Career As a GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Prepared for CMNS 1140 KPU Students

Summer 2023
Instructor: Karen Vance
Kwantlen Polytechnic University

Prepared by
Ramandeep Singh
100433961
Kwantlen Polytechnic University

04/11/2023

1
Summer 2021 Template
 MEMO
To: CMNS 1140 KPU Students
From: Ramandeep Singh, 100433961
Date: 2023-04-09
Re: Career as a Graphic Designer

Dear CMNS 1140 KPU Students, I am glad to submit the enclosed report and present this in-depth
research on graphic designers. The report's goal was to examine the duties and obligations of a graphic
designer. The report emphasises the many kinds of design jobs that are available on the market and gives
an outline of the abilities and credentials needed to become a successful graphic designer and data
provided in the report is collected through various recognizable sites.

The report deeply focuses to provide an overview of the skills and qualifications required to become a
graphic designer while also covering salary aspect of graphic designers according to their experience in
this field. After conducting extensive research, the report concludes that a successful graphic designer
must have a combination of technical skills, creativity, and effective communication. It also highlights the
importance of staying up to date with the latest design trends and technologies in order to remain
competitive in the job market as the demand of digital media is increasing in the market.
There are various recommendations that I found out while researching regarding the topic such as build a
strong portfolio, keep up with the software and industry trends and various other things.

I would like to express my appreciation for the opportunity to work on this report and I am very grateful
to Karen Vance who helped me making the report and guiding me through every way possible and her
valuable insights and support have contributed greatly to the success of this report.

I conclude by expressing my hope that anyone considering a career in graphic design will find this study
to be a beneficial resource. Please don't hesitate to get in touch with me if you have any questions or need
further help. I am always available to answer questions and offer my assistance. I appreciate the chance to
help with this initiative.

Sincerely,
Ramandeep Singh

2
Summer 2021 Template
 TABLE OF CONTENTS

Introduction 1

Discuss Of Findings 1
Education, Skills and Experience Requirement 1-2
Figure 1. Explaining educational requirements 2
Salary/Pay of Graphic Designer 3-4
Figure 2. Explaining Salary across regions 3

Conclusion 4

Recommendations 5

References 6

3
Summer 2021 Template
 Graphic Designer
INTRODUCTION

The creation of visual content to convey ideas and messages to groups is a specialty of graphic designers.
Websites, social media graphics, brochures, ads, logos, and packaging are all examples of visual material.
The objective of a graphic designer is to produce a design that not only looks good but also communicates
a strong emotional message.

Beginning in the early 20th century, graphic design has a lengthy and fascinating past. During this period,
designers and artists started experimenting with novel methods and aesthetics, such as Art Deco and
Bauhaus, which placed an emphasis on functionality, clarity, and simplicity. Graphic designers today are
crucial in influencing how people and businesses interact with the outside world because graphic design
has developed over time to become an essential part of marketing and branding.

Graphic designers may work in a range of areas including web and digital design, motion design,
advertising, branding and marketing. Illustrators may specialize in children’s books, advertising,
editorials and medical, scientific and technical illustration, as well as multimedia and digital design.

A degree in graphic design, fine arts, or a related field is usually required to become a graphic designer.
In addition to a formal education, having a powerful portfolio of work that showcases one's abilities and
creativity is crucial. Additionally, graphic designers must remain current.

DISCUSSION OF FINDINGS
What kind of schooling is needed to become a graphic designer? What more
training or competencies are required to become a graphic designer? How are
these obtained?
There are several educational criteria that you must fulfil in order to become a graphic designer. A
bachelor's degree in graphic design or a related area, like the fine arts or visual communication, is
typically required. Although a four-year degree is increasingly important in the field of graphic design, in
some instances an associate degree or certificate may be sufficient. You will study typography, color
theory, design fundamentals, and software packages like Adobe Creative Suite during your schooling.
Additionally, you might get the chance to finish internships or work on actual design projects, which can
help you gain useful experience and develop your portfolio. Additionally, maintaining competitiveness
requires continuing professional development and keeping up with the most recent design trends and
technologies.
This all can be further explained with the table given below:

4
Summer 2021 Template
 Educational Requirements Description

High School Diploma At a minimum, graphic designers typically need a high school
diploma or equivalent, such as a GED.

Bachelor’s Degree A four-year program that offers in-depth knowledge of graphic

design, typography, color theory, and software skills, along with
the opportunity to complete internships and build a portfolio.

Master’s Degree A two-year program that provides advanced knowledge and skills
in graphic design, research, and theory, which can lead to career
advancement.

Some graphic designers may choose to complete a certificate

Certificate Programs
program in graphic design, which typically takes less than a year
to complete. These programs provide a focused education on
specific skills related to graphic design, such as Adobe Photoshop
or typography.

Figure 1. Source- US Bureau of Labor Statistics (2021)

A university degree in visual arts, with a concentration in graphic design, or an equivalent, is often
required for graphic designers and illustrators.

Other standards for professionals could be:

Talent for the arts and creativity
Certification from the Design Professionals of Canada (DPC) or the Association of Registered Graphic
Designers (RGD) (DesCan)
For people interested in medical, technical, or scientific illustration, training in biology, engineering,
architecture, or a scientific discipline is recommended.
a strong portfolio that demonstrates your talents so that potential clients and employers may view them.
Candidates for RGD Certification must have seven years of combined appropriate education and
professional work experience. Candidates must pass an online, open-book, multiple-choice exam.
The CDP Certification through DesCan requires applicants to have a minimum of six years of combined
education and professional practice experience. Applicants will be asked to submit five case studies of
their work which will be reviewed by the National Certification Board review panel. (Work BC n.d.)

A Graphic Design degree program can also help us create a solid foundation to build our design career on.
Not only will we refine your technical skills in industry standard software, but also develop our
transferable soft skills. Graphic Designers tend to have a variety of career paths given the breadth of
applications for visual design skills.
A linear graphic design career path might see someone eventually achieve a more senior title like Art
Director, Brand Manager, or Creative Director. Those with an interest in web development might apply
their graphic design skills and follow the web development career branch. Depending on their specific
skills, someone with a background in Graphic Designer jobs could lean more heavily on the design side
and apply for jobs as a Web Designer or UX/UI Designer, or if they have programming skills, pursue a
job as a Developer (likely focused on the front end). Graphic design skills might also be coveted in jobs
relating more closely to product development or software development. (Rasmussen University Graphic
Designer Guide)
5
Summer 2021 Template
What is the average salary of a Graphic Designer? What is the difference
between entry level and experienced workers? How does location impact the
pay?

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for graphic designers was
$50,710 in May 2021. The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned
more than that amount, and half earned less. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $31,310, and the
highest 10 percent earned more than $98,260. However, the actual pay can differ based on several
variables, including the degree of experience, location, industry, and specific job responsibilities.
In May 2021, the median annual wages for graphic designers in the top industries in which they worked
were as follows:

Specialized design services $58,610

Advertising, public relations, and related services 52,050
Newspaper, periodical, book, and directory publishers 44,540
Printing and related support activities 39,090

The pay of Graphic Designer according to the various regions is given in the data below:

Community (Area) Low ($/hour) Median ($/hour) High ($/hour)

Canada 18.30 28.00 43.27

Alberta 21.25 31.00 41.21
British Columbia 20.00 30.00 50.00
Manitoba 14.50 21.63 33.33
New Brunswick 17.60 27.18 42.00
Newfoundland and 17.60 27.18 42.00
Labrador
Nova Scotia 17.60 24.40 45.67
Ontario 18.00 28.00 41.76
Prince Edward Island 14.50 23.08 41.03
Quebec 18.00 25.81 43.27
Saskatchewan 15.00 25.67 40.00
Yukon Territory 22.35 27.18 33.18

Figure 2. Source- Job Bank

The degree of expertise and amount of professional experience that distinguishes beginning graphic
designers from more seasoned ones. Graphic designers with less than three years of experience are
usually recent graduates or newcomers to the industry. They might oversee simple design duties like
developing layouts and images for marketing materials, as well as working under the direction of a more
seasoned designer.

However, seasoned graphic designers have accumulated a substantial body of work and have years of
expertise under their belts. They may oversee junior designers and are frequently in charge of more
complicated design tasks. Professional graphic artists may also have specialized knowledge in areas like
web design, motion graphics, or UX planning. (Rasmussen University Graphic Designer Guide)

6
Summer 2021 Template
Entry-level graphic designers in Canada usually make between $35,000 and $45,000 CAD annually.
Depending on the location, industry, and size of the firm, this may differ. On the other hand, experienced
graphic designers can make considerably more money, with an annual salary averaging between
CAD$60,000 and CAD$70,000. Senior graphic designers or design supervisors can make even more
money, with salaries between 80,000 and 100,000 Canadian dollars annually.

The extent of the gap between the estimated total numbers of new job searchers and job opportunities for
the entire projection period (2022–2031) is analyzed along with an evaluation of labor market
circumstances in recent years to establish the expected outlook of an occupation. The goal is to ascertain
if the current labor market conditions (surplus, balance, or shortage) are anticipated to remain the same or
change from 2022 through 2031. The projections are used, for example, to determine whether a situation
where there aren't enough job seekers to fill openings (a worker shortage) in a particular occupational
group will persist over the projection period or if the occupation itself will improve.
The examination of important labor market variables, including job openings, employment growth, and
the unemployment rate, indicates that for the 2019–2021 period, there was enough supply to meet demand
in this occupational group.

Over the five-year period 2022–2031, there are projected to be 27,300 new job vacancies for graphic
designers and illustrators (due to expansion need and replacement demand), while 33,000 new job seekers
(due to school dropouts, immigration, and mobility) are anticipated to be available to fill them.
The equilibrium between labor supply and demand witnessed in recent years is anticipated to persist
during the projection period as job openings and job seekers are likely to be at relatively comparable
levels over the 2022–2031 period.

Overall, there is plenty of space for growth and advancement in the field of graphic design, even though
entry-level designers may begin with a lower salary. Graphic designers can increase their earning
potential and take on more demanding and satisfying design projects as they gain expertise and develop
specialized skills. (Job Bank,2023)

CONCLUSIONS
According to my research on the topic of Graphic Designer, in order to persuade in this field, one needs a
bachelor's degree in graphic design or a related field, although some may accept candidates with an
associate degree or equivalent experience. Coursework in design principles, typography, and software
such as Adobe Creative Suite is typically required.
Many companies are looking for Graphic Designers with some real-world experience. There are several
ways you can gain this experience. While relevant work experience is preferable for many employers,
personal projects, volunteer projects, and internships can all showcase your skills.
Most graphic design jobs will require a minimum of one year of experience, though smaller companies
tend to be more lenient. If you do not have much experience, a strong portfolio with a range of personal
projects can help interest employers. Even as you apply for graphic design jobs, you can start freelancing
right away to further build your portfolio.
As I researched about the topic more and more, I found out that demand for graphic designers would rise:
With the growth of digital media, there will likely be a greater need for graphic designers who can
produce attractive and useful designs for websites, social media platforms, and other digital channels.

Emphasis on user experience design: As businesses place more and more emphasis on developing
designs that offer excellent user experiences, user experience (UX) design professionals are in high
demand.

7
Summer 2021 Template
Growing significance of mobile design: Businesses are emphasizing mobile-friendly design more and
more as more people use mobile devices to access the internet. There is a great demand for graphic
designers who can produce functional mobile designs.

RECOMMENDATIONS
Here are some of the recommendations I would like to discuss:

1. Pursue a degree or coursework in graphic design: To become a graphic designer, it is recommended

that you pursue a degree in graphic design or a related field, or at least take some relevant coursework.
This will provide you with a strong educational foundation in design principles, software, and industry
trends.

2. Build a Strong Portfolio: Create a body of work that demonstrates your creativity, technical
proficiency, and understanding of design concepts in order to build a great portfolio, which is essential for
getting hired as a graphic designer. By accepting design assignments from school clubs, neighborhood
associations, or nonprofit organizations, you can begin developing your portfolio.

3.Keep up with software and industry trends: It's critical to keep up with the most recent trends and
tools because the graphic design profession is always changing. This can involve going to conferences,
reading trade journals, and experimenting with cutting-edge software and design methods.

8
Summer 2021 Template
REFERENCES

Job Bank (2022, December). Graphic Designers and Illustrators (NOC 52120). Retrieved from
https://www.jobbank.gc.ca/marketreport/occupation/5747/ca

Rasmussen University. 9 Perks of Being a Graphic Designer You Shouldn’t Overlook. (n.d.).
Retrieved from https://www.rasmussen.edu/degrees/design/blog/perks-of-being-graphic-
designer/

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2022, September 8) Graphic Designers: Occupational Outlook
Handbook Retrieved from
https://www.bls.gov/ooh/arts-and-design/graphicdesigners.htm#:~:text=computer
%20software%20packages.- ,Graphic%20designers%20create%20visual%20concepts%2C
%20using%20computer%20softwar e%20or%20by,brochures%2C%20magazines%2C%20and
%20reports

Work BC (2021, December). Graphic Designers and Illustrators (NOC 5241). Retrieved from
https://www.workbc.ca/career-profiles/graphic-designers-and-illustrators

9
Summer 2021 Template