How to Become a Graphic Designer in Australia: careers in Illustration

9 Courses

Displaying 6 of 9 courses

FiltersClear all

Location

Industry

Study Mode

Payment Options

Qualification

Course Provider

Popular Searches

part time digital marketing courses

Graphic Design: Elevate

The Graphic Design: Elevate course at Academy Xi enhances the skills of both aspiring and established designers through hands-on projects and practical experience with the latest design tools. Participants will build a strong portfolio while gaining a deeper understanding of design principles and their application across various industries.

Online

Varies

Online

60-80 hours over six months

Career Outcomes

3D Designer

Brand Identity Designer

Character Designer

D0121

CUA50720

Graphic Design Pathway Program

The Graphic Design Pathway Program equips aspiring designers with essential skills in design principles, digital media, and visual communication. Participants engage in hands-on projects and explore the latest design software, culminating in a robust portfolio to support their career in graphic design.

Online

Varies

Online

Self paced - maximum 27 months

Career Outcomes

Brand Identity Designer

Character Designer

Digital Designer

CUA50720

Diploma of Graphic Design

The CUA50720 Diploma of Graphic Design equips individuals with essential skills in design principles, typography, and digital media, preparing them for a successful career in graphic design. Through hands-on projects and a focus on effective communication, participants will build a strong portfolio that highlights their creativity and technical proficiency.

Online

Varies

Online

Self paced - maximum 24 months

Career Outcomes

3D Designer

Brand Identity Designer

Design Consultant

Graphic Design: Transform

The Graphic Design: Transform course at Academy Xi equips participants with essential skills in design principles, typography, and digital tools through hands-on projects. By exploring contemporary practices and real-world challenges, learners will build a strong portfolio and prepare for a successful career in graphic design.

Brand Identity Designer

Character Designer

Digital Designer

DIPDES15

Diploma of Design

The Diploma of Design (DIPDES15) at Billy Blue College of Design equips aspiring designers with essential skills in design principles, visual communication, and digital media. Through hands-on projects and a focus on various design disciplines, students develop a strong portfolio and are prepared for diverse career opportunities in the creative industry.

Blended, On Campus, Online

Varies

NSW, Online, QLD, VIC

1 year full -time, 2 years part time, 6 months accelerated

Career Outcomes

3D Designer

Brand Identity Designer

Character Designer

Diploma of Graphic Design

The Diploma of Graphic Design at Billy Blue College of Design provides students with essential skills in design principles, typography, and branding through hands-on projects. Participants will gain practical experience with industry-standard software, preparing them for a variety of career opportunities in the graphic design field.

Blended, On Campus, Online

Varies

NSW, Online, QLD, VIC

18 months full time, 2 years part time, 12 months accelerated

Career Outcomes

Brand Identity Designer

Design Consultant

Digital Designer

Definition of a Graphic Designer

The career of a Graphic Designer is a vibrant and dynamic field that combines creativity with technology to communicate ideas visually. Graphic Designers play a crucial role in shaping the visual identity of brands, products, and services. They utilise a variety of tools and techniques to create compelling designs that resonate with target audiences, whether through print media, digital platforms, or advertising campaigns. This profession offers a unique opportunity to express artistic vision while addressing practical communication needs.

Graphic Designers are responsible for a range of tasks that begin with understanding client objectives and constraints. They engage in consultations with clients and stakeholders to gather insights and requirements, which inform their design concepts. Through research and analysis, they determine the most effective ways to convey messages visually. This process often involves sketching, creating layouts, and selecting appropriate materials and media to ensure that the final product aligns with the client’s vision and goals.

In addition to conceptualising and designing, Graphic Designers also oversee the production of their work. This includes detailing and documenting designs for production, negotiating solutions with clients and production teams, and sometimes supervising the actual production process. Their role is not only about creativity but also about collaboration and communication, as they work closely with various stakeholders to bring their designs to life. The ability to adapt and respond to feedback is essential, making this career both challenging and rewarding.

Overall, a career in Graphic Design is ideal for those who are passionate about visual communication and enjoy working in a fast-paced, ever-evolving environment. With the rise of digital media and the increasing importance of branding, Graphic Designers are in high demand across various industries. This profession not only allows individuals to showcase their artistic talents but also offers the satisfaction of seeing their work make a tangible impact in the world.

On this Page

What Will I Do

What Skills Do I Need

Career Snapshot

Resources

What does a Graphic Designer do?

Graphic designers play a crucial role in shaping visual communication across various media. They blend creativity with technical skills to create compelling designs that effectively convey messages and engage audiences. From developing brand identities to designing marketing materials, graphic designers are essential in helping businesses and organisations communicate their vision and values through visual storytelling.

Consult with clients and stakeholders – Determines the objectives and constraints of the design brief.
Conduct research – Analyses functional communication requirements to inform design decisions.
Develop design concepts – Formulates creative ideas for the subject to be communicated.
Create sketches and layouts – Prepares visual representations to communicate design concepts effectively.
Negotiate design solutions – Collaborates with clients, management, and production staff to refine designs.
Select materials and media – Recommends functional and aesthetic options for publication and display.
Document designs for production – Details and prepares selected designs for implementation.
Oversee production – Supervises or carries out the production process in the chosen media.
Archive design information – Maintains records for future client use and reference.

What skills do I need to be a Graphic Designer?

A career as a Graphic Designer requires a diverse set of skills that blend creativity with technical proficiency. At the core, a strong understanding of design principles, including colour theory, typography, and layout, is essential. Proficiency in industry-standard software such as Adobe Creative Suite—comprising Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign—is crucial for creating visually compelling designs. Additionally, Graphic Designers must possess excellent communication skills to effectively collaborate with clients and stakeholders, ensuring that the design meets the intended objectives and resonates with the target audience.

Moreover, a successful Graphic Designer should be adept at problem-solving and critical thinking, allowing them to navigate design challenges and develop innovative solutions. Research skills are also important, as understanding market trends and audience preferences can significantly influence design choices. Finally, time management and organisational skills are vital, enabling designers to juggle multiple projects and meet deadlines while maintaining high-quality standards. This combination of skills not only enhances a designer’s ability to create impactful visuals but also positions them for growth in a competitive industry.

Skills/attributes

Creativity and Artistic Skills
Proficiency in Design Software (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite)
Strong Communication Skills
Attention to Detail
Time Management and Organisation
Understanding of Design Principles and Theory
Ability to Work Under Pressure
Research and Analytical Skills
Collaboration and Teamwork
Adaptability and Flexibility
Client Management and Negotiation Skills
Knowledge of Current Design Trends
Problem-Solving Skills
Portfolio Development
Basic Understanding of Marketing and Branding

Does this sound like you?

Career Snapshot for a Graphic Designer

Graphic Designers play a crucial role in visual communication, using their skills to create designs that meet commercial and communication needs. This profession is characterised by a diverse workforce and a variety of working conditions.

Average Age: 37 years
Gender Distribution: 59% female
Hours Worked: Average of 41 hours per week, with 63% working full-time
Average Salary: AU$60,488 per year
Unemployment Rate: Relatively low, with a stable demand for graphic design services
Employment Numbers: Approximately 27,500 individuals are employed as Graphic Designers in Australia
Projected Growth: The industry is expected to maintain steady employment levels, with no significant annual growth projected

Graphic Designers are primarily employed in sectors such as Professional, Scientific and Technical Services, Manufacturing, and Information Media and Telecommunications. The role requires a blend of creativity and technical skills, making it an appealing career choice for those interested in the arts and technology.

Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), 2021 Census of Population and Housing.

Illustration Career resources

NATIONAL

QLD

VIC

WA

SA

NT

ACT

TAS

StudySelect makes every effort to ensure the information we provide is correct at the time of publication. We welcome your input to help keep our career profiles as accurate and up to date as possible. All queries and feedback will be taken into consideration as we conduct periodic reviews of our content. Add your voice to the conversation!