Welcome to the Graphic Design Career Community!
As a graduate with a degree in Graphic Design, you can pursue a career as a Graphic Designer, creating visual concepts and designs for various mediums such as print, digital, and advertising. Graphic design is an important element to creating appealing applications, products, content and advertisements. Those pursuing a graphic design degree might think being a graphic designer is the most common career path, but the degree provides the foundation for several career options in many fields. Learning about the possible career paths to pursue with this degree may help you better understand your potential job opportunities!

What Can I Do With My Degree? Graphic Design
A graphic design degree can lead to many careers, including art direction, web design, and user experience (UX) design!
- You may specialize in User Interface (UI) or User Experience (UX) Design, focusing on enhancing the usability and aesthetics of digital interfaces. Graduates can become Art Directors, leading creative teams, overseeing design projects, and ensuring the visual consistency of artistic elements.
- Some may choose to work as Branding and Identity Designers, developing visual identities for companies, products, or events to establish a strong brand presence.
- Opportunities also exist in the field of Web Design, where graduates can design and optimize websites for a seamless user experience. Additionally, a career in Illustration allows graduates to showcase your artistic talents in creating visually compelling and narrative illustrations for various purposes.
Explore Career Paths
Junior Graphic Designer: Entry-level graphic designers work on various design projects, gaining hands-on experience and developing their skills in visual communication.
Production Artist: Graduates can start as production artists, assisting in the finalization of design projects, ensuring they meet quality standards and preparing files for printing or digital publishing.
Social Media Graphic Designer: Entry-level roles in social media graphic design involve creating visual content for social media platforms, enhancing brand presence, and engaging audiences with compelling visuals.
Junior UI/UX Designer: Those interested in user interface and user experience design can begin as junior UI/UX designers, contributing to the design of digital interfaces and focusing on user-centered design principles.
Marketing Design Assistant: Entry-level positions in marketing design involve supporting marketing teams by creating visually appealing materials, such as brochures, flyers, and promotional materials.
Assistant Brand Designer: Graduates can start as assistants in branding, contributing to the development and maintenance of visual brand identities, including logos, color schemes, and brand guidelines.
Junior Packaging Designer: Entry-level packaging designers work on creating visually appealing and functional packaging for products, gaining experience in the design and printing processes.
Layout Artist: Graduates can pursue entry-level roles as layout artists, working on the arrangement of visual elements in print or digital media, such as magazines, newspapers, or websites.
Senior Graphic Designer: Mid-level professionals can advance to senior graphic design roles, taking on more complex projects, leading design teams, and contributing to the strategic direction of visual concepts.
UI/UX Design Lead: Graduates can specialize in UI/UX design and progress to mid-level leadership roles, guiding the design of user interfaces and experiences, and ensuring a seamless and visually appealing interaction.
Brand Designer: Mid-level brand designers can take on more significant responsibilities, leading branding projects, managing the visual identity of brands, and contributing to the development of brand guidelines.
Digital Art Director: In digital design, individuals can become mid-level digital art directors, overseeing the visual elements of digital projects, ensuring consistency across platforms, and leading digital design teams.
Packaging Designer Lead: Graduates with expertise in packaging design can progress to mid-level leadership roles, guiding packaging design projects, collaborating with cross-functional teams, and ensuring the visual appeal of product packaging.
Interactive Media Designer: Mid-level interactive media designers can lead the design of interactive and multimedia projects, such as websites, apps, and digital experiences, ensuring engaging and user-friendly designs.
Print Production Manager: Those with a focus on print design can become mid-level print production managers, overseeing the printing process, managing resources, and ensuring the quality and timely delivery of printed materials.
Visual Merchandising Coordinator: Graduates can explore mid-level roles in visual merchandising, designing displays and layouts for retail environments, contributing to the overall visual aesthetics of retail spaces.
Creative Director: At the senior level, individuals can become Creative Directors, overseeing the artistic vision and creative output of design projects, leading design teams, and ensuring the alignment of visual concepts with organizational goals.
Art Director (Advertising/Marketing): Senior Art Directors in advertising or marketing guide visual campaigns, supervise design teams, and contribute to the strategic direction of visual communication to effectively convey brand messages.
Design Director (User Interface/User Experience): Graduates can reach senior roles as Design Directors in UI/UX design, leading design teams, shaping the user experience strategy, and ensuring a cohesive and user-friendly interface across digital platforms.
Brand Strategist: At the senior level, individuals may transition to roles as Brand Strategists, developing and implementing comprehensive branding strategies that encompass visual elements, messaging, and overall brand identity.
Senior Graphic Design Consultant: Graduates can become senior consultants, providing specialized expertise in graphic design to businesses, agencies, or organizations, offering strategic advice and creative solutions.
Design Manager: In senior management roles, individuals can lead design departments as Design Managers, overseeing the execution of design projects, managing resources, and ensuring the quality and creativity of design work.
Chief Creative Officer (CCO): Those with extensive experience may reach the position of Chief Creative Officer, providing visionary leadership for the entire creative department, shaping the artistic direction, and driving innovation.
Illustration Director: Graduates with a focus on illustration can pursue senior roles as Illustration Directors, leading illustration teams, managing artistic projects, and ensuring the delivery of visually captivating and impactful illustrations across various media.

Join Professional Associations & Know Your Skills
Professional associations play a crucial role in connecting graphic designers and media artists, providing networking opportunities, resources, and support. These associations cater to different aspects of graphic design and media arts, providing opportunities for professional development, networking, and recognition within the industry. Joining these organizations can be valuable for staying informed about industry trends, accessing educational resources, and connecting with peers. Here are ten prominent professional associations for graphic design and media arts:
- AIGA – The Professional Association for Design:
- Website: AIGA
- Description: AIGA is one of the largest and oldest professional associations for design. It offers resources, events, and a network for graphic designers.
- Graphic Artists Guild (GAG):
- Website: Graphic Artists Guild
- Description: GAG is a national union of graphic artists advocating for fair treatment and promoting professional standards in the industry.
- International Council of Graphic Design Associations (Icograda):
- Website: Icograda
- Description: Icograda is a global network of graphic design associations, promoting communication and collaboration among designers worldwide.
- Society for Experiential Graphic Design (SEGD):
- Website: SEGD
- Description: SEGD focuses on experiential graphic design, covering areas like wayfinding, exhibition design, and interactive experiences.
- American Institute of Graphic Arts Los Angeles (AIGA LA):
- Website: AIGA LA
- Description: The Los Angeles chapter of AIGA provides a local community for graphic designers in the region.
- Art Directors Club (ADC):
- Website: ADC
- Description: ADC is a global organization recognizing excellence in visual communications. It hosts events, awards, and offers resources for creative professionals.
- Association Typographique Internationale (ATypI):
- Website: ATypI
- Description: ATypI focuses on typography and type design, bringing together professionals and enthusiasts interested in letterforms.
- International Game Developers Association (IGDA) – Game Art SIG:
- Website: IGDA Game Art SIG
- Description: A special interest group within IGDA, the Game Art SIG focuses on the art and design aspects of game development.
- Animation Guild, IATSE Local 839:
- Website: Animation Guild
- Description: The Animation Guild represents animation artists, writers, and technicians, advocating for their rights and promoting industry standards.
- Society of Illustrators:
- Website: Society of Illustrators
- Description: The Society of Illustrators celebrates and promotes the art of illustration, supporting illustrators across various mediums.
Certifications and micro-credentials in graphic design and media arts can enhance skills, validate expertise, and demonstrate proficiency in specific areas of the field. When choosing certifications or micro-credentials, consider your specific interests and career goals within graphic design and media arts. Platforms like Adobe, Autodesk, Coursera, LinkedIn Learning, Pluralsight, and others offer a variety of programs to cater to different skill levels and areas of expertise in the field. Here are some top recommended certifications and micro-credentials for graphic design and media arts:
Certifications:
- Adobe Certified Professional (ACP) – Graphic Design & Illustration Using Adobe Illustrator:
- Offered by Adobe, this certification validates proficiency in Adobe Illustrator, a widely-used graphic design software.
- Adobe Certified Professional (ACP) – Graphic Design & Illustration Using Adobe Photoshop:
- Similar to the Illustrator certification, this Adobe certification focuses on graphic design and illustration using Photoshop.
- Certified Information Designer (CID):
- Offered by the Society for News Design (SND), this certification is for professionals specializing in information design and visual journalism.
- Autodesk Certified Professional (ACP) – Autodesk Maya:
- Validates skills in using Autodesk Maya, a 3D modeling and animation software commonly used in media arts.
- UX Design Institute Professional Diploma in UX Design:
- A comprehensive certification program for User Experience (UX) design, covering principles and practices.
Micro-Credentials:
- Coursera Graphic Design Specialization (CalArts):
- A series of courses covering graphic design fundamentals, typography, color theory, and more.
- LinkedIn Learning Certificates:
- LinkedIn Learning offers certificates for completing courses in graphic design, motion graphics, and other media arts topics.
- Pluralsight Design and Illustration Learning Paths:
- Pluralsight provides learning paths covering various aspects of design and illustration, allowing individuals to focus on specific skills.
- Skillshare Graphic Design Classes:
- Skillshare offers a variety of graphic design classes taught by industry professionals, allowing learners to explore different topics.
- edX MicroMasters Program in Digital Product Management (Boston University):
- This program covers digital product management, a relevant area for individuals in graphic design and media arts involved in digital product development.
- Motion Design School Courses:
- Specialized courses in motion design and animation, suitable for graphic designers interested in dynamic visual communication.
- ArtStation Learning Micro-Courses:
- ArtStation offers micro-courses covering various aspects of digital art, including concept art and character design.
- Shaw Academy Graphic Design Certification:
- A comprehensive graphic design certification program covering design principles, tools, and practical skills.
Graphic design and media arts involve a combination of software tools and skills to create visually compelling and effective designs. Graphic design and media arts professionals often need a combination of technical proficiency in software tools and a strong foundation in design principles. Continuous learning and staying updated on industry trends are crucial for success in this dynamic field. Here are some top recommended software and skills for professionals in graphic design and media arts:
Software:
- Adobe Creative Cloud:
- Adobe Photoshop: For photo editing, image manipulation, and graphic design.
- Adobe Illustrator: Ideal for vector-based design, illustration, and logo creation.
- Adobe InDesign: Used for layout design, desktop publishing, and creating print materials.
- Adobe After Effects: For motion graphics, visual effects, and video editing.
- Adobe Premiere Pro: A video editing software for creating and editing video content.
- CorelDRAW:
- A vector graphics editor for illustrations, page layout, and design.
- Sketch:
- A vector-based design tool for macOS, commonly used in web and UI/UX design.
- Affinity Designer:
- A professional vector graphic design software alternative to Adobe Illustrator.
- Cinema 4D:
- A 3D modeling, animation, and rendering software often used in motion graphics.
- Procreate:
- An illustration app for digital artists and designers on the iPad.
- InVision:
- A prototyping and collaboration tool for UI/UX design.
- QuarkXPress:
- A desktop publishing software for creating print and digital layouts.
- Final Cut Pro:
- A professional video editing software for macOS.
- Autodesk Maya:
- A 3D modeling and animation software widely used in media arts and animation.
Skills:
- Graphic Design Fundamentals:
- Understanding design principles, layout, color theory, and typography.
- Typography:
- Mastery of typefaces, fonts, and text design for effective communication.
- Branding and Logo Design:
- Creating visual identities and memorable logos for brands.
- Illustration:
- Proficiency in creating illustrations and digital art using various tools.
- UI/UX Design:
- Designing user interfaces and ensuring a positive user experience.
- Motion Graphics:
- Creating animated visual content using tools like After Effects and Cinema 4D.
- Print Design:
- Understanding the requirements and techniques for designing print materials.
- Web Design:
- Designing websites and understanding web design principles.
- Photography and Image Editing:
- Basic photography skills and advanced image editing using tools like Photoshop.
- Digital Marketing Design:
- Creating visual content for digital marketing campaigns and social media.
- Storytelling and Communication:
- Effectively conveying messages and stories through visual elements.
- Color Correction and Grading:
- Enhancing and correcting colors in both images and video content.
- Problem-Solving:
- The ability to creatively solve design challenges and meet client needs.
- Adaptability:
- Staying updated on design trends and adapting to new tools and technologies.
Creating Your Digital Portfolio
- Click here to launch SkillsFirst to create your e-portfolio.
- You can also leverage the use of your LinkedIn profile to serve as your digital portfolio. 95% of recruiters utilize LinkedIn to identify qualified candidates and you can be one of those professionals discovered on this powerful tool.
- There are a number of online tools you can utilize to create your professional portfolio and here is an article offering 10 Tips to Create a Winning Graphic Design Portfolio.
- Contact your dedicated career advisor if you need one-on-one guidance at cocecareer@snhu.edu.
Explore Freelance Related Work & Benefit Resources
Freelancers can obtain medical, dental, and vision care through a variety of options tailored to their needs and budgets. Here are several strategies:
- Health Insurance Marketplaces
Affordable Care Act (ACA) Marketplaces: Freelancers can purchase health insurance through state or federal marketplaces. Open enrollment typically occurs annually, but freelancers may qualify for special enrollment periods due to life events (e.g., moving, getting married).
Subsidies: Depending on income, freelancers may qualify for subsidies to reduce premium costs. - Freelancer-Specific Organizations
Groups like Freelancers Union or Local Chambers of Commerce offer access to group insurance plans, which may be more affordable than individual plans.
Some professional associations in specific industries also offer discounted health plans. - Short-Term or Catastrophic Insurance
These plans offer limited coverage for unexpected emergencies and can be an affordable option for those who are primarily concerned about major medical expenses. - Health Sharing Ministries or Cooperatives
These organizations pool resources among members to cover medical costs. While not insurance, they can be a lower-cost alternative. Note that these plans may have restrictions based on religious or lifestyle criteria. - State-Sponsored Programs
Depending on the state, there may be health programs specifically for low-income individuals or families, such as Medicaid or CHIP (for children). - Direct Primary Care (DPC) Memberships
DPC practices charge a flat monthly fee for basic medical services like check-ups, labs, and minor treatments. This model doesn’t include hospitalization or specialist care but can complement catastrophic insurance. - Dental and Vision Insurance
Freelancers can purchase stand-alone dental and vision insurance plans through private insurers or the ACA marketplaces.
Discount plans or in-network savings programs can reduce the cost of routine dental and vision care. - Telemedicine Services
Services like Teladoc or MDLIVE provide remote consultations at affordable rates, which can reduce the need for in-person visits for minor issues. - Health Savings Accounts (HSAs)
If enrolled in a high-deductible health plan (HDHP), freelancers can contribute pre-tax dollars to an HSA to save for medical expenses. - Community Health Clinics
Many cities offer low-cost or sliding-scale medical, dental, and vision services through community health centers.
Additional Tips:
Comparison Shopping: Use websites like Healthcare.gov, eHealthInsurance, or Policygenius to compare plans.
Bundling Services: Some insurers offer discounts when bundling medical, dental, and vision coverage.
Tax Deductions: Freelancers can deduct health insurance premiums on their taxes, reducing the financial burden.
Freelancers can prepare for retirement by taking proactive steps to save and invest strategically, given that they don’t have access to employer-sponsored plans like 401(k)s. Here are some key strategies for freelancers to secure their retirement:
1. Set Up a Retirement Account
Freelancers have access to various tax-advantaged retirement accounts designed for self-employed individuals:
- SEP IRA (Simplified Employee Pension IRA):
- Allows contributions of up to 25% of net earnings or $66,000 (for 2023), whichever is less.
- Contributions are tax-deductible, and funds grow tax-deferred.
- Solo 401(k):
- Available for self-employed individuals with no employees (other than a spouse).
- Allows contributions as both employer and employee, with a combined limit of $66,000 (for 2023) or $73,500 if age 50+.
- Can choose traditional (pre-tax) or Roth (post-tax) contributions.
- Traditional or Roth IRA:
- Annual contribution limit of $6,500 (for 2023), or $7,500 if age 50+.
- Roth IRA contributions grow tax-free and are tax-free upon withdrawal in retirement.
2. Automate Savings
- Set up automatic transfers to retirement accounts monthly or quarterly to ensure consistency.
- Aim to save at least 15-20% of your income, adjusting based on your financial situation and retirement goals.
3. Diversify Investments
- Invest in a mix of stocks, bonds, mutual funds, or ETFs to balance risk and growth potential.
- Consider target-date funds, which automatically adjust the asset allocation as you approach retirement.
4. Build a Health Savings Account (HSA)
- If you have a high-deductible health plan (HDHP), contribute to an HSA.
- Contributions are tax-deductible, grow tax-free, and can be withdrawn tax-free for medical expenses. After age 65, funds can be used for non-medical expenses without penalty (though taxes apply).
5. Create a Budget and Track Expenses
- Understand your income and expenses to determine how much you can realistically save for retirement.
- Adjust spending habits to prioritize retirement savings.
6. Establish an Emergency Fund
- Save 3-6 months’ worth of expenses to protect against unexpected income gaps, reducing the need to dip into retirement savings early.
7. Plan for Social Security
- Freelancers pay both the employer and employee portions of Social Security taxes (15.3%).
- Ensure accurate tax reporting to maximize Social Security benefits during retirement.
8. Work with a Financial Advisor
- A financial planner specializing in self-employment can help you create a tailored retirement strategy and navigate tax implications.
9. Consider Alternative Income Streams
- Invest in rental properties, dividend-paying stocks, or other passive income sources to supplement retirement savings.
- Continue freelancing part-time during retirement, if desired, to ease the transition.
10. Take Advantage of Tax Deductions
- Deduct business-related expenses to reduce taxable income, freeing up more funds for retirement contributions.
11. Revisit Your Plan Annually
- Reassess savings goals, investment performance, and retirement account contributions each year to ensure you’re on track.
Explore Careers By Major

What Can I Do With This Major? features 100 major profiles with information on common jobs and career paths, types of employers that hire in the field, and strategies to maximize opportunities. Scroll to the bottom of each profile for links to professional associations, occupational outlook information, and job search resources.