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What careers can you do with a graphic design degree?

Graphic Design is everywhere. From the apps we use to the packaging we open, the billboards we drive past and the brands we interact with.

10 May 2025

Lucy Nicholas, BA (Hons) Graphic Design, UCA Farnham

A Graphic Design degree provides you with many creative careers. Whether you want to work in a studio, go freelance or explore new digital technologies, there’s a path for you.

But studying Graphic Design at university isn't just learning how to make things look good; you’re learning how to communicate, solve problems and shape experiences. And it’s these skills that make Graphic Design graduates employable for such a wide range of roles.

Here are some of the most popular, and perhaps some unexpected, career options for Graphic Design graduates.

Jobs for Graphic Design graduates

Graphic designer

Well this is an obvious one! As a graphic designer, you’ll create visual content for print and digital, as well as working on branding projects. You might work in a design agency, in-house for a company or work for yourself as a freelancer.

Brand designer

Brand designers focus on creating visual identities for companies, products, or services. This includes developing logos, colour palettes, typography and iconography, along with brand guidelines that outline how the assets should be used.

UX/UI designer

If your interest lies in web design or app design UI (User Interface) design could be for you. If you have a deeper interest in how people interact with digital products you may want to explore UX (User Experience) design. UX designers delve deeper than how webpages look, conducting user research, developing and testing prototypes and planning how content interconnects.

Motion designer

Motion designers bring graphics to life through animation and video. You might create animated logos, explainer videos or social media content.

Editorial designer

Editorial designers work on layouts for magazines, books, newspapers and digital publications. It’s all about balancing text and image to create engaging reading experiences.

Dhrumi Nandu, BA (Hons) Studio Practice (Graphic Design), UCA Farnham

Packaging designer

Packaging designers create the look and feel of product packaging. This involves understanding materials, branding, and how design influences buying decisions.

Illustrator

Some graphic designers move into illustration, which could include creating visuals for books or advertising. You might work freelance or as part of a creative team.

Art director

Art directors oversee the visual style of campaigns, publications and brands. You’ll lead creative teams, guide concepts and make sure everything aligns with the project’s vision.

Creative technologist

This emerging role blends design with technology. You might design experiences for interactive installations, virtual reality or augmented reality, or work with generative design.

Work for yourself

Many Graphic Design graduates decide to freelance or start their own business. This could range from running your own design studio, selling prints online or launching a your own creative brand.

Angela Ruiz, BA (Hons) Graphic Design, UCA Farnham

Other career paths for Graphic Design graduates

Graphic design skills are transferable across many industries. Graduates also go into roles within:

Marketing and communications
Advertising
Teaching and education
Creative project management
Design research and strategy