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Graphic Designer duties and responsibilities

The duties and responsibilities of a Graphic Designer include:

  • Translating client needs and branding strategies into design strategies

  • Designing visual concepts using graphic design tools including design software

  • Selecting colors, fonts, photographs, layouts and other design elements to communicate creative concepts

  • Collaborating with art directors, branding experts, front end developers, marketing, content and other professionals to create media

  • Articulating and pitching design concepts to clients, art directors and others

Graphic Designer skills and qualifications

Graphic Designers need a wide range of skills to visually convey concepts. Important skills and qualifications include:

  • Mastery of graphic design software

  • Solid knowledge of design and visual principles

  • Demonstrated portfolio showing creative, design and software skills

  • Ability to evaluate choices critically, with the customer needs in mind

  • Ability to communicate design choices clearly

  • Great multi-tasking skills and ability to work under pressure

Graphic Designer salary expectations

The average Graphic Designer’s salary is $17 an hour. Pay rates can vary greatly, depending on a designer’s creative talent, experience and responsibilities.

Graphic Designer education and training requirements

Most Graphic Designers have a bachelor’s degree in art, graphic design or a related field. Many companies make exceptions, however, for candidates with stellar portfolios or real-world experience. Some applicants may also have associate’s degrees or additional training completed from community colleges or graphic design programs.

Graphic Designer experience requirement

Even entry-level Graphic Designers need experience. Many degree programs help student designers build portfolios while studying, and all candidates should have examples of their work. Midlevel Graphic Designers will have portfolios demonstrating professional work including pieces from specific campaigns or projects.

Copywriter duties and expectations

Copywriter job descriptions run the gamut from print to web, and ads to longer-form content. Copywriters work for agencies or in-house, so specific copywriter job descriptions will vary depending on the function, goals and needs of the employer. Fundamental job requirements generally include:

  • Writing clear, concise and grammatically correct copy

  • Driving the creation of original concepts that result in effective and compelling communication

  • Understanding different language styles that appeal to various target markets

  • Developing and maintaining a clear and consistent brand voice

  • Experience with web markup language and search engine optimization

  • Familiarity with commonly used style guides

  • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills

  • Self-motivated and organized

Professional experience and skills

Copywriter job descriptions often indicate that experience is valued over education. If you don't have a degree in writing, you can still find a job with a portfolio of great work. Even if you're just starting out, you likely have writing samples to show, such as website copy you developed for a pro bono project.

A diverse portfolio will feature a variety of media and formats: print ads, television, radio, digital ad banners, search engine optimized (SEO) web content, blog posts, bylines and direct marketing email.

Good written and verbal communication skills are vital because you'll be interacting with teams and clients. You'll need to explain, sell and defend your ideas, while remaining open to feedback and constructive criticism. Creativity, attention to detail, adaptability and marketing knowledge are also required.

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