Graphic designers are visual storytellers who illustrate information by hand and with the help of computer software. Whether you realize it or not, you interact with content brought to life by the hands of graphic designers every day. Posters, billboards, logos, bus wraps, magazine layouts and other advertisements are born through a designer. Graphic designers turn clients’ ideas into original visual concepts, often presenting their final product to stakeholders and aiming to deliver what was conceived.

A typical day as a graphic designer isn’t solely spent designing, though. Annie Swenson, a graphic designer at Washington Post Live, the live journalism platform of The Washington Post, says presenting your work is an important part of the job. "Designing is half the battle," she says, "and then explaining why you made the design decisions that you did is another half."

In addition to having technical and communication skills, graphic designers must be organized. They collect information, conduct research, create a plan and use their creativity to execute a design. And with companies increasingly looking to cater to digital-first audiences, there’s frequently a new challenge for graphic designers to tackle. "You’re always doing something new and different," Swenson says.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 3.3% employment growth for graphic designers between 2022 and 2032. In that period, an estimated 8,900 jobs should open up.

Graphic designers can come from a variety of educational backgrounds, but a bachelor’s degree in graphic design or a related field is the standard way to enter the industry. Internships are also encouraged to gain experience and build a portfolio outside of coursework. A graphic design major includes foundational courses like studio art, printing techniques, website design and computerized design, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Other areas of study like writing, marketing and business are also beneficial to a graphic design career.

Some creatives start with a minor in graphic design and realize it’s their passion. Swenson took one class in graphic design, had internships in the field and taught herself skills. Talya Wells, a UX/UI designer at 10Pearls, a software development company, took a minor in graphic design. "I couldn’t do any of the stuff I do now without a graphic design background," Wells says. Working on graphic design for all aspects of the web including mobile, interactive, responsive and the digital interface side, Wells says having a marketing and business background in addition to her graphic design skills allows her to keep up in the industry.

Both Swenson and Wells agree that a thorough understanding of Adobe products like Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator and After Effects is paramount for graphic design. You also must have interpersonal and problem-solving skills and be able to take criticism and feedback well. "You have to have really thick skin," Swenson says. "It will go through, like, 15 rounds of revisions because people won’t like certain things about it."