Graphic Design

Career Focus

Graphic Designers produce visual communications, including art and layouts of text for reproduction in print and electronic media such as magazines, newspapers, books and websites, as well as image designs for corporate identity programmes, exhibitions and advertising. Graphic designers may specialise in a number of fields including; brand and identity strategy, digital and web-based design, television, film and computer graphics, set and exhibition design, corporate design, book and magazine design, and advertising and illustration. They may progress to positions such as design directors, art directors or creative directors. The Australian Government projects that graphic designers, web designers and illustrators will see a 12.6% increase in employment opportunities within the next 5 years. 

Graphic designers:

Talk to clients to get a clear understanding of their visual communication requirements and develop ‘roughs’ (sketches).

Prepare comprehensive layouts of the design using techniques such as photography, illustration and computer-generated imagery.

Identify communication problems and develop visual solutions.

Present and propose designs to clients for approval.

Prepare designs for print or digital publication and signage.

Design and set up exhibitions for advertising or educational purposes.

Supervise all design production stages, including arranging and supervising printing.

Graphic designers may work as members of a design team in design studios or advertising agencies, or alone undertaking consultancy or freelance work. 

To be an advertising graphic designer, it is helpful to:

Be creative and imaginative.

Understand colour and form.

Be able to work under pressure and meet deadlines.

Have good communication skills.

Have good marketing abilities.

Be able to work as part of a team.

To become a graphic designer, you usually have to complete a VET qualification. Applicants may be required to attend an interview and/or submit a folio of work. As subjects and prerequisites can vary between institutions, you should contact your chosen institution for more information. 

Entry into this occupation may be improved if you have a degree in graphic design or a related area such as digital media or visual communication design. To get into these courses, you usually need to gain your Senior Secondary Certificate of Education through VCE or VCAL. Prerequisite subjects, or assumed knowledge, in one or more of English and a visual arts or design subject are normally required. Applicants may also be required to attend an interview and/or submit a folio of work.