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What is a graphic design assistant and how to become one

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

Graphic Design Assistants help graphic designers in making art and managing the studio. It is your job to help the lead graphic designer complete all print and electronic media projects. You can assist by coloring, lining, rendering, and adding finishing touches to designs. You can also help prepare marketing materials, create print layouts, give creative input, develop logos and images, and design promotional tools. Some of your duties and responsibilities also include meeting with clients, creating layouts and design concepts, presenting ideas to managers and clients, and reviewing designs before sending them to print or publish.

To be a graphic design assistant, you need to have a bachelor's degree in graphics design or a related field. You must also be able to design in a way that makes your ideas come to life. However, you should have communication and analytical skills for this role. You will earn a salary of $34,007 per year.

What general advice would you give to a graphic design assistant?

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 Design AssistantUS Average
Salary
3.2

Avg. Salary $40,835

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 70.58%

male 29.42%

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 design assistant career paths

Key steps to become a graphic design assistant

  1. Explore graphic design assistant education requirements

    Most common graphic design assistant degrees

    Bachelor's

    67.3 %

    Associate

    20.6 %

    High School Diploma

    4.4 %
  2. Start to develop specific graphic design assistant skills

    SkillsPercentages
    Graphic Design14.30%
    CAD6.04%
    Sketch5.42%
    Adobe Illustrator5.17%
    Customer Service5.17%
  3. Complete relevant graphic design assistant training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of 1-3 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New graphic design assistants 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 design assistant based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real graphic design assistant resumes.
  4. Gain additional graphic design assistant certifications

    Graphic design assistant 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 design assistant certification, having one may help you stand out relative to other applicants.

    The most common certifications for graphic design assistants include Certified Interior Designer (NCIDQ) and Medical Assistant.

    More About Certifications
  5. Research graphic design assistant duties and responsibilities

    • Administer company website using PHP coding and manage Instagram/Facebook profiles.
    • Approve lab dips, embroidery size and placement, strike offs, screen prints, and appliques.
    • Supervise production staff that used embroidery machines.
    • Produce: technical drawings, illustrations, animations, PowerPoint presentations and relate graphics for organization.
  6. Prepare your graphic design assistant resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your graphic design assistant 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 design assistant 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 design assistant resume templates

    Build a professional graphic design assistant 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 design assistant resume.
    Graphic Design Assistant Resume
    Graphic Design Assistant Resume
    Graphic Design Assistant Resume
    Graphic Design Assistant Resume
    Graphic Design Assistant Resume
    Graphic Design Assistant Resume
    Graphic Design Assistant Resume
    Graphic Design Assistant Resume
    Graphic Design Assistant Resume
  7. Apply for graphic design assistant jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a graphic design assistant 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 design assistant job

Zippi

Are you a graphic design assistant?

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Average graphic design assistant salary

The average graphic design assistant salary in the United States is $40,835 per year or $20 per hour. Graphic design assistant salaries range between $28,000 and $58,000 per year.

Average graphic design assistant salary
$40,835 Yearly
$19.63 hourly

What am I worth?

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How do graphic design assistants rate their job?

-/5

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Graphic design assistant reviews

profile
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".


profile
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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A zippia user wrote a review on Dec 2019
Cons

That I don’t get to do it more often


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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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