Introduction
A Graphic Designer produces innovative, imaginative and cost
effective communication solutions including the use of new media
and multi media applications. The job involves listening to
clients and understanding their needs before making design
decisions. Designs encompass the production from concept to
artwork of publicity materials including posters, flyers, leaflets,
reports, booklets, banners, large format displays, exhibitions and
point of sale products together with web and other medium
formats. Not all work may be produced in house and the work
can involve working with external print companies and
organisations. There can be staff management responsibilities
as well as budget management.
Work Environment
The work takes place mainly in an office but can also involve
meeting clients and meetings outside of the office..
Daily Activities
The specific responsibilities of a Graphic Designer will vary
depending on the size of the department. Duties could
include:
- contact with clients to obtain briefs, giving advice on the
best methods and value for money for successful marketing and
production of the project;
- keeping up to date with the latest industry standard software
and operating systems (e.g. Dreamweaver, Flash, Quark Xpress, Adobe
Illustrator and Adobe Photoshop. Mac OS X) and look for any new
alternative software packages;
- advising internal clients and external suppliers on the correct
use of the organisations corporate identity;
- ensuring final projects comply with statutory and internal
guidelines and policies particularly with regard to Corporate and
Partnership organisation policies and design standards, Welsh
Language Policy, Equality and Human Rights Commission and RNIB
checklist;
- developing and maintaining a print matrix for producing work
through external printers. This means working closely with
procurement services to meet procurement standards;
- ensuring up to date records of work progress on all design jobs
have been completed.
Skills & Interests
A Graphic Designer will have:
- creativity;
- communication and presentation skills;
- ability to work in an Apple Mac and PC environment;
- interpersonal skills;
- ICT literacy;
- the ability to project manage;
- influencing and negotiating skills;
- a good visual awareness and an eye for detail;
- the ability to deliver tangible and accurate results within
tight deadlines;
- a knowledge of internet coding languages used for both
presentation and layout of web/new media.
Entry Requirements
Graphic Designers are normally graduates in graphic design and may
have other specific multimedia design qualifications. Entry
to HND or degree-level study is unusual without first completing a
foundation degree of BTEC national course in art and design.
A number of UK universities offer relevant degree and postgraduate
courses.
Future Prospects & Opportunities
Progression from a junior graphic designer may be possible within
two to three years as you develop a reputation and build a network
of contacts. In general, career development may depend on job
movement to widen experience and develop your portfolio.
Opportunities will vary depending on the size of the
organisation.
Further Information & Services
Chartered Society of Designers (CSD) www.csd.org.uk/
Design Council www.designcouncil.org.uk
Graphic Design Portal www.graphicdesignportal.co.uk
International Society of Typographic Designers (ISTD) www.istd.org.uk/
Careers Wales have produced a Spotlight article on careers in
creative industries:
www.careerswales.com/en/spotlight-on-creative-industries/
You may find further information about this area of work through
Careers Wales (www.careerswales.com/) or
in your local library, careers office or school careers
library.