Guidance.help

Graphic Designers

O*NET files this work under Graphic Designers: people who design or create graphics to meet specific commercial or promotional needs, such as packaging, displays, or logos. The skills rated most useful are active listening, speaking, and writing. You may also need to key information into computer equipment to create layouts for client or supervisor. Interest ratings put Artistic on top at 7.0 out of 7 and Conventional second, so the code is ACE and the day leans toward creative work with room for original expression. Getting in usually takes a bachelor’s degree plus a period of work experience, a level O*NET calls considerable preparation. People who want creative work with room for original expression usually fit better here than those who need helping, teaching or caring for people.

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.

Main tasks

  • Key information into computer equipment to create layouts for client or supervisor.
  • Review final layouts and suggest improvements, as needed.
  • 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.
  • Create designs, concepts, and sample layouts, based on knowledge of layout principles and esthetic design concepts.
  • Use computer software to generate new images.

Skills

  • Active Listening
  • Speaking
  • Writing
  • Critical Thinking
  • Active Learning
  • Time Management

Who this career fits

May suit you if

  • You want room to make something in your own way.
  • You like clear rules and getting the details right.
  • You are ready to spend around four years on a degree, then build experience.
  • You are comfortable relying on active listening and speaking.

May not suit you if

  • You prefer clear instructions to open creative briefs.
  • You want helping people to be at the center of your work. Social rates 2.2 out of 7 here.
  • You want to avoid a four-year degree or its equivalent.

Interest profile

O*NET rates each occupation from 1 to 7 on six interest types. The code ACE takes the three highest, and Artistic comes first here.

Preparation

Considerable preparation. Most jobs here ask for a bachelor’s degree, and employers usually expect a few years of related experience as well.

Most-reported requirement in the O*NET survey: Bachelor's Degree. This reflects what workers reported most often and is not a legal minimum. Licensing rules can differ by state or industry, so confirm what applies where you plan to work.

Also called

  • Artist
  • Brand Designer
  • Designer
  • Graphic Artist
  • Graphic Design Coordinator

Related careers

Is this your direction?

See how your interests line up with ACE and 906 other careers.

Take the career test

This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.