How To Get Graphic Design Jobs

Introduction

The human mind processes images up to 60,000 times quicker than text because we take in visuals all at once, while language needs to be read step by step. This is why great design is not just about appearances –  it is about communication, speed & clarity.

And that is exactly what makes graphic design such a valuable skill today. Whether it is for a startup, a Fortune 500 company or a local business trying to stand out online, graphic designers help shape how we see and understand the world around us.

Do you enjoy creating things that look good and make sense? Do you often notice bad posters or confusing app layouts & think, “I could do that better”? Then, graphic design could be the right job for you.

Graphic design is not about drawing pretty pictures. It is about solving problems using colors, words, space & shapes. A graphic designer takes information and turns it into something that is easy to understand and interesting to look at.

This blog will explain what graphic designers do, how much they earn, where to find jobs (especially remote ones) & how to get started, even if you are a complete beginner.

Types of Graphic Design Jobs

Based on the most reliable numbers available the global graphic design market size is $43.4 billion Graphic designers make things like:

Job	Description
Web designer	Designs layouts, visuals, and UI elements for websites and landing pages.
UI/UX Designer	Focuses on user experience and interface design for apps and digital platforms.
Marketing Designer	Designs visuals for ads, emails, social media, and campaigns.
Packaging Designer	Creates product packaging that aligns with brand identity and stands out.
Print Designer	Works on physical materials like brochures, posters, and magazines.
Art Director	Manages design concepts and ensures visual consistency.
Visual Designer	Combines graphic design and UI elements, focusing on aesthetics.
Infographic Designer	Specializes in turning data into engaging visual stories.

Let’s say a company wants to sell a new soap. A designer might create the box, the logo, the ad and even the website. The same design skills apply across many types of work.

Here are the most common ones:

Type of Job	What You Do
Brand Design	Design logos, fonts, and color themes for companies
UI/UX Design	Make apps and websites easier to use and more visually appealing.
Motion Graphics	Create short videos, logo animations and social media reels
Marketing Design	Design posters, ads and email graphics
Packaging Design	Design boxes and wrappers for physical products

Each type of job needs slightly different skills, but the basics …   like layout, color, space and fonts remain the same across all roles.

Essential Skills for a Graphic Designer’s Job

Knowing how to use software is just the start. What really matters is how you think and approach creative challenges.

Good designers:

1. Pay attention to detail
   
2. Know how to choose fonts and colors that align with the message
   
3. Can explain why they made certain choices
   
4. Know how to take feedback
   
5. Solve problems visually
   
6. Can meet deadlines without stress
   

If you enjoy solving puzzles or making messy things clear, Congratulations! you already think like a designer.

What Tools Do You Need to Learn?

Most designers use digital tools every day. These are the most common ones:

Tool	Use Case
Adobe Photoshop	Editing images, posters, photo-based design
Adobe Illustrator	Logos, icons, drawings
Adobe InDesign	Books, magazines, brochures
Figma	App and web design
Canva	Easy drag-and-drop posters posts
After Effects	Motion graphics & short animations

You do not need to learn them all! Start with one or two that match the type of job you’re aiming for.

Courses and Certifications for a  Graphic Design Jobs

Many graphic designers jobs without any formal college degree. What matters most is your portfolio. This is a collection of your best design work. It shows the employers what you can do.

You can learn design through:

Degree for getting a graphic design jobs

1. Bachelor’s Degree in Graphic Design 
2. Bachelor’s Degree in fine arts 
3. Master of Design

Certifications That Employers Value

1. Adobe Certified Professional (ACP)
2. Google UX Design Certificate
3. Figma UI/UX Design Certificate
   

A well-made portfolio speaks louder than a degree.

Entry-Level Graphic Design Jobs

The global graphic design market is expected to grow from $57.5 billion in 2023 to $79.2 billion by 2030. That means more entry level graphic design jobs are becoming available, especially in digital-first roles. 

What to Expect in Entry-Level Positions

If you’re just starting out, you may:

1. Assist senior designers with revisions or layout tasks
   
2. Create simple marketing assets (social posts, flyers)
3. Participate in brainstorming sessions
   
4. Work on internal company presentations
   
5. Use pre-designed templates and adapt them
   

Entry level graphic design jobs are all about learning, exposure & building your confidence.

Where to Find Entry-Level Graphic Design Jobs

Start small and build your portfolio.

Here are some great platforms to explore graphic design jobs remote:

1. LinkedIn: Follow job alerts, network with designers
   
2. Dribbble and Behance: Showcase work and get discovered
   
3. Upwork and Fiverr: Freelance gigs to start earning
4. Remote OK: Especially for graphic design remote jobs

Tip: Even working on imaginary projects (like branding a made-up coffee shop) can help showcase your creativity and style.

Remote Graphic Design Job Opportunities

Most graphic designers now work either remote or in hybrid jobs.

Right now, about 95% of graphic designers workremotely or part-time from home. The rest work in offices. Around 18 percent of graphic designers work for themselves, which is more than what you usually see in other professions. More than half of them, about 265,000, are based in the United States, and most of them work as freelancers rather than full-time employees.

Design work fits remote life well. All you need is a computer, good internet, and the ability to  communicate effectively with clients or teams.

Popular Platforms for Remote Graphic Design Jobs

Start here:

LinkedIn – Great for remote jobs, networking, and setting up job alerts

Dribbble – Show your portfolio and connect with global design clients

Behance – Creative showcase platform used by top recruiters

Remote OK – Selected list of remote graphic design jobs worldwide

Upwork – Freelance marketplace to land paid client work

Fiverr – Offer specific design services and grow through reviews

Start small. Take freelance jobs. Do work for local businesses. Make projects for pretend companies. Every job helps you learn &  and grow your portfolio.

Tips for Succeeding in Remote Graphic Design Jobs

1. Pick one tool and stick with it for a month
   
2. Make projects based on real problems, not just decoration
   
3. Put all your best work in one neat place (PDF or site)
   
4. Write a short note under each design explaining your idea
   
5. Keep showing your work & asking for feedback

The Job Market Is Growing Fast

Graphic design continues to grow. In fact, it is growing steadily.

In 2023, the global graphic design industry was worth 57.5 billion dollars. By 2030, it is expected to reach around 79.2 billion dollars. This growth is because businesses now care more about how things look online, especially apps, websites  and social media. More than 17 percent of all graphic design jobs are with Fortune 500 companies, which means a good number of designers work for some of the biggest and most well-known businesses.

That means more design jobs are opening up, especially for people who know how to work with screens and not just print.

How Much Can You Earn?

In the United States, most graphic designers make about $50,700 a year, which comes out to roughly $24 for every hour of work.

Here is what designers earn in different places & roles:

Level of Experience	Salary in US (per year)
Entry-Level	$35,000–$50,000
Mid-Level Designer	$60,000–$75,000
UI/UX or Motion Design	$85,000–$100,000
Freelancer (varies)	$25–$75/hour

If you want to earn more, learning motion or app design is a smart move.

Final Thoughts

You do not need to be a genius or an artist to be a graphic designer. You just need to enjoy solving problems and making ideas easier to understand. If you are curious, patient and willing to keep trying, design can become your career.

Start small. Make things. Share them. Learn from others and one day, someone will pay you to do what you already love.

FAQ’s