Moonpreneur
Update: This article was last updated on 6th March 2024 to reflect the accuracy and up-to-date information on the page.
Graphic design, at present, is one of the most sought-after career choices by creative experts. Businesses, corporate enterprises, companies, brands- everyone requires graphic design experts to create stunning designs which visually appeal to their target audiences. The demand for graphic design professionals is impeccably high across the globe.
Over the last couple of decades, the graphic design industry has boomed exponentially. In 2019 alone, the US graphic design industry generated around $15 billion.
According to Zippia, Graphic designers make $49,450 per year on average, or $23.77 per hour, in the United States. Graphic designers on the lower end of that spectrum, the bottom 10%, make roughly $34,000 a year, while the top 10% make $69,000.
If you plan to encourage your kids to pursue the graphic design profession, here’s what you should know!
What Does Graphic Design Involve?
Graphic design involves the creation of stunning visuals such as shapes, texts, and images to create a robust brand image. Graphic design professionals leverage their creative minds to create logos, layouts, and typography. They are hired by both print as well as digital media.
What is the Basic Qualification Required to Become a Professional Graphic Designer?
To grab a promising job as a professional graphic designer in a reputed company, one needs to have a strong portfolio. The portfolio should match the expectations and requirements of the employing company.
Also, big companies often seek at least one year of experience and a Bachelor’s Degree in graphic design.
10 reasons why graphic design is a great career choice
Explore Your Creativity
Working in graphic design is a dynamic, stimulating field that allows you to use your creativity to solve problems and effectively communicate ideas. It’s a very fulfilling effort.
Make an Impact
Whether your work is used to disseminate positive messages or increase a client’s profitability by drawing in clients, a graphic designer always makes a concrete and significant contribution.
Enjoy the Process
Working in the broad and entertaining field of graphic design prevents you from getting into a rut. The neighborhood is known for having a laid-back, welcoming vibe that strikes a balance between hard work and playfulness.
Constant Learning
The graphic design industry is always changing, offering chances to pick up new skills in communication, investigate cutting-edge technology, and work with developing media. It’s a dynamic sector that keeps you on your toes.
Job Security
The necessity for website design, marketing collateral, and advertising among organizations means that graphic design is a career that never goes out of style. A consistent stream of work for graphic designers is further ensured by the ongoing growth of startups.
Flexibility
If you have graphic design talents, you may choose your own working hours and maybe even become a digital nomad who can work from wherever. Furthermore, there are usually no strict clothing rules in the business.
Specialize Your Craft
You might choose to focus on particular areas of interest with graphic design. You may choose how you want to go about your job, whether it’s writing appliance instructions or designing labels for beer bottles.
Financial Benefits
Despite the competitive nature of the industry, excellent graphic designers are in high demand and may fetch significant prices for their services. Through perseverance and continued skill development, you can eventually raise your prices.
Never-ending Inspiration
Graphic designers, surrounded by the best in the field, find inspiration in the creations of the greats of the past. Your perspective on the world is changed by the profession, which encourages you to take in and value the aesthetic beauty that is all around you.
Age Is No Barrier
People of all ages and backgrounds are welcome to work in graphic design. It is possible for everyone to reach the highest level of graphic design proficiency with hard work and curiosity. Because they are widely accessible, both online and offline courses are valuable endeavors in a life too short to pass up such chances.
Careers that You Can Explore as a Graphic Designer
1. UX/UI Designer
Become the architect of user experiences. Craft intuitive interfaces, design user journeys, and ensure websites and apps are not just visually appealing, but seamlessly functional. This path blends design thinking with technical know-how, making it perfect for those who love solving puzzles and obsess over user psychology.
2. Packaging Designer
Transform everyday objects into compelling stories. Design packaging that speaks to a brand’s identity, attracts attention on crowded shelves, and even enhances the user’s experience with the product. This role demands a keen understanding of materials, typography, and the psychology of consumer behavior.
3. Art Director
Lead the creative charge. Orchestrate visual campaigns, guide teams of designers, and ensure brand consistency across all platforms.
This leadership role requires a strong vision, excellent communication skills, and the ability to inspire and motivate others.
4. Illustrator
Let your imagination take flight. Bring stories to life through captivating illustrations, breathe personality into characters, and create visually stunning editorial pieces. This path demands artistic talent, technical proficiency in illustration software, and the ability to translate complex concepts into captivating visuals.
5. Muralist
Paint the town red (or blue, or green…). Transform walls into works of art, revitalize public spaces, and tell stories through larger-than-life murals.
This path requires a blend of artistic vision, technical skills in mural painting, and the ability to work on a large scale, often outdoors.
6. Book Cover Designer
Design the first impression that sells. Create captivating book covers that reflect the story’s essence, entice readers, and stand out on crowded shelves. This role demands a strong understanding of typography, layout, and the ability to visually communicate the essence of a narrative.
7. Graphic Design Lecturer
Share your passion and knowledge. Inspire the next generation of designers by teaching at universities, colleges, or online platforms. This path requires strong communication skills, a love for learning, and the ability to break down complex design concepts into digestible lessons.
8. Creative Strategist
Think beyond the pixels. Develop creative strategies that align with brand goals, analyze market trends and craft impactful visual campaigns. This role demands a blend of design thinking, business acumen, and the ability to translate abstract ideas into actionable plans.
9. Content Creator
Be the voice (and visuals) of a brand. Create engaging social media content, design infographics, and develop visually appealing marketing materials. This path requires a strong understanding of online platforms, storytelling skills, and the ability to tailor content to specific audiences.
In addition, there is a real need (for now)
First of all, graphic designers do not find themselves in a wilderness when it comes to employment. Over the next ten years, the field is forecast to increase by 3%, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, with a hearty dose of 23,900 new positions anticipated. The reason for this consistent need is the constantly changing digital environment, where eye-catching images are king. Every company requires a visual voice, and no one is better at creating it than an experienced graphic designer—from websites and apps to social media and marketing materials.
Expected Salary for Graphic Designers
In the initial days, graphic designers can expect a salary ranging between $40,000 to $49,000. With experience, the salary increases to $83,250. As per specialization, a graphic design professional can expect $89,000 (UX designers), $62,000 (web designers), and $81,000 (UI specialists).
Degrees Necessary for Excelling in Graphic Design Profession
- Bachelor of Arts in Graphic Design
- Master of Fine Arts in Graphic Design
- Associate of Arts in Graphic Design
Certifications for Graphic Designers
Adobe Certified Expert To Ace
In order to get ACE certified, one needs to take examinations in Illustrator, Flash, Photoshop, Dreamweaver, and InDesign. There are fees for different exams. And these tests are available online.
Autodesk 3DS Max Certified
Autodesk 3DS Max is a professional 3D computer graphics program that one can use for games, imaging, and animation. Having this certificate can add value to the CV of a graphic design aspirant.
Adobe Certified Professional
This certificate reflects one’s ability to leverage Adobe Creative Cloud software program. The certification program involves 150 hours of instruction. It also requires the students to take the practical examination for the same. The exam can be taken online as well as in person.
Adobe Certified Instructor or ACI
In order to get this certificate, one needs to pass a test and have teaching experience of more than 3 years. This certification can be quite helpful for those who wish to pursue a career as a graphic design instructor.
Freelancing as a Graphic Designer
Over the last 2 to 3 years, the demand for freelance graphic designers has also increased manifolds. The pandemic has taught both clients and professionals the different aspects of remote working. Over time, freelance graphic designers have increased in numbers.
Platforms like LinkedIn, Fiverr, Upwork, etc. testify to the rise in the number of freelance graphic designers.
Freelancing as a graphic designer allows one to work with multiple clients and explore different work opportunities. Experience, portfolio, and a robust personal brand can be immensely beneficial for freelance graphic designers.
Wrapping Up
Without a graphic designer on the team, no brand can do well in personal branding and marketing. So, it is safe to say that graphic designers will be in demand even years down the lane. The only need is to stay upgraded about the latest trends in the industry.
If you want your kids to venture into this industry, then it can be a smart move to enroll them in Moonpreneur’s Power skill class. Professional guidance from the right age can lay a strong foundation for your kid’s graphic design career.
How can I introduce my kid to graphic designing?
The key is.. LET THEM DESIGN… with pen and paper, once they are sensible and keen enough, buy them a digital device.
For me, after switching my career thrice in a year, graphic designing feels like the right choice for me… It gives me peace as I turn all my stressful thoughts into beautiful creatives.
It is a very safe career option to choose, even if you don’t have highly qualified educational degrees.