Looking for a creative and dynamic career path? Consider becoming a graphic designer! As a graphic designer, you’ll have the opportunity to bring ideas to life through visual communication.
Whether you’re designing logos, websites, or marketing materials, your work will have a significant impact on how people perceive and interact with brands. With strong design skills, attention to detail, and a passion for innovation, you can build a rewarding career in graphic design. Learn more about what it takes to succeed in this exciting field today!
Career Overview
Graphic design has changed a lot in recent times with the advancement of technology and the increase of brand identity importance. A career in graphic design centres around visual commication where words and images are used to communicate a message or idea to an audience.Â
In general, graphic designers will be involved in working on various products and activities (including websites, books, product packaging) where you will receive a brief from a creative director, client or account manager to develop an appropriate visual.
Required School Subjects
You will not need to have taken specific subjects in high school; however, you will need to meet the minimum requirements for the university, university of technology or private college that you would like to study at. This is likely to include a portfolio.
Recommended subjects:
- Visual Arts
- Engineering Graphics and Design (EGD)
- Design
Institution and APS
The following institutions are highly recommended for studies in Graphic Design:
- University of Johannesburg (UJ) – APS of 23 (with Mathematics) or 24 (with Mathematical Literacy)Â
- North West University (NWU) – APS of 24
- University of Pretoria (UP) – APS of 30
- University of Stellenbosch – no APS requirement so you need to get the best marks you can
- Cape Penninsula University of Technology (CPUT) – no specific APS required
- Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) – APS of 27
- Durban University of Technology (DUT) – no specific APS required
Required Qualification/s
The specific qualifications required for a graphic designer can vary depending on the employer and the position, but there are some general qualifications that can be helpful in pursuing a career in this field.
Most graphic design positions require at least a bachelor’s degree in graphic design or a related field, such as visual communication or digital media. In addition to formal education, employers often look for candidates with a strong portfolio that showcases their design skills and creative problem-solving abilities.
Graphic designers should also have a strong understanding of design software such as Adobe Creative Suite, and be familiar with design principles such as typography, colour theory and composition. Strong communication and collaboration skills are also important, as graphic designers often work as part of a team with clients, other designers, and marketing professionals.
Finally, staying up-to-date with industry trends and new technology is important for graphic designers to remain competitive in the job market and produce high-quality work.
Required Skills
You will need to have the following skill set in order to succeed as a graphic designer:
- creativity
- be a team player (especially when working within project teams)
- time management
- research skills
- ability to work independently
- analytical skills
Where You Can Work
Most industries require graphic designers, meaning there are plenty of opportunities for you to find work in a variety of industries. Some areas in which you could find work include:
- corporate design
- marketing and advertising design
- publication design
- environmental design
- packaging design
- motion design
Companies need brand identity, marketing and other forms of visual communication. You could work for retail companies, publishers, magazines or computer game companies, to name a few. There is also the prospect of working as a freelancer if you are eager to work-from-home and would like to start your own business as a graphic designer.Â
Working Hours
As a graphic designer, your working hours will vary depending on the environment that you are working in. On average, you may work a 40-hour week. However, you might need to work longer when deadlines are approaching. Whether you are working as a freelancer or for a company, graphic designers generally have to work hard and have to put in extra hours when deadlines are imminent.Â
Salary
In general, a graphic designer’s salary varies depending on the area you work in. However, the average annual salary for a Graphic Designer in South Africa is +-R168 168, with the mean entry-level annual salary being +-R106,579 per year.
What to Expect From Your Role as a Graphic Designer
Here are a few things you can expect from your role as a graphic designer:
- long periods spent in front of the computerÂ
- working in a team on design projects
- if you choose the freelance route, you could be working in shared studio spaces/offices
- this is a reputation-based career where the quality of your work could define your level of demand (and your job satification)
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