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Graphic Designer

Kaihoahoa Whakairoiro

Graphic designers create artwork or designs for printed and electronic media such as magazines, television and websites. 

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Secondary education

You usually need NCEA Level 3 to do the study or training for this job. Useful subjects include design and visual communication (graphics), design (practical art), digital technologies, English, te reo Māori, art history, maths and painting, sculpture, photography, printmaking combined.

Study fields

Study levels

  • Diploma
  • Bachelor's degree
  • Certificate

Useful experience

Useful experience for graphic designers includes:

  • art or design work 
  • advertising or marketing work
  • publishing or printing work
  • media production work
  • typographic work (working with type, font and page layout).

What you will do

Graphic designers may do some or all of the following:

  • discuss project requirements with their client
  • discuss the project with colleagues
  • develop design ideas by researching and brainstorming with colleagues
  • prepare sketches, instructions and layout diagrams
  • create designs for different media
  • suggest production methods, materials and costs
  • show design ideas to the client
  • receive client feedback and alter the design accordingly.

Skills and knowledge

Graphic designers need to have:

  • knowledge of art materials and techniques
  • the ability to use colour and design effectively
  • expertise in printing and production methods
  • knowledge of advertising and marketing, and how people think and react to visual images
  • awareness of current market trends
  • artistic ability, including good sketching, drawing and painting skills
  • the ability to use computed-aided design (CAD) and creative software
  • the ability to understand clients' needs and turn them into suitable designs.
Pay

Graphic designers usually earn

$54K-$90K

per year

Graphic designers can earn

$49K-$116K

per year

Job opportunities
Average
Chances of getting a job as a graphic designer are average for those wanting to enter the role, but good for those with experience.
Length of training
3
years of training usually required.

Industry

Creative Design

Graphic designers create artwork or designs for printed and electronic media such as magazines, television and websites. 

Similar jobs in this industry

Entry requirements

You usually need a qualification to become a graphic designer and experience may be useful.

You may need:

  • a relevant tertiary qualification
  • examples of your work
  • experience in similar work.

Chances of getting a job

High competition for graphic design jobs

Competition for graphic design vacancies is strong. For graduates, chances of getting a job are best if you have work experience as a Mac operator or as a freelancer on short-term graphic design contracts.

Employers prefer graphic designers who can work across all media, including print, video and digital.

Chances good for experienced designers

Job vacancies for experienced graphic designers have been increasing.

According to the Census, 7,461 graphic designers worked in New Zealand in 2018.

Types of employers varied

Graphic designers may work for:

  • design and advertising agencies
  • print production and publishing companies
  • film and multimedia companies
  • web design companies
  • signmaking companies.

Some graphic designers do freelance work.

Find out more about training

Progression and specialisations

Graphic designers may progress to set up their own graphic design business, or move into management roles at graphic design companies.

Graphic designers may specialise in a particular area, such as:

  • advertising
  • animation
  • digital design
  • illustration
  • print publishing
  • user experience design
  • visual effects
  • web design.

Working conditions

Graphic designers:

  • usually work regular business hours, but may be required to work evenings and weekends to meet deadlines
  • usually work in offices and studios, but may also work from home or travel locally to attend photo shoots
  • work in conditions that may be stressful due to deadlines.

Useful personal qualities

Graphic designers need to be:

  • organised
  • motivated
  • creative
  • accurate, with an eye for detail
  • able to accept criticism
  • able to work well under pressure
  • problem solvers
  • good at communicating, and able to work well in a team.

Related Wintec courses

Industry

Creative Design

Graphic designers create artwork or designs for printed and electronic media such as magazines, television and websites. 

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