Graphic designer
Also known as: commercial graphic designer, graphic design specialist, commercial designer, graphic design expert, graphic artist, advertising artist
About this occupation
Graphic designers create text and images to communicate ideas. They make visual concepts by hand or using computer software, intended for publishing in paper or online media such as advertisements, websites, and magazines.
Essential skills and knowledge
- translate requirement concepts into visual design
- design prototypes
- identify customer's needs
- adapt to type of media
- design graphics
- desktop publishing
- respect publication formats
- perform market research
- copyright legislation
- convert scribbles into virtual sketches
- graphic design
- develop creative ideas
Typical tasks and preparation
From the related US occupation profile Graphic Designers (O*NET 27-1024.00). Linked by an official crosswalk: related, not identical; details vary by country.
- Key information into computer equipment to create layouts for client or supervisor.
- Review final layouts and suggest improvements, as needed.
- Determine size and arrangement of illustrative material and copy, and select style and size of type.
- Develop graphics and layouts for product illustrations, company logos, and Web sites.
- Create designs, concepts, and sample layouts, based on knowledge of layout principles and esthetic design concepts.
- Use computer software to generate new images.
- Typical education (US)
- Bachelor's Degree
- Preparation
- Job Zone 4 of 5
- Interests
- Artistic, Conventional, Enterprising
Top skills: Active Listening, Speaking, Writing, Critical Thinking, Active Learning, Reading Comprehension
US median pay: US$62,960 a year (2025), 197,830 employed. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Subjects this work relies on
How important each subject's knowledge is in the job itself, rated by people doing it (1 to 5).
- Technical DrawingO*NET: DesignExtremely important (4.7)
- Computer StudiesO*NET: Computers and ElectronicsVery important (4.4)
- Fine Art or Music or Drama and TheatreO*NET: Fine ArtsVery important (4.4)
- Media StudiesO*NET: Communications and MediaVery important (4.3)
- English or Literature in EnglishO*NET: English LanguageVery important (3.8)
- Design and TechnologyO*NET: Design + Engineering and TechnologyVery important (3.6)
- Business Studies or EntrepreneurshipO*NET: Administration and ManagementImportant (3.0)
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Preparation needed
Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed
- Most common education (US)
- Bachelor's Degree
- Education
- Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
- Experience
- A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.
- Training
- Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Related occupations
Occupations O*NET links to this one by similar work, skills and knowledge.
- Special Effects Artists and Animators
- Art Directors
- Web and Digital Interface Designers
- Desktop Publishers
- Video Game Designers
- Set and Exhibit Designers
- Commercial and Industrial Designers
- Interior Designers
- Software Developers
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.