Careers in ICT - Graphic Designer

Salary and Conditions

They median pay of graphic designers in Australia so far in 2013 is $47,507 per year. The pays range from $35,293 to $68,969 per year. (Source: www.payscale.com)

Graphic designers working conditions usually depend on the employer and can include an office, studio or if they are self employed they can even work from home. The working space just needs a computer with design software and dependent on the work it should have excellent lighting. They also can take part in larger teams. They are sometimes required to work long hours if they have to meet a strict deadline.

Employment Opportunities

https://www.seek.com.au lists 230 worldwide and 202 Australian graphic designer job openings as of the 24th of July 2013 Although this is nowhere near the complete number of job openings in this field it is one of the only statistics available for this career. Most commercial businesses with an advertising campaign, social media focus or gaming focus usually have an independent graphic designer as they require a lot of work done with graphics to maintain purpose of their business.

Alternatives

Junior designers can progress to a senior position. With further experience they may take on team management responsibilities, eventually becoming studio manager or creative director in an agency.

Those working for smaller companies may find limited opportunities for advancement. Many designers change employers to progress their career.

Graphic designers can specialise in a particular field, such as packaging or magazine design. With further training, they may move on to related fields such as animation or television and video graphics.

Graphic Designer

Qualifications

A Graphic designer has the role of creating visual designs for clients or their employer.

Their designs are required for a huge variety of products and activities, such as websites, advertising, books, magazines, posters, computer games, product packaging, exhibitions and displays.

Schooling Required

Within the graphic designer business a degree or certificate provided by an accredited trade school is usually considered essential however as a graphic designers career progresses the experience and years in the job become the primary qualifications. After a graphic designer has been in the job for a while they will also develop a portfolio of their work which is how their qualifications are demonstrated. These are usually a required part of job interviews and are always being improved throughout their career. So to summarise to begin with qualifications are provided by an accredited trade school and throughout a graphic designers career they will develop their qualifications in the workplace.

Entry is open to non-graduates and there are no specific requirements although there are many benefits of completing subjects as they will increase chance of obtaining a job. Employers would look for some kind of qualifications such as completion of SACE or other education certificates however the requirements differ from each employer's preference.

Careers In ICT