Explore graphics designing jobs and know the materials necessary so that you can sign up for the types, skills, and salary ranges. Discover how to kickstart your career in this creative field.
What are Graphics Designing Jobs like?
You’re probably a student with tech skills trying to get a side hustle that pays, or a full-time or part-time job-seeker but you’re unsure of how to navigate the field of Graphics designing. Let us start with a brief introduction about what Graphics designing entails, to give you a clearly-defined pointer to what you may choose to do.
Graphics designing is a vital aspect of visual communication, enabling businesses to convey their message effectively. We have top companies and brands like Apple, Samsung, Microsoft, Coca Cola but how many people would have known them today without the use of Graphics design? They’ll probably just be faces smiling in the dark. With the rise of digital media, the demand for skilled graphics designers has skyrocketed. In this article, we’ll take an indepth view of the various types of graphics designing jobs, essential skills, and salary ranges.
Types of Graphics Designing Jobs
1. Visual Designer: You’ll basically be required to create visually appealing designs for websites, mobile apps, and software in respect to the required project(s).
2. Graphic Designer: A Graphics Designer crafts logos , brochures, business cards, and other marketing materials for brands. You would basically be putting a face to the name.
3. UI/UX Designer: You get to create stunning user-friendly and intuitive interfaces for digital products.
4. Motion Graphics Designer: With this job title, you get to come up with animated graphics for videos, films, and television.
5. Branding Designer: You’re able to develop comprehensive brand identities, including logos and guidelines, selecting colours that define the brand and make it easily recognized.
Essential Skills for Graphics Designers
1. Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign) is a necessity. If you don’t have a desktop computer or PC, there are various apps you can try out with your mobile phone. Apps like Flyerwiz, Canva, Logopit, Banner-maker e.t.c. are available to create outstanding designs with your smartphone.
2. Strong understanding of color theory and typography. This is especially needed, in order to know the difference in colours for a kitchen brand and how it’ll differ from that of a seminar and the fonts as well.
3. Excellent communication and collaboration skills.
4. Ability to meet deadlines and work under pressure. Believe me, pressure comes with this job when clients need to make last-minute adjustments.
5. Familiarity with design trends and industry standards.
Salary Ranges for Graphics Designers
1. Junior Graphic Designer: $40,000 – $60,000 per year
2. Mid-level Graphic Designer: $60,000 – $90,000 per year
3. Senior Graphic Designer: $90,000 – $120,000 per year
4. Creative Director: $120,000 – $180,000 per year
It varies in regions based on the GDP and per-capita income of each individual.
How to Kickstart Your Graphics Designing Career
1. Earn a degree in graphic design or related field. There are courses available online and offline.
2. Build a strong portfolio showcasing your work.
3. Develop skills in industry-standard software.
4. Network with professionals in the field.
5. Stay updated with design trends and industry developments.
Understanding colours and fonts
This can’t be overemphasized. It will determine the quality of your jobs and the likelihood of getting more jobs or any jobs/gigs at all.
Top Industries Hiring Graphics Designers
1. Advertising and Marketing Agencies like food and beverage companies (Coca-Cola, McDonald’s, Milo e.t.c.)
2. Digital Media and Entertainment companies like MTV base, Movie production agencies
3. Software and Technology
4. Publishing and Printing
5. Education and Non-profit
Freelance Graphics Designing Opportunities
1. Upwork
2. Freelancer
3. Fiverr
4. 99designs
5. Local design communities
The need for a CV and well-optimized portfolio
This is also a necessity. In the competitive field of graphics designing, having a well-crafted CV and a professionally optimized portfolio are essential tools to showcase your skills, experience, and creativity to potential employers.
Your CV serves as an introduction to your professional background, highlighting:
1. Education and certifications
2. Work experience and job roles
3. Skills and software proficiency
4. Achievements and awards
5. Relevant projects and clients
Your portfolio showcases your best work, demonstrating:
1. Design style and versatility
2. Technical skills and expertise
3. Creativity and problem-solving abilities
4. Attention to detail and quality
5. Ability to communicate effective design solutions
Benefits of a great CV and Well-Optimized Portfolio:
1. Demonstrates expertise and builds credibility
2. Showcases versatility and adaptability
3. Highlights achievements and success stories
4. Provides context for your design decisions
5. Enhances online visibility and discoverability
How to make your CV and portfolio stand out for Graphics Designing jobs:
To enhance your CV:
1. Tailor your CV to each job application
2. Use clear, concise language and formatting
3. Highlight transferable skills and experience
4. Include relevant certifications and training
5. Keep it concise (1-2 pages)
To enhance your Portfolio:
1. Curate your best work (quality over quantity)
2. Use a clean, intuitive design
3. Provide context for each project
4. Showcase variety and versatility
5. Regularly update with new work and skills
Employers Value a Strong CV and Portfolio for Graphics Designing in order to:
1. Efficiently assess candidate skills and experience
2. Evaluate design style and fit for company brand
3. Understand candidate thought process and problem-solving
4. Verify credentials and certifications
5. Identify potential for growth and development
Recommended Graphic Design Courses:
Some of them are free and some are paid for, depending on your selection and area of learning.
Adobe Creative Cloud
Canva Design School
Skillshare
Udemy
Coursera
Job Boards for Graphic Designers:
– Behance
– Dribbble
– We Work Remotely
Conclusion
Graphics designing jobs offer a dynamic and creative career path for those passionate about visual communication. By understanding the types of jobs, essential skills, and salary ranges, you can navigate this exciting field with confidence, build experience and give visibility to diverse brands.
Check out some links to progress in your career as a Graphics Designer.
https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&opi=89978449&url=https://www.upwork.com/freelance-jobs/graphic-design/&ved=2ahUKEwiHp4vko9iIAxVzTkEAHU7hJEMQFnoECCcQAQ&usg=AOvVaw1gjXg_MmRWCatT5FqJbTDs
https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&opi=89978449&url=https://ng.indeed.com/q-graphic-designer-l-lagos-jobs.html&ved=2ahUKEwiHp4vko9iIAxVzTkEAHU7hJEMQFnoECCkQAQ&usg=AOvVaw0vsAHd6vbrmxMQt_mSAgCV
https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&opi=89978449&url=https://www.coursera.org/articles/how-to-learn-graphic-design&ved=2ahUKEwiqjuW9pNiIAxXvW0EAHY0vHcwQFnoECBIQAQ&usg=AOvVaw0rUzp6GFJkVF9IMlpz9tO3
