How to Become a Graphic Designer
A graphic designer is a professional who combines art and technology to create visual concepts and convey ideas through images, typography, and colour.
A Day In The Life
If you were a Graphic Designer, you’d spend your day…
Studying design briefs and determining requirements to conceptualise visuals
Developing illustrations, logos and other designs
Working with copywriters and the creative director to produce the final design
Wanna see a graphic designer in action? Check out this video!
Is This Career Right for Me?
According to the Holland Codes, people in this career generally possess the following traits:
Challenges & Skills
No job is easy, but if you’ve got the right skills, you’ll be ready to handle anything that comes your way!
Challenges & Skills Needed to Overcome Them
Having creative blocks
Skills: Creative thinking, good mind-mapping & sketching techniques
Vague client feedback
Skills: Communication and confrontational skills to get clarification
Keeping up with design trends
Skills: Keen on continuous learning from blogs, websites, communities and courses
Handling criticism
Skills: Emotional resilience and willingness to revise
Balancing aesthetics with functionality
Skills: UX/UI knowledge and a user-centric mindset
Sound like you? Then you might just have what it takes to tackle these challenges and thrive as a Graphic Designer!
Career Pathway
Thinking long term? This career path shows you how you can grow your role (and salary!) in the world of creative design.
With every step, you’ll gain more skills, responsibility and opportunities. If you’re passionate about creative design, this career path could be your perfect match!
Global Opportunities
Pros in this field are in demand everywhere—your career could literally take you places!
Top countries hiring professionals in this field:
United States
The U.S. has a thriving creative industry with many tech companies, advertising agencies, and media outlets seeking skilled designers for branding, digital, and print media.
United Kingdom
The UK is home to numerous design agencies, advertising firms, and large corporations that require graphic designers for both traditional and digital marketing solutions.
Germany
With a strong design culture, Germany has a high demand for designers in advertising, branding, and corporate identity, particularly in major cities like Berlin and Munich.
We hope this guide has helped you understand what to expect and inspired you to explore a path that fits your strengths and passions. Good luck—and have fun discovering your future!
Students
© 2025 Afterschool. All Rights Reserved.
