This role must have a solid background in design. A graphic designer is most typically responsible for bringing design solutions to life which adhere to marketing strategies, brand standards, and business goals. Graphic designers must be comfortable making decisions about producing the graphics and should be able to see graphics development from a holistic perspective.
A well-trained graphic designer will be able to both produce and oversee print and digital creative solutions that satisfy the marketing needs of an employer or client. A graphic designer should possess in-depth knowledge of graphic design, styles and layout techniques but also be able to manage people and projects efficiently.
What does a graphic designer do, typically?
Graphic designers will need to have intimate knowledge of graphic design but they will also need to be effective communicators in order to understand the company and/or client needs to execute an effective solution. Their daily responsibilities may include:
- Overseeing all design elements, from the conception to final delivery.
- Reviewing the work of junior designers to give guidance and feedback.
- Having hands-on experience with Adobe Creative Suite and other design software.
- Using their strong eye for aesthetics and visual details to ensure a quality final product.
- Listening to design needs, coming up with ideas and communicating them to clients and other members of the team.
- Providing support for junior level design team members.
- Maintaining high standards of quality and making sure only the best work is released to the employer or client.
- Collaborating across the organization to drive up standards of digital creativity.
A graphic designer is not:
An art director
While both of these roles are creative decision makers, a senior level designer will directly manage a team of graphic designers in a specific medium, while an art director will more broadly look at the overall visual design across several mediums like television, film, and advertisements. See our full description for an art director here <<link>>.
A senior graphic designer
Although a senior designer needs to have good graphic design skills and eye for aesthetics, a graphic designer is a more junior-level role that reports to a senior designer.
Important metrics for a graphic designer
- Target value (number of units produced/week)
- Ability to deliver on-brand, high-quality design
- ROI of specific projects and designs
- Projects delivered on time and on budget
- Feedback is incorporated into final designs
