Graphic design : Job options

Jobs directly related to your degree

• Graphic designer - communicates visual messages and ideas, mainly in 2D, but sometimes in 3D. May work on a variety of paper-based documents or on the web and with other interactive media. Works to a client brief and needs to come up with ideas and results speedily, often juggling several different accounts or commissions.
• Advertising art director - creates or directs the production of visual images to promote client products. Uses pictures, illustrations, lettering and interactive designs, plus film and television to deliver the end result.
• Animator - uses sketches, pictures and drawings to create an illusion of moving images. Normally employed in the film and television industry by independent production companies. Work is often contract based, not permanent.
• Illustrator - creates drawings, sketches and artwork to communicate stories, trends and ideas. Most work is freelance and is generated by book, newspaper and magazine publishers. Must be able to follow a brief with flair and a distinctive style.
• Production designer, theatre/television/film - is mainly responsible for the visual concept of a film, television or theatre production. Working closely with the director and producer, they realise a design style for sets, locations, graphics, props, lighting, camera angles and costumes.

Jobs where your degree would be useful

• Multimedia specialist - combines graphic design, art and IT expertise to produce DVDs, videos, games, interactive websites. Needs imagination and technical skills to keep up with constantly evolving computer packages to create cutting-edge products.
• Photographer - sets up and takes photographs, develops and manipulates images to create a striking or attractive result. Usually specialises in several areas, e.g. advertising and fashion. Most work is freelance with the exception of high street and press photography.
• Fine artist - uses visual expression to communicate ideas, thoughts and feelings to an audience. Fine art incorporates a range of specialisms such as drawing, sculpture or moving images. A fine artist may work independently or for a commission.
• Medical illustrator - makes drawings and photographs of medical conditions and treatments for training and information purposes. Works with patients and medical staff and may be present during surgery.

Other options

If you don’t have a full-time contract after you graduate or if you have not enrolled on a postgraduate degree, there are always plenty of opportunities. You could try and get some work experience or do some voluntary work, probably working for a film production company, television channel or even a magazine. You could perhaps take some time off, do some travelling or volunteer abroad. Finally, you may work in a completely different sector that you find more attractive.

Although some of the jobs listed here might not be first jobs for many graduates, they are among the many realistic possibilities with your degree, provided you can demonstrate you have the attributes employers are looking for. Bear in mind that it’s not just your degree discipline that determines your options. Remember that many graduate vacancies don't specify particular degree disciplines, so don't restrict your thinking to the jobs listed here. Look at your degree... what next? for informed advice on career planning and graduate employment, or login/register with My Prospects to find out what jobs would suit you, a helpful starting point for self-analysis.

Explore types of jobs to find out more about the above options and related jobs.