Graphic designers create visual communications such as adverts, branding, publicity materials and magazine layouts.

Responsility:  

• liaising with clients to determine their requirements, timescale and budget.
• managing client proposals from typesetting through to graphic design, print and production.
• working with clients’ ideas and managing their expectations.
• developing concepts, graphics and layouts, including making decisions about fonts, images, readability and readers’ needs.
• determining size and arrangement of copy and illustrative material, as well as font style and size.
• preparing rough drafts of material based on an agreed brief.
• keeping clients up to date, listening to and acting on feedback, and explaining the rationale behind graphic design decisions.
• reviewing final layouts and suggesting improvements if required.
• keeping up to date with design and software trends.
• liaising with external printers or production teams to ensure deadlines are met and material is printed or presented to the highest quality.

In-house graphic designers work mainly typical office hours but may need to work longer when deadlines are approaching. You can also work as a freelance graphic designer and set your own hours but again, these are likely to be longer when projects are due.

Key Skills:

• Excellent IT skills, especially with design and photo-editing software.
• Exceptional creativity and innovation.
• Excellent time management and organisational skills.
• Accuracy and attention to detail.
• An understanding of the latest trends and their role within a commercial environment.
• Professional approach to time, costs and deadlines.