Graphic designers work as part of a team, often in design or advertising agencies, or in the marketing departments of large organisations. There are also many graphic designers who work as freelancers.

Each project begins with a brief. You need to understand what the client wants to achieve – and any limits on what you can do.. For example, a client might want to see a strong visual connection between their new site and the marketing materials they are using already.  Another client might ask you to come up with a whole new look to appeal to a younger audience.

You will then use a range of specialist software, such as Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign to produce rough visuals that your colleagues and the client can look at and discuss.  However good your ideas are, you have to be prepared to make changes at this stage. Once your initial designs are approved, you will move on to developing detailed final artwork.

Good graphic designers listen carefully, think clearly and then come up with simple solutions to complicated problems. They also need to have a healthy respect for budgets and schedules.