Graphic Designer Role and Responsibilities

About Graphic Designers

A graphic designer is responsible for creating visual designs and assets for the company. This role involves developing and implementing effective design solutions that are on-brand, engaging, and align with the company's goals and objectives.

The graphic designer will also be responsible for managing their own workload, collaborating with other team members, and providing regular updates to stakeholders. Overall, the graphic designer will play a crucial role in ensuring that the company's visual identity is consistent, professional, and reflective of its values and culture.

Responsibilities

Graphic designers are responsible for a variety of key tasks, including:

1. Developing and implementing effective design solutions, including layouts, typography, and color schemes, that are on-brand, engaging, and align with the company's goals and objectives.
2. Creating a wide range of visual assets, including logos, graphics, and images, that are of high quality, consistent, and professional.
3. Managing and prioritizing their own workload, including meeting deadlines and providing regular updates to stakeholders.
4. Collaborating with other team members, such as writers, marketers, and developers, to ensure a coordinated and seamless approach to design.
5. Staying up-to-date on design trends and best practices, and incorporating them into their work as appropriate.
6. Using graphic design software, such as Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator, to create and edit visual assets.
7. Providing guidance and support to other team members on design-related topics, such as branding and visual identity.
8. Ensuring that all design work is aligned with the company's brand guidelines and standards.
9. Working with vendors and partners, such as printers and manufacturers, to ensure that the final design is produced to the highest quality.
10. Continuously seeking feedback and input from stakeholders, such as customers and team members, to improve their design work and ensure it meets their needs and expectations.

Portfolio and work experience expectations

Employers expect graphic design candidates to demonstrate both hands-on experience and a strong, well-curated portfolio. Practical experience can come from freelance projects, internships, volunteer work, or creative involvement with school organizations and events.

When building your portfolio, aim for variety. Include projects that highlight your command of industry-standard tools such as Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign. Focus on showcasing not only your technical skills, but also your creativity, problem-solving ability, and adaptability across different audiences and brand styles.

Consider featuring examples such as:

• Branding work: logos, visual identities, or style guides
• Marketing materials: brochures, posters, or social media campaigns‍
• Digital content: web graphics, app interfaces, or motion visuals

Gaining relevant experience as a Graphic Designer

Aspiring graphic designers can gain meaningful experience by actively seeking real-world opportunities to create. Freelance platforms like Upwork or Fiverr, school organizations, community events, and non-profits all offer ways to design real materials and build a tangible body of work.

Internships, whether short-term or part-time, also provide valuable exposure to professional workflows and tools such as Adobe Creative Suite. As you grow, curate a portfolio that showcases not just your technical skill but also your creativity, adaptability, and problem-solving abilities.

Don’t overlook personal projects, either. Redesign a favorite brand’s logo, create a mock ad campaign, or build cohesive social media graphics. These projects demonstrate initiative and artistic range which are qualities that set emerging designers apart.