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Update: This article was last updated on 10th January 2025 to reflect the accuracy and up-to-date information on the page.
Graphic design, at present, is one of the most sought-after career choices by Graphic design, at present, is one of the most sought-after career choices by creative experts. Businesses, corporate enterprises, companies, brands- everyone requires graphic design experts to create stunning designs which visually appeal to their target audiences. The demand for graphic design professionals is impeccably high across the globe.
Is graphic design a good career? The graphic design industry has expanded exponentially over the last couple of decades. The US graphic design industry alone made around $15 billion in 2019.
According to Zippia, Graphic designers make $49,450 per year on average, or $23.77 per hour, in the United States. Graphic designers on the lower end of that spectrum, the bottom 10%, make roughly $34,000 a year, while the top 10% make $69,000.
If you plan to encourage your kids to pursue the graphic design profession, here’s what you should know!
What Does Graphic Design Involve?
According to Zippia, Graphic designers earn an average salary of $49,450 a year or $23.77 an hour in the United States. Graphic designers on the lower end of that spectrum, the bottom 10%, make about $34,000 a year, while the top 10% make $69,000.
If you intend to encourage your kids to pursue the graphic design profession, here’s what you should know!
What is the Basic Qualification Required to Become a Professional Graphic Designer?
Graphic design is the process of creating amazing graphics like shapes, texts, and images to develop a strong brand image. Is graphic design a good career? Graphic design professionals use their creative minds to design logos, layouts, and typography. They are employed by both print as well as digital media.
10 reasons why graphic design is a great career choice
Explore Your Creativity
The working of a graphic designer as a career by the year 2025 is a dynamic, stimulating field that lets you use your creativity to solve problems and get ideas. Effectively convey your message. It’s a really fulfilling effort.
Make an Impact
Whether your work is used to disseminate positive messages or increase a client’s profitability by drawing in clients, a graphic designer always makes a concrete and significant contribution.
Enjoy the Process
Working in the broad and entertaining field of graphic design prevents you from getting into a rut. The neighborhood is known for having a laid-back, welcoming vibe that strikes a balance between hard work and playfulness.
Constant Learning
The graphic design industry is always changing and offers opportunities to learn new skills in communication, explore the newest technology, and work with new media. This is a highly dynamic sector, and you always have to be prepared for the new.
Job Security
This makes graphic design a career that never goes out of style since the need for them continues to rise between organizations for designing websites, marketing materials, and advertisements. The continuous development of new startups further guaranteed the graphic designers consistent inflow of work.
Flexibility
If you have graphic design talents, then you can opt for working at your convenient hours and may also become a digital nomad, working from any place. Also, there is usually no rigid dress code at the workplace.
Specialize Your Craft
You can narrow your focus to certain areas of interest with graphic design. You determine the nature and style of your job – writing directions for an appliance or designing a beer bottle label.
Financial Benefits
The competition for graphic design jobs is fierce, but outstanding graphic designers are incredibly in demand and command premium prices for their work. With practice and ongoing learning and skill-building, you can grow your pricing over time.
Never-ending Inspiration
The best in the field surrounds the graphic designers. Inspiration is derived from the masterpieces of the greats from yesteryear. The profession changes your outlook towards the world by encouraging you to take in and appreciate the aesthetic beauty that is all around you.
Age Is No Barrier
Anyone is free to do graphic design no matter what the age or nationality. With good effort and curious minds, every individual can develop to the advanced level of becoming a professional graphic designer. Such opportunities are best not to let go of if they are presented through online as well as offline courses. People who invest time learning and adapt their knowledge to be in line with developing trends of their profession will prosper in the long run in a world of graphics design jobs.
Careers that You Can Explore as a Graphic Designer
1. UX/UI Designer
Become the architect of user experiences. Design intuitive interfaces, create user journeys, and make sure websites and apps aren’t just pretty but also painless to use. This path blends design thinking with technical know-how, making it perfect for those who love solving puzzles and obsess over user psychology. If you’re wondering, is graphic design still a good career, the demand for skilled designers in this space proves it absolutely is, especially as businesses prioritize user-centered design.
2. Packaging Designer
Turn the ordinary into a great story. Develop packaging that captures the brand’s personality, makes it stand out on shelf and even enriches the experience of the end user with the product. It is a function requiring an astute knowledge of materials, type and consumer psychology.
3. Art Director
Lead the creative pack. Execute visual campaigns. Oversee a group of designers and ensure all of them follow a brand language consistently across mediums.
This leadership role calls for a vision, communication skills, and the inspiration to motivate people.
4. Illustrator
Let your imagination run wild. Give stories life with stunning illustrations, bring personality to characters, and editorial pieces come alive. This is an art path that calls for creativity, technical ability to use illustration software, and an ability to simplify complex concepts into captivating visuals.
5. Muralist
Let loose and paint the town red (or blue, or green…). Change walls into paintings, renew public places, and narrate tales through giant murals.
Artistic skill, mural painting techniques, and being able to work at a large scale, possibly outdoors, characterize this path.
6. Book Cover Designer
Design the first impression that sells. Design book covers that capture the story’s heart, attract readers, and make them stand out on crowded shelves. This job requires a strong sense of typography, layout, and the ability to visually communicate the essence of a narrative.
7. Graphic Design Lecturer
Share your passion and knowledge. Inspire the next generation of designers by teaching at universities, colleges, or online platforms. This path requires strong communication skills, a love for learning, and the ability to break down complex design concepts into digestible lessons.
8. Creative Strategist
Think beyond the pixels. Create innovative solutions that serve the purpose of brand goals, track market trends, and then build powerful visual communications. The position requires design thinking, business acumen, and the ability to transform abstract ideas into concrete action plans.
9. Content Creator
Be the voice (and visuals) of a brand. Create engaging social media content, design infographics, and develop visually appealing marketing materials. This path requires a strong understanding of online platforms, storytelling skills, and the ability to tailor content to specific audiences.
In addition, there is a real need (for now)
First of all, graphic designers do not find themselves in a wilderness when it comes to employment. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics forecasts that the field will grow 3% over the next ten years, with a hearty dose of 23,900 new positions anticipated. The reason for this consistent need is the constantly changing digital environment, where eye-catching images are king. Every company needs a visual voice, and nobody does it better than an experienced graphic designer-from websites and apps to social media and marketing materials.
Expected Salary for Graphic Designers
Initial stages, and with experience: one can have around $40,000 to $49,000; it would range at $83,250, specialization: A UX designer: about $89,000, Web Design: about $62,000; UI Specialists at $81,000.
Degrees Necessary for Excelling in Graphic Design Profession
- Bachelor of Arts in Graphic Design
- Master of Fine Arts in Graphic Design
- Associate of Arts in Graphic Design
Certifications for Graphic Designers
Adobe Certified Expert To Ace
In order to get ACE certified, one needs to take examinations in Illustrator, Flash, Photoshop, Dreamweaver, and InDesign. There are fees for different exams. And these tests are available online.
Autodesk 3DS Max Certified
Autodesk 3DS Max is a professional 3D computer graphics program that one can use for games, imaging, and animation. Having this certificate can add value to the CV of a graphic design aspirant.
Adobe Certified Professional
This certificate reflects one’s ability to leverage Adobe Creative Cloud software program. The certification program involves 150 hours of instruction. It also requires the students to take the practical examination for the same. The exam can be taken online as well as in person.
Adobe Certified Instructor or ACI
In order to get this certificate, one needs to pass a test and have teaching experience of more than 3 years. This certification can be quite helpful for those who wish to pursue a career as a graphic design instructor.
Freelancing as a Graphic Designer
Over the last 2 to 3 years, the demand for freelance graphic designers has also increased manifolds. The pandemic has taught both clients and professionals the different aspects of remote working. Over time, freelance graphic designers have increased in numbers.
Platforms like LinkedIn, Fiverr, Upwork, etc. testify to the rise in the number of freelance graphic designers.
Freelancing as a graphic designer allows one to work with multiple clients and explore different work opportunities. Experience, portfolio, and a robust personal brand can be immensely beneficial for freelance graphic designers.
Wrapping Up
Without a graphic designer on the team, no brand can do well in personal branding and marketing. So, it is safe to say that graphic designers will be in demand even years down the lane. The only need is to stay upgraded about the latest trends in the industry.
If you want your kids to venture into this industry, then it can be a smart move to enroll them in Moonpreneur’s Power skill class. Professional guidance from the right age can lay a strong foundation for your kid’s graphic design career.
Moonpreneur is dedicated to transforming conventional education, preparing the next generation with comprehensive learning experiences. Our Innovator Program equips students with vital skills in AI/ML, Robotics, Coding, Game Development, and App Development, fostering entrepreneurship through hands-on learning. This initiative aims to cultivate the workforce of tomorrow by integrating innovative technologies and practical skills in school curriculums.
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How can I introduce my kid to graphic designing?
The key is.. LET THEM DESIGN… with pen and paper, once they are sensible and keen enough, buy them a digital device.
For me, after switching my career thrice in a year, graphic designing feels like the right choice for me… It gives me peace as I turn all my stressful thoughts into beautiful creatives.
It is a very safe career option to choose, even if you don’t have highly qualified educational degrees.