10 Best Careers for Graphic Design Graduates
Graphic design is a fascinating degree that brings together elements of visual arts, communication, technology, and even psychology. Students learn the basics behind compelling, impactful design, covering everything from color to composition, typography to illustration. They also develop their technical abilities, exploring professional software like Adobe InDesign, Illustrator, and Photoshop. Along the way, design students try their hand at different projects and methods, building skills in prototyping, creation, printing, and critique.
Graphic design students graduate with a strong sense of aesthetics and an awareness of the power of visual communication. They have excellent time management skills, can work well in teams and independently, and are creative, critical thinkers. All of these qualities prepare them for success in a wide range of careers—both within and outside of the field.
This article will be covering the following careers:
| Career | Avg Salary | Satisfaction | Your Match |
|---|---|---|---|
| Graphic Designer | $35k | 3.4/5 | |
| UX Designer | $115k | 3.5/5 | |
| Art Director | $70k | 3.8/5 | |
| Multimedia Animator | $36k | 3.6/5 | |
| Desktop Publisher | $47k | 3.1/5 | |
| Game Designer | $103k | 4.3/5 | |
| Content Manager | $71k | 3.3/5 | |
| Set Designer | $39k | 3.8/5 | |
| Product Manager | $132k | 3.4/5 | |
| Entrepreneur | $71k | 4.0/5 |
Are these careers suited to you? Our comprehensive career test measures your personality traits and interests and matches you to over 800 careers.
1. Graphic Designer
It's the obvious choice, but it's still worth mentioning. Becoming a graphic designer is a dream for many graduates. In this role, you'll combine technology and art to communicate messages through a wide range of visual forms. Website layouts, pamphlets, posters, books, magazines, and digital ads are just a few examples of what you might create.
Graphic Designer
A graphic designer creates visual concepts, using computer software or by hand, to communicate ideas that inspire, inform, or captivate consumers.
2. UX Designer
User experience (UX) design approaches creation from the user's point of view. As a professional in this field, you'll develop prototypes, run user tests, and refine designs for websites, apps, and other products. The end goal? To ensure every aspect of the user's experience is seamless, intuitive, and enjoyable.
UX Designer
A UX (User Experience) designer focuses on creating meaningful and enjoyable experiences for users when they interact with digital products or services.
3. Art Director
Art director is an advanced role, typically held by design professionals with at least a few years of experience under their belt. They determine the visual look and feel of a wide range of products, from books to cereal boxes, films to magazines.
Art Director
An art director is responsible for overseeing and managing the visual aspects of a project, such as advertisements, films, video games, publications, or website designs.
4. Multimedia Animator
Animation is a unique form of visual communication that combines elements of graphic design, film production, and computer-generated content. In this role, you'll craft animations, special effects, and other visuals for TV shows, movies, apps, and more. The job requires some additional education, but for the right person, the extra schooling will be worth it.
Multimedia Animator
A multimedia animator creates animation and visual effects for various multimedia applications, such as video games, television shows, movies, advertisements, and websites.
5. Desktop Publisher
Desktop publishers play a vital role in the design process. These talented professionals turn graphic design concepts into tangible realities. They use their technical abilities and skills with various publishing software to craft engaging layouts for books, newspapers, magazines, and other products.
Desktop Publisher
A desktop publisher utilizes computer software to design and format various printed and digital materials, ranging from brochures and magazines to newsletters and online content.
6. Game Designer
This is another design role that is both highly technical and highly creative. In this position, you'll help create fascinating fantasy worlds and imaginary characters. You'll use your visual communication skills and problem solving abilities, as well as several advanced technologies, to develop video games that engage and entertain.
Game Designer
A game designer plays a central role in the video game development process.
7. Content Manager
Historically, this position involved lots of writing. Content managers would create, edit, and update blog posts and articles for websites and other online publications. But digital content is becoming more visual, and so too is this role. With your design background, you can help companies boost their web presence with infographics, photography, film, and other graphic digital content.
Content Manager
A content manager is responsible for overseeing and managing the creation, development, and distribution of content for various platforms and channels.
8. Set Designer
A less "typical" career path, but no less rewarding! Set designers are responsible for creating the overall look and feel of films, TV shows, and theater productions. This can include sourcing furniture, scouting locations, and more. As a graphic design major, you have the aesthetic skills and originality needed to thrive in the role.
Set Designer
A set designer works in the field of theatre, film, and television, and is responsible for creating the visual world of a production.
9. Product Manager
Product managers are found in all industries, from app development to furniture design. They create and direct the vision for the company's products, from ideation through to completion. Duties can involve conducting industry research, drafting illustrations and mock ups, and presenting the final results to stakeholders. As a graphic design graduate, you possess the research skills, aesthetic style, and user awareness to create unique products people will use and enjoy.
Product Manager
A product manager is responsible for the development, optimization, and overall success of a product or line of products.
10. Entrepreneur
Many designers leave the industry because working for others feels limiting and, ultimately, frustrating. Of those who do, many start their own companies. Perhaps you have a vision for a new product, or perhaps you'd prefer to start your own graphic design firm. Whatever your goal, a career in entrepreneurship offers the path to explore it on your own terms.
Entrepreneur
An entrepreneur is an individual who takes on financial risks in order to create and manage a business venture with the aim of achieving profit and growth.