Graphic Designer

The Nike swoosh logo was designed by a student—and she only got paid $35 at first! Later, the company gave her stock and a gold ring to say thank you.

Creative & Visual Skills
Communication & Interpersonal Skills
Critical Thinking & Judgement
Emotional Intelligence & Personal Traits
Professional & Technical Knowledge
Organizational & Operational Skills
Physical & Situational Readiness

Where does this job happen?

Graphic designers can work in many places—design studios, advertising agencies, corporate offices, publishing companies, or as freelancers from home. Some also work in-house for brands or in tech companies.

What do they actually do?

Create visual content to communicate messages. 
Design things like logos, posters, websites, packaging, ads, and social media graphics. 
Use tools like Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, or Canva.

What kind of person does this?

Artistic
Imaginative
Detail-oriented
Loves visual storytelling
Enjoys solving problems in creative ways

What skills do you need?

Creativity
Strong visual and design sense
Attention to detail
Knowledge of design software
Good communication skills
Understanding color, layout, typography, and branding is key

How much money can you make?

Beginner graphic designers might earn $35,000–$50,000 a year. Experienced designers can make $60,000–$85,000. Freelancers may charge $25–$100+ an hour. Senior designers and art directors can earn over $100,000 annually.