Essential Insights for Graphic Designers
In the dynamic world of graphic design, employers are on the lookout for candidates who possess a unique blend of technical skills, creative abilities, and soft skills, all aligned with emerging industry trends. With a growing focus on versatility and digital proficiency, the demand for graphic designers has never been higher.
Employers today value strong proficiency in industry-standard software such as Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign), Adobe XD, Sketch, Figma, and After Effects. Experience in user experience and interface design, including prototyping and responsive design, is increasingly important due to the growing emphasis on digital products and web design. Knowledge of HTML/CSS often complements design work, particularly for designers involved with web projects.
Skills in motion graphics, 3D modeling, packaging design, typography, branding and identity, and graphic optimization for web are highly valued. Beyond hands-on design, employers also value abilities to manage projects, lead teams, collaborate effectively across departments, and work with clients. Communication, attention to detail, critical thinking, adaptability, innovation, and continuous learning are key attributes highlighted for success.
The rise of digital marketing and online platforms has pushed graphic designers to develop skills beyond print, emphasizing UX/UI and interactive digital design. Employers increasingly expect designers to contribute to measurable business outcomes, such as reducing website bounce rates or driving sales growth, highlighting the strategic role of design.
The ability to manage multiple projects independently and across industries has become more desirable, reflecting growth in freelance and remote work. Ongoing certification and upskilling, like UX design professional certificates, are valued to keep pace with evolving technologies and methodologies.
The institution offers online degree and certificate programs in graphic design, equipping graduates with the necessary skills to meet these demands. Graduates should have projects under their belt, such as single-page large format designs, advertisements, magazines and multipage work, photo compositing, basic illustration, basic web pages, social media campaigns, and product design comping.
Graduates should also be knowledgeable in design fundamentals, including composition, color, typography, hierarchy, sketching and concepting, general aesthetics, presentation skills, design process, photo retouching, photography, color adjustment, photo compositing, vector illustration, basic copywriting, marketing, and design history.
Additional programs such as AfterEffects, Lightroom, and Bootstrap are beneficial to know. Graduates are advised to have a small, good portfolio rather than a large one with poorer work. Internships during school can help meet the experience requirement for entry-level jobs.
The institution's Advisory Board is a group of design industry educators and hiring managers who conduct an annual workplace assessment and program review to ensure programs adapt to market changes. Employers in tech, retail, PR, small firms, and big corporations are seeking graphic designers with experience and degrees.
It is essential for graduates to spellcheck and use a competent proofreader for cover letters, resumes, and portfolios. Alison King, a member of the Graphic Design Advisory Board and an educator and writer specializing in midcentury modern architecture and design, promotes design education through various means, including message boards, meetups, seminars, workshops, tours, film screenings, art shows, and social media.
In summary, graphic design employers in 2022 prioritise candidates with strong expertise in Adobe tools and UX/UI design, complemented by soft skills like communication and adaptability, reflecting a dynamic industry shifted towards digital-first, client-centric, and results-oriented design work.
- A graphic design graduate should have a well-rounded portfolio that showcases skills in UX/UI design, motion graphics, 3D modeling, packaging design, typography, branding and identity, and graphic optimization for web, in addition to strong proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, Adobe XD, Sketch, Figma, and After Effects.
- Given the growing focus on digital marketing and online platforms, it's advantageous for graphic designers to develop skills in interactive digital design and be able to contribute to measurable business outcomes such as reducing website bounce rates or driving sales growth.
- Beyond hands-on design, employers seek graphic designers who can manage projects, lead teams, collaborate effectively across departments, and work with clients, emphasizing the strategic role of design in today's business environment.
