Graphic Designer

Graphic design skills usually include the use of software such as Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator and InDesign but many can also draw and design by hand and use these skills to create rough sketches and mock ups.

Typical responsibilities include:

Liaising with clients to determine their requirements, timescale and budget.

Managing client proposals from typesetting through to graphic design, print and production.

Working with clients’ ideas and managing their expectations.

Developing concepts, graphics and layouts, including making decisions about fonts, images, readability and readers’ needs.

Determining size and arrangement of copy and illustrative material, as well as font style and size.

Preparing rough drafts of material based on an agreed brief.

Keeping clients up to date, listening to and acting on feedback, and explaining the rationale behind graphic design decisions.

Reviewing final layouts and suggesting improvements if required.

Keeping up to date with design and software trends.

Liaising with external printers or production teams to ensure deadlines are met and material is printed or presented to the highest quality.

In-house graphic designers work mainly typical office hours but may need to work longer when deadlines are approaching. You can also work as a freelance graphic designer and set your own hours but again, these are likely to be longer when projects are due.