Senior graphic designer job description.

What does a senior graphic designer do?

 

A senior graphic designer leads the creative development of design projects, from concept through to delivery. They own design briefs, mentor junior designers, and help shape brand identity across campaigns and platforms.

 

Key responsibilities include developing high-impact visuals, guiding others on layout and style, presenting ideas to stakeholders, and ensuring consistent quality. They often work with brand managers, marketers, and art directors.

 

In agencies, they may lead key client accounts. In-house, they are responsible for elevating visual output and collaborating on brand evolution. The role is a common step before moving into creative leadership.

 

Key responsibilities of a senior graphic designer.

 

Senior graphic designers take the lead on complex design projects and uphold visual standards. Their responsibilities often include:

• Conceptualising and executing high-level creative work across platforms

• Mentoring junior designers and reviewing their work for quality

• Developing brand assets, campaign visuals, and presentation templates

• Collaborating with stakeholders to interpret strategic briefs

• Ensuring brand consistency across all touchpoints

• Leading design reviews and communicating rationale to non-designers

• Managing design workflows and prioritising deadlines

• Supporting content creation for web, print, motion, and experiential assets

• Contributing to brand evolution and visual system development

• Keeping design documentation and templates organised

This role blends senior creative execution with leadership and stakeholder collaboration.

 

Skills and requirements for a senior graphic designer.

 

Senior graphic designers lead creative execution and brand development. Employers typically look for:

• 5–8 years of experience in graphic design or visual branding

• Strong portfolio across print, digital, and campaign work

• Experience creating guidelines, templates, and scalable assets

• Skilled in layout, typography, and creative problem-solving

• Confidence reviewing junior designers’ work or providing feedback

• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite and Figma

• Ability to manage multiple briefs and prioritise effectively

• Comfortable presenting work to internal stakeholders or clients

• Understanding of production, file prep, and output formats

Most senior graphic designers lead execution and creative quality.

 

Average salary for a senior graphic designer.

 

In the UK, the average salary for a senior graphic designer typically ranges from £35,000 to £50,000, influenced by leadership, brand guardianship, and multi-channel design expertise.

• Mid-level seniors tend to earn between £35,000 and £42,000

• Experienced professionals with art direction and team mentoring responsibilities can earn between £43,000 and £50,000

• Those with UX/UI crossover skills often command higher pay

London and high-growth creative hubs offer the most competitive salaries.

 

Career progression for a senior graphic designer.

 

A senior graphic designer leads major design projects, working closely with stakeholders to deliver creative excellence. This role is a natural path into art direction or creative leadership. Common steps include:

 

Graphic designer

 

Executes creative briefs, supports campaigns, and refines designs based on feedback.

 

Senior graphic designer

 

Owns full campaign design. Mentors juniors and ensures delivery quality.

 

Art director

 

Leads the visual concepting process. Manages brand look and feel across campaigns.

 

Creative lead

 

Drives ideation, cross-functional collaboration, and innovation across multiple media.

 

Creative director

 

Takes responsibility for all creative output, agency partnerships, and brand storytelling.