Many students start off by working freelance after graphic design school. They're attracted to the idea of being their own boss, having control over their own work schedule, and pocketing profits directly.

But it's crucial for new grads to understand some of the drawbacks and challenges that come along with these (legitimately awesome) benefits. And how to set themselves up for freelancing success right from day one. 

So, let's walk through some of the typical pros and cons of freelance design work—plus a few important tips for students considering this career path after graphic design school.

Updated December 2022

Digital designers and graphic designers are alike in many ways. Both produce visual images that communicate a message and meet a business objective. Both are paid to increase brand awareness and inspire consumers to action.

So what’s the difference between them?

It basically comes down to this: Graphic designers tend to focus on static images, while digital designers create graphics that incorporate motion and interactivity.

They must each consider different factors, but they rely on many of the same design fundamentals.

Here’s a detailed breakdown of how digital designers and graphic designers compare.

Graphic designers are experts at using images to communicate ideas and solve problems.

They create logos, posters, banners, infographics, websites, game interfaces, album covers, magazines, product packaging, promotional videos, and more.

The final product needs to not only look good, but also meet specific branding and business goals.

Ultimately, a graphic designer’s job is to use visual elements to inform and inspire an audience.

But how do they go about doing that? What does a graphic designer’s daily routine look like?

In this post, we walk you through a typical workflow for a graphic design project.

Learn more about the steps designers go through and their role in project development.

This really is an exciting time to launch a career in graphic design.

The rise of digital media has created so many new opportunities for designers to stretch their skills, adopt new tech, and experiment with new product design ideas.

There are numerous ways to specialize in this field, and a broad range of skills to master.

In this post, we're breaking down the most important technical knowledge and characteristics needed to become a successful graphic designer.

Updated November 2022

Many people seem to think that graphic design is a dying industry.

They’ve heard that print has no future. And they figure that with all the user-friendly software options out there, anyone can throw a digital design together quickly and easily, without help from a professional.

The reality is very different.

It’s true that graphic design is increasingly focused on digital media like websites, animations, television shows, and video games. But print is still with us: think posters, album art, business cards, book covers, product packaging, etc.

And more and more companies rely on trained graphic designers’ expertise at using images to communicate ideas and inspire action (think websites and social media).

The bottom line? Skilled graphic designers are in demand, and many positions come with comfortable salaries.

Read on for all the details.

Graphic design is probably one of the most misunderstood fields out there. Every year, we meet with students who are interested in applying to this program—but only a few truly understand what a graphic designer does or what it's really like to work in this field.

For one thing, there are a lot more job options than most people realize. And the skillset for graphic designers is quite a bit more complex and technical than you might think. 

Do you need a university degree to be taken seriously as a graphic designer? Can you avoid school altogether and just teach yourself the basics? 

What about free graphic design courses you can find online—isn’t that the best option for an up-and-comer who doesn’t want college debt? 

Graphic design is one of those fields where there’s no clear rules on how to start a career. Some professions—like doctor or lawyer or licensed teacher—have very clear pathways for training. You must go to university. You must get certified. It’s not negotiable. 

Becoming a graphic designer is a little different. There’s endless debate between self-taught and schooled designers, and whether formal training is really “worth it”. 

But the truth is, with the growing complexity of design software and digital technology, many designers need formal training to stay ahead of the curve. 

Glaser, Kidd, Scher, Bass, Bierut...chances are, you've heard of at least one of these graphic design giants. And even if you don't know their names, you'd recognize their legendary work in a heartbeat.

Everyone knows the iconic "I heart NY" sign. Or the universally familiar Jurassic Park t-rex image and logo. Those designs are by globally-renowned graphic designers Milton Glaser and Chip Kidd.

Updated November 2022

When most people think about graphic design jobs, they envision working in marketing or advertising, doing websites and logos and creating promotional materials for print or digital.