What does a junior graphic designer do?
A junior graphic designer supports the creation of visual content for marketing, digital, print, and branding projects. They assist more senior designers in producing assets that align with brand guidelines and campaign objectives.
Key responsibilities include editing images, creating social media graphics, laying out documents, and helping with presentations or digital ads. They work closely with designers, marketers, and content teams to learn on the job and develop design skills.
In smaller teams, they may have more creative ownership. In larger businesses or agencies, they typically focus on production tasks and grow into more strategic roles over time.
Key responsibilities of a junior graphic designer.
Junior graphic designers typically support senior designers by delivering assets and learning design processes. Their responsibilities include:
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Creating graphics and layouts based on briefs or brand templates
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Assisting with production of marketing materials, digital ads, and social content
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Editing images, adjusting typography, and formatting documents
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Preparing artwork for print, packaging, or digital use
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Supporting senior designers in concept development or presentations
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Updating creative files and managing design libraries
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Ensuring consistency with brand guidelines and tone of voice
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Working across tools like Adobe Creative Suite, Figma, or Canva
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Supporting internal teams with simple design requests or edits
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Learning design best practices through feedback and collaboration
This role blends hands-on design work with training and creative team support.
Skills and requirements for a junior graphic designer.
Junior graphic designers support creative output across digital, print, and brand assets. Employers typically look for:
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1–2 years of experience in graphic design or creative support
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Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, especially Photoshop and Illustrator
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Understanding of layout, typography, and brand guidelines
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Ability to take briefs and follow creative direction
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Comfortable working on digital, social, and basic print assets
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Good file management, versioning, and organisation skills
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Willingness to learn from senior designers and take feedback
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Awareness of visual trends and platform requirements
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Basic experience working with templates and editing content
Most junior designers come from internships or portfolio courses, building creative experience.
Average salary for a junior graphic designer.
In the UK, the average salary for a junior graphic designer typically ranges from £24,000 to £30,000, based on software skills, creative output, and industry experience.
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Mid-level juniors tend to earn between £24,000 and £26,000
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Senior juniors (approaching mid-weight) with strong portfolios and commercial projects may earn between £27,000 and £30,000
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Faster career progression is common in agencies or fast-paced startup environments
Salaries rise in cities like London, Birmingham, and Manchester, especially within branding, media, and ecommerce.
Career progression for a junior graphic designer.
A junior graphic designer supports visual content creation and layout work. This entry-level position provides a solid foundation for growth into more strategic and conceptual roles. A typical career path includes:
Junior graphic designer
Creates artwork, edits templates, and supports senior creatives. Learns brand guidelines and design tools.
Graphic designer
Takes ownership of small projects, produces campaign assets, and works across digital and print.
Senior graphic designer
Leads design on key projects. Provides creative direction, quality control, and brand consistency.
Art director / creative lead
Shapes visual identity, manages teams or freelancers, and leads concept development.
Creative director
Oversees all creative output, defines brand vision, and aligns design with commercial goals.
System Developer
Electrician
Data Cabling
Electrical Improver
FAQS
Junior graphic designer FAQs.
They support the design team by producing visual assets across digital and print channels. Day-to-day tasks include editing images, laying out presentations, creating social content, and assisting with branded templates or campaign materials.
Adobe Creative Suite (especially Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign) is standard. Experience with Canva, Figma, or After Effects is also useful depending on the employer's focus.
Not necessarily. While a design-related degree can help, many employers prioritise a strong portfolio, willingness to learn, and ability to follow creative direction.
Attention to detail, good layout instincts, and responsiveness to feedback. Even without commercial experience, a solid portfolio of coursework, side projects, or mock briefs can demonstrate design thinking.
Progression usually leads to midweight or graphic designer, followed by senior designer or motion designer roles, depending on creative strengths and company structure.