Graphic designer
Use your creative skills to design the look of websites, packaging, adverts and more.
About the job
What it's like
You would use your creative skills to design the look of websites, packaging, adverts and more.
Companies would rely on you to come up with eye-catching designs that will draw in more customers.
You could be working on anything from corporate projects where design requirements are very clear, to smaller jobs where you would be able to let your creativity run wild.Â
On a typical project, you might:
discuss the project with clients and colleagues
brainstorm ideas and develop plans for creating motion graphics
work out costs for the project
choose the best materials and style
make rough sketches or computer visuals to show the client
convert still images into moving graphics to grab the viewer's attention
use specialist computer software to prepare designs
produce a final layout with exact specifications for typefaces, letter sizes and colours
ensure that budgets and deadlines are met
You may also produce 3D designs for packaging, exhibitions and displays.
Hours
You'll usually work from around 9am to 5pm, but you'll need to work longer hours when there are deadlines to meet.
As a freelance graphic designer, your hours would vary depending on the work you get.
Environment
You'll usually be based in a studio or office, but may spend some time visiting clients and printers.
Travel
You may spend some time visiting clients and printers.
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Related industries
Many jobs can be done in lots of different industries. We've highlighted the ones we think are most important for this job.
Digital technologies Creative
Top skills
Skills are things you're good at. Whether you know what yours are or not, everyone has them!
It's useful to learn which ones are important in a job so you know the areas you need to brush up on. It can also help you work out if you're suited to a career.
Top specialised skills
These are the top specialised skills that have been found in job vacancies across Scotland. From March 2024 to March 2025.
- graphic design
- adobe illustrator
- adobe photoshop
- adobe indesign
- adobe creative suite
- typography
- motion graphics
- visual communications
- marketing concepts
- promotional merchandise
Meta skills
Here are some of the meta skills you'll need to do this job.
- time management
- developing a plan
- attention to detail
- problem solving
- innovative
- designing
- creative
- working with technology
- verbal communication
Your skills are important
Our unique skillsets are what make us stand out from the crowd. Learn about each skill in depth and discover what employers look for in your applications and interviews.
Getting in
Explore each section to find more information about getting into this career.
Colleges and universities will list subjects you'll need for entry to a course. Some useful subjects include:
Art and Design
Art and Design (Design)
Computing Science
English and Communication
Graphic Communication
Skills for Work: Creative Digital Media
Foundation Apprenticeship: Creative and Digital Media
You can get a head start in this career by doing a Foundation Apprenticeship in S5 and S6.
You'll get an SCQF level 6 qualification which is the same level as a Higher. You'll also learn new skills and gain valuable experience in a work environment.
Discover what's on offer at your school on Apprenticeships.scot.
Most graphic designers have a Higher National Certificate (SCQF level 7), Higher National Diploma (SCQF level 8) or a degree (SCQF level 9/10) in Graphic or Visual Communication or Art and Design.
You can enter some Art and Design or Graphic Design National Certificate or National Qualification courses (SCQF level 5) with no formal qualifications but most courses require National 4/5 qualifications (SCQF level 4/5).
You can enter Higher National Certificate (SCQF level 7) or Higher National Diploma courses (SCQF level 8) with National 4/5 qualifications and one to two Highers or equivalent qualifications.
To enter a degree (SCFQ level 9/10) requires National 5 qualifications and a minimum of four Highers or a relevant HNC/HND.
Qualifications that show creative, digital and visual communication skills such as Skills for Work Creative Digital Media (SCFQ level 4) or Creative Industries (SCFQ level 5).
Work-based qualifications such as a Diploma in Creative and Digital Media (SCQF level 7).
You will generally need a portfolio of your work when applying to courses and to jobs.
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