Should Graphic Design be Considered a Promising Career Option? – Updated

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.  

Over the last couple of decades, the graphic design industry has boomed exponentially. In 2019 alone, the US graphic design industry generated around $15 billion. 

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?

Graphic design involves the creation of stunning visuals such as shapes, texts, and images to create a robust brand image. Graphic design professionals leverage their creative minds to create logos, layouts, and typography. They are hired by both print as well as digital media. 

What is the Basic Qualification Required to Become a Professional Graphic Designer?

To grab a promising job as a professional graphic designer in a reputed company, one needs to have a strong portfolio. The portfolio should match the expectations and requirements of the employing company. 

Also, big companies often seek at least one year of experience and a Bachelor’s Degree in graphic design. 

Careers that You Can Explore as a Graphic Designer

Here is a plethora of career avenues one can pursue as a graphic design professional:

1. UX/UI designer
2. Packaging designer
3. Art director
4. Illustrator
5. Muralist
6. Book cover designer
7. Muralist
8. Graphic design lectuer
9. Creative strategist
10. Content Creator

Expected Salary for Graphic Designers

In the initial days, graphic designers can expect a salary ranging between $40,000 to $49,000. With experience, the salary increases to $83,250. As per specialization, a graphic design professional can expect $89,000 (UX designers), $62,000 (web designers), and $81,000 (UI specialists).

Degrees Necessary for Excelling in Graphic Design Profession

1. Bachelor of Arts in Graphic Design
2. Master of Fine Arts in Graphic Design
3. Associate of Arts in Graphic Design

Certifications for Graphic Designers

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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. 

4. 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. 

5. 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 understands the needs and demands this rapidly changing technological world is bringing with it for our kids. Thus we are on a mission to educate and ignite the flames of entrepreneurship through our holistically created online STEM programs, which will help kids master the futuristic sciences such as Robotics, Game Development, App Development, Advanced Math, and much more!!