Description

Graphic artists create visuals of a broad range of styles, such as brochures, advertisements, screen-printed T-shirts, logos, signs and product illustrations, websites and much more. Graphic artists work on their own or in a team of photographers, illustrators as well as writers in order to satisfy the needs of design of clients from all areas. The designer determines the dimensions and arrangement of the visual elements in order to improve interaction between clients and an audience.

Since graphic design is an emerging and fast-growing area, traditional qualifications such as an undergraduate degree or many years' experience usually less important to potential employers as is the level of work done by an individual. Graphic artists who are employed in the market must maintain an impressive portfolio of work that best reflects their aesthetics and technical abilities. Computer-savvy skills are a must for graphic artists in today's contemporary market. A thorough understanding of design software such as Adobe Photoshop, InDesign as well as Illustrator are widely accepted as standard in the field. The benefit of a formal training on graphic design includes the availability of time and funds to acquire these specialized abilities and portfolios that reflects the artist following the completion of their studies.

There is no single job scenario that can be described as typical for all graphic artists. Graphic artists are often seeking work with traditional companies in fields such as journalism, advertising or entertainment. A lot of them are employed by real estate agents and universities, non-profit organisations and other seemingly not-related organizations, which proves that almost all industries could benefit from having a visual presence. A few of them work as freelancers, interacting to clients individually. The freedom of freelance work offers a lot of flexibility and diversity, but often with the risk of instability.

Roles & Responsibilities

As a Graphic Artist with 3-6 years of experience in the United Kingdom, your main responsibilities include:

  • Developing visually compelling designs for various projects, including print materials, digital graphics, and branding collateral.
  • Collaborating with clients and team members to understand project requirements, objectives, and target audience.
  • Executing design concepts using industry-standard software and tools, ensuring high-quality deliverables within deadlines.
  • Conducting design research, staying updated with industry trends, and incorporating innovative and effective design elements into your work.

Qualifications & Work Experience

For a Graphic Artist job role, the following qualifications are required:

  • Proficiency in graphic design software such as Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign, to create visually appealing and engaging designs.
  • Creativity and an eye for detail to develop original concepts and designs that align with client requirements and brand guidelines.
  • Strong understanding of color theory, typography, and layout principles to effectively communicate through visual elements.
  • Ability to collaborate with a team, including clients, copywriters, and marketers, to ensure the successful execution of design projects.

Essential Skills For Graphic Artist

1

Web Design

2

Design Thinking

3

Graphic Design

4

Editorial Planning

5

Graphical User Interface

Skills That Affect Graphic Artist Salaries

Different skills can affect your salary. Below are the most popular skills and their effect on salary.

Adobe Photoshop

8%

Career Prospects

The role of a Graphic Artist is crucial in the creative industry, particularly for individuals with 3-6 years of experience in the United Kingdom. If you're looking for alternative roles, here are following options to consider:

  • Art Director: A position that involves overseeing and coordinating artistic activities, managing a team of artists, and ensuring the creative vision is brought to life.
  • UI/UX Designer: A role focused on designing user interfaces and experiences for digital platforms, combining creativity with an understanding of user behavior and interaction.
  • Branding Specialist: A position that involves developing and implementing brand strategies, creating visual identities, and maintaining brand consistency across various channels.
  • Motion Graphic Designer: A role that specializes in creating animated graphics and visual effects for video content, utilizing software and creative skills to enhance storytelling.

How to Learn

The role of Graphic Artist in the United Kingdom is projected to experience significant growth in the market. According to a 10-year analysis, there will be a surge in employment opportunities for Graphic Artists in the future. With the continuous advancement in technology and increased demand for visual content, this creative field is expected to thrive. Google's latest data points suggest a strong market outlook for Graphic Artists, indicating a positive trajectory for the job role. As the digital landscape expands and businesses embrace visual communication, Graphic Artists are likely to be in high demand, making it a promising career path in the United Kingdom.