours a week, Monday to Friday. Extra hours are common, especially to meet critical project deadlines. Part-time work may be possible.

Many designers work on a freelance basis after gaining some years’ experience.

The work is usually done in an open plan design studio. It involves sitting and working at a computer for long periods. Self-employed designers may work from home or share studio space.

There may be some travel to meet clients.

Salary and other benefits

These figures are only a guide, as actual rates of pay may vary, depending on the employer and where people live.

• Salaries for junior designers may start at around €22,000 a year.
• With experience, earnings may rise to around €35,000.
• Senior designers in a creative director role may earn up to €70,000.

Skills and personal qualities

A graphic designer must have:

• creative flair
• a strong visual sense
• originality
• strong computer skills
• confidence to present and explain ideas to clients and colleagues
• the ability to grasp client needs and consider practical solutions
• the ability to pay attention to detail
• the ability to balance work on several projects at a time
• good team working skills
• flexibility
• an awareness of the competitive business environment in which they work
• a matter-of-fact approach when ideas or designs are rejected.

Interests

It is important to have an interest in:

• graphics and typography
• new developments in design software.

Getting in

There are two main types of employer.

• Agencies who carry out graphic design work for a range of clients. They may specialise in advertising, corporate communications or general graphic design.
• Large organisations with in-house design teams. These include publishers, banks, retailers, government departments, local authorities, universities and packaging companies.

Entry routes

While there are no set entry requirements, most graphic designers have a degree or diploma. This may be in graphic design, illustration, fine art or a related subject.

Useful Links:

Institute of Designers in Ireland

Chartered Society of Designers