I want to be a graphic designer
Graphic designers create visual concepts, using computer software or by hand to communicate ideas that inspire, inform, and captivate others. They are often an essential part of a company’s marketing and communications department. From designing logos to print designs or website wireframes, graphic designers are needed in a variety of different contexts.
Career Snapshot
- Salary Range – $44,380 - $115,220 annually (stats from Bureau of Labor Statistics. Salary varies by industry, education and experience)
- Work Environment – office setting, worksite, possible travel
Things to think about
Top qualities and skills needed for graphic design careers:
Creativity
Graphic designers should possess artistic ability and good understanding of color, texture and light. It is important to develop new and innovative ideas to create brand identities for businesses.
Time Management
It is common for graphic designers to juggle multiple projects at once. Keeping track of each project’s progress will help you meet established deadlines.
Communication
Listening to a client’s needs and vision for a project is critical to graphic design. You must be able to articulate these ideas and provide persuasive solutions through text and images.
Presentation
Public speaking and writing skills are essential to presenting plans and project proposals.Taking complex ideas and data and presenting them in a clear, creative and digestible way will help you get customers and clients on board.
Top Five
There are a variety of majors at CU ºù«ÍÞÊÓƵ that can help prepare you for the future.
Most Surprising Majors
Handshake Job Search Terms
- Adobe
- Create
- Design
- Content
- Copyright
Things You Can Do
Seek opportunities on campus to start developing skills.
Get Involved
Almost every club or student organization on campus has a graphic design position. This person creates flyers, social media posts and other promotional items. that fits your interests and volunteer to be a graphic designer.
Get Connected
Whether you’re interested in working for a company or freelance, make connections with successful graphic designers and shadow them for a day to see what their job is like. Find these connections at Career Services.
Get Experience
Find opportunities to develop on-the-job skills. Local businesses and non-profit organizations often seek help creating a logo or poster designs. Find these opportunities through:
- - Login and search using keywords like “graphic designerâ€
- Handshake - Login and search by industry, job function or keyword
- Volunteer Resource Center - Search the calendar or organization database
Get Informed
Researching companies and the industry you’d like to work in is an essential step to narrowing your interests while in school. Use to learn more about careers in graphic design.