Graphic Designers

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Career Profile

Graphic Designers

What they do

Design or create graphics to meet specific commercial or promotional needs, such as packaging, displays, or logos. May use a variety of mediums to achieve artistic or decorative effects.

Also Called: Artist, Brand Designer, Designer, Graphic Artist, Graphic Design Coordinator, Graphic Designer, Online Producer, Production Artist, Publications Designer, Technical Illustrator, Artist, Brand Designer, Designer, Graphic Artist, Graphic Design Coordinator, Graphic Designer, Online Producer, Production Artist, Publications Designer, Technical Illustrator

NE Employment Data

*State data provided by O*NET & BLS
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$37,440
Starting Salary (2025)
$56,700
Median Salary (2025)
2.1%
Projected Job Growth
1,670
NE Employment (2025)

Typical Tasks

Confer with clients to discuss and determine layout design.
Create designs, concepts, and sample layouts, based on knowledge of layout principles and esthetic design concepts.
Determine size and arrangement of illustrative material and copy, and select style and size of type.
Develop graphics and layouts for product illustrations, company logos, and Web sites.
Draw and print charts, graphs, illustrations, and other artwork, using computer.

A day in the life

What kind of work is this?

Artistic
Conceptual, Creative Work
Conventional
Organized, Procedural Work
Enterprising
Business based Work

What personality traits do you need to succeed?

Attention to Detail
Dependability
Adaptability/Flexibility
Cooperation
Innovation
Initiative

What key skills are needed for this job?

Active Listening
Speaking
Active Learning
Writing
Critical Thinking
Judgment and Decision Making

Expected Knowledge

Design
Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
Computers and Electronics
Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
Fine Arts
Knowledge of the theory and techniques required to compose, produce, and perform works of music, dance, visual arts, drama, and sculpture.

Common Activities

Thinking Creatively
Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
Working with Computers
Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
Getting Information
Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.

Education & Preparation

Some occupations may require additional education, advanced degrees, and years of experience in the field.
Talk to your support team on campus about this career pathway and additional degree information.
Job Zone 4

Considerable Preparation Needed

Education

Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.

Experience

A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations.

Training

Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.

Typical Education Required

Education a new hire may need

  • Bachelor's degree 65%
  • High school diploma 15%
  • Master's degree 10%
  • Some college 5%
  • Associate's degree 5%
Source: O*NET Education, Training & Experience data

Related Careers

Special Effects Artists and Animators
Art Directors
Fine Artists, Including Painters, Sculptors, and Illustrators
Desktop Publishers

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*Data on career profiles are based on information supplied by the O*NET Program, sponsored by U.S. Department of Labor, Employment, and Training Administration.