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What is a graphic artist and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
4 min read
Quoted experts
Dr. Sarah Satterfield Ph.D.,
David Abbott
introduction image

Also called Graphic Illustrators, a Graphic Artist has excellent artistic and computer skills. You will be creating artwork for different graphic projects, like posters, advertisements, and covers. You may also be tasked to use a specific art style even though you have your own. The important thing to do is be able to deliver the project or company's message through your artwork.

As a Graphic Artist, you need to have good analytical skills, great communication skills, and, of course, excellent artistic ability. You will need all these skills for you to perform well as a Graphic Artist.

You can earn an average salary of $47,306 per year as a Graphic Artist. With a 3% job growth rate, you can also explore other roles and further your career. You can be a Graphic Designer, a Designer, and a Design Manager. This is only one path; there are other possibilities when you start as a Graphic Artist today.

What general advice would you give to a graphic artist?

Dr. Sarah Satterfield Ph.D.

Department Chair Visual and Performing Arts, Professor of Music and Humanities, College of Central Florida

I was once told if you do what you love you will never "work" a day in your life. I have found this true in my own career and hope our VPA graduates will find it true in theirs as well. The arts offer such a unique means of engaging and we, as arts educators, have an ability to "reach" those we have contact with in a unique way.
ScoreGraphic ArtistUS Average
Salary
4.3

Avg. Salary $54,900

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level
4.2

Growth rate 3%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity
4.5
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.37%

Asian 10.42%

Black or African American 3.42%

Hispanic or Latino 10.63%

Unknown 4.99%

White 70.17%

Gender

female 45.40%

male 54.60%

Age - 37
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 37
Stress level
4.2

Stress level is moderate

7.1 - high

Complexity level
8.5

Complexity level is advanced

7 - challenging

Work life balance
3.9

Work life balance is poor

6.4 - fair

Graphic artist career paths

Key steps to become a graphic artist

  1. Explore graphic artist education requirements

    Most common graphic artist degrees

    Bachelor's

    61.2 %

    Associate

    27.9 %

    High School Diploma

    4.2 %
  2. Start to develop specific graphic artist skills

    SkillsPercentages
    Graphic Design11.56%
    Adobe Photoshop10.18%
    Adobe Illustrator8.91%
    Art Direction6.95%
    Photography4.67%
  3. Complete relevant graphic artist training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of 1-3 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New graphic artists learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a graphic artist based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real graphic artist resumes.
  4. Gain additional graphic artist certifications

    Graphic artist certifications can show employers you have a baseline of knowledge expected for the position. Certifications can also make you a more competitive candidate. Even if employers don't require a specific graphic artist certification, having one may help you stand out relative to other applicants.

    The most common certifications for graphic artists include Certified Advertising Specialist (CAS) and Certified Graphics Communications Manager (CGCM).

    More About Certifications
  5. Research graphic artist duties and responsibilities

    • Manage external communications such as brochures and other sales collateral for direct mail from inception to circulation.
    • Develop, debug, and maintain client websites using HTML & CSS, WordPress, and basic use of JavaScript.
    • Flash & Dreamweaver software assisting in production of the company website.
    • Create custom graphic art for cars, windows, store fronts, business signs.
  6. Prepare your graphic artist resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your graphic artist resume.

    You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a graphic artist resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

    Choose from 10+ customizable graphic artist resume templates

    Build a professional graphic artist resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your graphic artist resume.
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  7. Apply for graphic artist jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a graphic artist job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

    1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
    2. Consult your professional network
    3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
    4. Watch out for job scams

How did you land your first graphic artist job

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Average graphic artist salary

The average graphic artist salary in the United States is $54,900 per year or $26 per hour. Graphic artist salaries range between $35,000 and $84,000 per year.

Average graphic artist salary
$54,900 Yearly
$26.39 hourly

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How do graphic artists rate their job?

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Graphic artist reviews

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A zippia user wrote a review on Jul 2022
Pros

There is so much to like about working as Graphic Designer ... the seeing how all the elements of words, space, colors, visuals (photos, graphics, charts,...) come together on a page...sharing info with others to learn and use

Cons

When working with others who can not make up their minds as deadline approaches nor take responsibility and blames others for their own "misdoings".


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A zippia user wrote a review on Apr 2022
Pros

I get to do what I love

Cons

It’s hard work, it feels like you will not make it and you’re jumping from job to job sometimes every now and then but the goal is to not give up, everyone is more than capable of achieving the things they put their minds too. :)


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A zippia user wrote a review on Jul 2020
Pros

Creativity, Innovation, Intact Brand Integrity through Brand Guidelines

Cons

Interference in mid of work.


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Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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