What does a graphic designer do?
A graphic designer creates visual materials that communicate brand messages across digital and print channels. They develop assets for websites, ads, presentations, social media, events, and product packaging.
Their role includes concepting ideas, working with copywriters, preparing files for print or digital use, and ensuring all output aligns with brand standards. Proficiency in tools like Adobe Creative Suite or Figma is essential.
In smaller teams, they handle a broad range of creative work. In larger companies, they may focus on specific areas such as digital design, branding, or production support.
Key responsibilities of a graphic designer.
Graphic designers are responsible for producing visual content across digital and print formats. Their typical responsibilities include:
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Designing assets for campaigns, websites, presentations, and social media
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Collaborating with marketing, product, and brand teams on creative needs
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Interpreting briefs and transforming concepts into visual executions
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Creating static and animated content across platforms
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Preparing print-ready files and liaising with suppliers if needed
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Managing multiple design projects under tight deadlines
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Maintaining and evolving visual identity and brand guidelines
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Supporting A/B testing by creating design variants
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Contributing to creative ideation and campaign brainstorming
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Staying up to date with design trends and tools
This role combines creative execution with multi-channel brand consistency.
Skills and requirements for a graphic designer.
Graphic designers produce creative assets for brand, marketing, and campaigns. Employers typically look for:
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2–5 years of experience in graphic design roles
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Proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite and Figma or Canva
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Strong understanding of brand consistency and visual hierarchy
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Ability to create assets for web, social, print, and presentations
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Confidence in taking briefs and presenting concepts
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Familiarity with exporting formats for digital use
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Ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines
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Comfortable collaborating with marketing, content, or product teams
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Portfolio demonstrating creativity, consistency, and execution
Most graphic designers work in-house, agency, or freelance.
Average salary for a graphic designer.
In the UK, the average salary for a graphic designer typically ranges from £28,000 to £40,000, depending on technical skills, creative execution, and sector.
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Mid-level graphic designers tend to earn between £28,000 and £34,000
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Senior designers working across campaigns, digital, and print often earn between £35,000 and £40,000
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Specialisms like motion graphics or packaging can increase salary potential
Top salaries are common in creative studios, digital agencies, and in-house design teams in major cities.
Career progression for a graphic designer.
A graphic designer produces visual content across campaigns, branding, and digital assets. The role evolves into more senior or conceptual leadership positions. Typical progression includes:
Junior graphic designer
Supports asset production and adapts templates. Learn core design principles and tools.
Graphic designer
Owns creative projects, contributes to brand design systems, and works with marketing or UX teams.
Senior graphic designer
Leads design for campaigns, manages feedback cycles, and ensures consistency across touchpoints.
Art director
Sets creative direction, develops concepts, and collaborates with copy, video, and design teams.
Creative director
Leads the visual identity of the brand. Aligns creative output with broader strategy and business objectives.
salary guide
2026 UK creative & design salary guide.
As a graphic designer, your creativity drives brand identity and visual storytelling. But does your salary reflect your contribution?
Our 2026 UK creative design salary guide highlights the latest benchmarks for graphic designer roles across the UK. With updated insights from 2025 and forecasts for 2027, it helps you understand your value and plan your future.
FAQS
Graphic designer FAQs.
They create visuals for marketing campaigns, branding, social content, website assets, presentations, packaging, and print. Depending on the business, work may span both digital and physical formats.
A strong portfolio that demonstrates creativity, versatility, and consistency across brand touchpoints. Designers who understand storytelling and can interpret a brief visually are in high demand.
Not typically — but familiarity with digital constraints (file sizing, responsiveness, mobile-first design) is expected. Designers working closely with developers may benefit from understanding design systems and components.
They work closely with marketers, content writers, developers, and brand managers. Collaboration often includes responding to creative briefs, iterating designs based on feedback, and aligning assets with campaign goals.
Graphic designers often move into senior designer or art director roles. Some specialise in areas like motion graphics, branding, or UX/UI depending on their interests and skillset.
