Graphic Designer
Also advertised as: Artworker, Brand Designer, Digital Designer, Graphic Designer, In-House Designer, Junior Graphic Designer
Creates visual work for brands, campaigns, packaging and digital products.
What the job involves
Graphic designers solve communication problems visually. You interpret briefs, produce concepts, prepare artwork for print or screen and work to brand guidelines. Portfolio and craft decide hiring, and freelancing is common.
Typical responsibilities
- Interpret briefs and produce concepts
- Design assets for print and digital
- Prepare artwork to production specification
- Apply and maintain brand guidelines
- Present and refine work with clients
Common employers
- Design agencies
- In-house marketing teams
- Print firms
- Charities
- Freelance
Pay, hours and working environment
Typical pay
£21,000 – £26,000 a year
With experience
£30,000 – £42,000 a year
Typical hours
37.5 hours, longer near deadlines
Working environment
Studio or remote
Remote working
remote
Demand for this work
competitive
Pay ranges are indicative guidance drawn from advertised UK vacancies and published careers information. They are not an offer, and actual pay varies by employer, location and experience.
Skills and qualifications
Core skills
- Typography
- Layout
- Adobe Creative Suite
- Brand application
- Client presentation
Transferable skills you may already have
- Visual creativity
- Attention to detail
- Meeting deadlines
Requirements employers ask for
- Typography
- Layout
- Adobe Creative Suite
- Brand application
- Client presentation
- No formal qualification required; portfolio expected
Useful but not essential
- Visual creativity
- Attention to detail
- Meeting deadlines
- Level 3 Design apprenticeship
- Degree in graphic design
Helpful qualifications
- Level 3 Design apprenticeship
- Degree in graphic design
Ways into this career
A degree is only one route. Where an apprenticeship, work-experience or qualification route exists, it is listed here alongside the academic option.
Apprenticeships and work-based routes
- Junior Content Producer (Level 3)
- Graphic Designer routes via creative apprenticeships
- Experience route — Build evidence in a related role, then move across using your recorded achievements.
- Study route — A relevant degree, college qualification or short course can speed up entry.
- Self-employed route — This work can be done freelance or by running your own business.
Degree and college routes
- Related subject: Graphic design
- Related subject: Art and design
- Related subject: Media
Where this career can lead
next
Senior Designer
next
Art Director
next
Creative Lead
The good parts and the hard parts
What people enjoy
- Portfolio matters more than credentials
- Freelance income possible
- Creative satisfaction
What people find hard
- Competitive and often low starting pay
- Subjective client feedback
Common questions
- Do you need a degree to become a graphic designer?
- No. As well as degree routes, this career can be entered through an apprenticeship or by building experience and qualifications on the job. not_required
- How much does a graphic designer earn in the UK?
- Typical advertised pay runs from £21,000 to £26,000 a year, rising towards £42,000 with experience. Figures are indicative guidance rather than an offer.
- What skills transfer into this career?
- Skills that transfer well include Visual creativity, Attention to detail, Meeting deadlines.
Related careers
Copywriter
Writes the words used in adverts, websites and marketing materials to persuade and inform.
Video Editor
Cuts raw footage into finished videos for advertising, social media, TV or corporate use.
Photographer
Plans and shoots photography for clients, ranging from products and events to portraits.
Motion Designer
Animates graphics and text to create moving visuals for adverts, apps and video content.
Where this information comes from
- National Careers Service
- Institute for Apprenticeships
Last reviewed 14 September 2026.
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