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Graphic Designer

Graphic designers put together words and pictures to inform, communicate or persuade. They produce designs for book covers, company logos, brochures, advertising posters, website and CD-ROM pages, magazines and newspapers.

Graphic designers might design:

book covers and product packaging
company letterheads and logos
labels, carrier bags and signs for shops
brochures
advertising posters
website and CD-ROM pages.

They normally work from 9am to 5pm, but it is common to work longer hours if there is a deadline to meet. Graphic designers are usually based in studios or offices but they also spend time visiting clients and printers. Part-time work is possible, and many graphic designers do freelance or contract assignments.

Newly-qualified designers earn around £10,000 to £18,000; senior graphic designers can earn £40,000 or more.

It's important to be:

creative and imaginative
able to think around problems and come up with a practical answer
able to draw
able to manage time well and meet multiple deadlines
good at communicating with other people.

Graphic design work is available throughout the country, but agencies tend to be centred on large cities, particularly London.

There are many different routes into the profession, but many graphic designers have a degree or HND. Courses are available at various levels, and entry requirements vary from GCSE passes, to a few A levels. Very talented applicants may be accepted on the basis of a good portfolio.

Mature students are usually very welcome on art and design courses and requirements may not be as high.

Designers who work in a medium or large agency may progress to senior/art director or management positions.

Courses

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College
Arts Institute Bournemouth (7)
Plymouth College of Art and Design (7)
Cornwall College St Austell (6)
Cornwall College Camborne (6)
Bridgwater College (5)
North Devon College (5)
Truro College (5)
Yeovil College (4)
Weymouth College (4)
Cornwall College Saltash (4)
Exeter College (4)
Penwith College (4)
East Devon College (3)
South Devon College (2)
Dartington College of Arts (DCA) (1)
(1)
City College Plymouth (1)
University College Falmouth (1)
University of Plymouth (1)

Subject
Graphic Design (62)
Art (46)
Multimedia (5)
Media (3)
Photography (2)
Dance (1)
Drama (1)
Music (1)
Textiles (1)
Fashion (1)
Film (1)
3D Design (1)

Qualification
ND (19)
Other (18)
A Level (11)
AS (10)
Access to HE (9)
Foundation Degree (7)
BA (Hons) (6)
GNVQ Intermediate (1)