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Career Profile

Graphic designer

Graphic designers create visual content, combining type, imagery, colour and layout to communicate a message or brand across print and digital media.
Creative and MediaIT and Digital
Average weekly salary
$1500
Future demand
Strong
Most common education level
Bachelor degree

What does graphic designer do?

A graphic designer creates visual content that communicates a message or brand to a particular audience. They combine type, imagery, colour and layout to design things like logos, brand identities, websites, advertising, packaging and social media content. The work spans print and digital media, and uses tools such as the Adobe Creative Cloud. It blends creative concept development with practical, commercial problem-solving. 

Graphic designers work in design studios, advertising and marketing agencies, and in-house creative or marketing teams across almost any industry. A large share work part-time or freelance. The role balances client briefs and deadlines with creative work. 

Is a career as graphic designer right for me

A career in graphic design may suit you if you are creative, visual and enjoy solving problems for an audience. You need a good eye for design, strong software skills, and the ability to take feedback and work to a brief and deadline.

Adaptability
An ability to manage change positively and perform effectively in changing environments.
Communication
Clear written and verbal communication skills, supported by strong interpersonal skills.
Creativity and innovation
Creative expression, storytelling and original thinking.
Digital and technical capability
Proficiency in using technology, digital tools, and relevant software.
Industry knowledge
A sound awareness and understanding of industry and trends.
Organisation
Effective time-management and prioritisation skills.

How to become a graphic designer

Most graphic designers hold a degree or diploma in graphic design, visual communication or a related creative field. Because employers want to see what you can do, a strong portfolio of design work, built through study, personal projects and real briefs, is essential. 

Every journey to study is individual, and there are several paths into graphic design. A common path to becoming a graphic designer:

  1. Complete a degree or diploma in graphic design, digital design or a related creative field.
  2. Build skills in design software such as the Adobe Creative Cloud.
  3. Develop a strong portfolio of design work.
  4. Gain experience through internships, freelance work or entry level roles.
  5. Keep developing your skills as design tools and trends change.

How long does it take to become a graphic designer?

A bachelor degree in graphic or digital design usually takes three years of full-time study, or longer if you study part-time. During your degree you build both design skills and a portfolio of work. 

Many people start building their portfolio and taking on freelance work while studying, then move into a design role after graduating. How quickly you progress depends on the strength of your portfolio and your experience. 

Start your journey with UniSQ

Build the creative and technical skills for a design career with UniSQ's Bachelor of Digital Design, where you can major in graphic design and build a strong portfolio. 

Bachelor of Digital Design
Go to degree
Need help planning your career journey?
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Responsibilities and work settings

Day-to-day responsibilities

Interpreting client briefs and developing design concepts.

Creating layouts, branding and visual assets.

Producing artwork for print and digital platforms.

Selecting typography, colour, imagery and composition.

Preparing and finalising files for production or publishing.

Where you might work

Arts and creative organisations

Digital business and marketing agencies

Government agencies, departments and councils

Media, publishing and broadcasting organisations

Museums, galleries and heritage institutions

Non-profit, charity and community organisations

Software development and technology companies

Universities and higher education providers

Graphic designer FAQs

Pay for graphic designers varies with experience, employer and whether they work in-house, in an agency or freelance. For further information, please view the salary information on this page. 

Most graphic designers hold a degree or diploma in graphic design, visual communication or a related creative field. There is no single mandatory qualification, so a strong portfolio of design work matters as much as your qualification

A graphic design qualification opens up a range of creative roles, including: 

  • graphic designer 
  • UX or UI designer 
  • web designer 
  • brand or identity designer 
  • motion graphics or animation artist 
  • advertising or print designer.

Graphic design is a creative, flexible field with roles across almost every industry, plus freelance opportunities. It suits people who are visual and enjoy solving problems for an audience. UniSQ's Bachelor of Digital Design builds the skills and portfolio to get started.

Day-to-day, a graphic designer interprets briefs, develops concepts, creates layouts and visual assets, chooses type and colour, and prepares files for print or digital. The work balances creative design with client needs and deadlines.

Related careers

Web designer
Animator

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Disclaimer: UniSQ’s Career Finder is a guide only. While reasonable care is taken to ensure accuracy, career information may change over time. Career statistics are sourced from Your Career and Jobs and Skills Australia. © Commonwealth of Australia. Licensed under CC BY 4.0. Salary figures listed on this page are in Australian Dollars (AUD).