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What is a graphic designer/illustrator and how to become one
A graphic designer uses digital images and texts to create layouts and visual outputs for their clients. Their artstyle and medium are a bit different from the illustrator who uploads and produces digital copies of the images that they manually paint and draw.
The main responsibilities of the graphic designer/illustrator includes the skillful designing of eye-catching images using various computer programs and software. They follow client specifications and requests, and they usually share the project with copywriters and other professionals.
They typically work in offices and studios. Employers are commonly from the marketing and publishing industry, putting the graphic designs and illustrations for commercial use and products. This includes magazines, websites, brochures and advertisements.
With the progress of the digital age, career growth for graphic designer/illustrator in the U.S. is set to climb to 3 percent between 2018 and 2028, resulting in 8,800 job openings.
What general advice would you give to a graphic designer/illustrator?
Dr. Sarah Satterfield Ph.D.
Department Chair Visual and Performing Arts, Professor of Music and Humanities, College of Central Florida
Avg. Salary $45,124
Avg. Salary $59,228
Growth rate 3%
Growth rate 0.3%
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%
Genderfemale 39.89%
male 60.11%
Age - 37American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%
Asian 7.00%
Black or African American 14.00%
Hispanic or Latino 19.00%
White 57.00%
Genderfemale 47.00%
male 53.00%
Age - 37Stress level is moderate
7.1 - high
Complexity level is advanced
7 - challenging
Work life balance is poor
6.4 - fair
Graphic designer/illustrator career paths
Key steps to become a graphic designer/illustrator
Explore graphic designer/illustrator education requirements
Start to develop specific graphic designer/illustrator skills
Skills Percentages Adobe Illustrator 13.98% Adobe Photoshop 10.58% Logo Design 5.86% Adobe Indesign 4.90% Layout Design 4.82% Complete relevant graphic designer/illustrator training and internships
Accountants spend an average of 1-3 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New graphic designer/illustrators 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 designer/illustrator based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real graphic designer/illustrator resumes.Research graphic designer/illustrator duties and responsibilities
- Used Applescript, Javascript, and Photoshop actions to automate tasks.
- Design, illustrate brochures, permanent and temporary signs, van wraps, banners, posters and other print materials.
- Sketch concepts for t-shirts and business logos.
- Create and maintain websites using web design software and raw HTML.
Prepare your graphic designer/illustrator resume
When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your graphic designer/illustrator 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 designer/illustrator 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 designer/illustrator resume templates
Build a professional graphic designer/illustrator 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 designer/illustrator resume.
Apply for graphic designer/illustrator jobs
Now it's time to start searching for a graphic designer/illustrator job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:
- Browse job boards for relevant postings
- Consult your professional network
- Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
- Watch out for job scams
How did you land your first graphic designer/illustrator job
Are you a graphic designer/illustrator?
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Average graphic designer/illustrator salary
The average graphic designer/illustrator salary in the United States is $45,124 per year or $22 per hour. Graphic designer/illustrator salaries range between $32,000 and $63,000 per year.
What am I worth?
How do graphic designer/illustrators rate their job?
Graphic designer/illustrator reviews
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
When working with others who can not make up their minds as deadline approaches nor take responsibility and blames others for their own "misdoings".
Creativity, Innovation, Intact Brand Integrity through Brand Guidelines
Interference in mid of work.
The ability to communicate with letters and images for to me its the loudess means of communication.
I dislike being un-informed or not being informed on time, For information and time is a essential to me. My time is precious.
Updated January 8, 2025
