Placement Overview

Wildfire Design provides creative design and artwork for local and national clients. The Graphic Designer providing the placement is responsible for a range of creative work for marketing and publishing purposes.

Generic Job Description for a Graphic Designer

Graphic Designers produce a range of visual material for marketing and communication purposes. They work with private and corporate clients within any industry, although some specialise in certain sectors.

Graphic Designers work within a range of media including magazines, marketing brochures, corporate stationary, websites, packaging and advertising campaigns.

Their design process usually involves taking a design brief from the client then developing ideas and concepts to meet with the client’s requirements.

Skills:

• A high level of creativity
• A good imagination
• Good IT skills
• A good eye for colour
• The ability to accept criticism
• Good organisational skills
• Time management skills 

Pay:

• Entry £12,000
• £15,000 - £20,000 with experience
• £40,000 or more for skilled designers with experience within a large creative agency

Please not that salary figures are a guide only. Actual salaries may vary depending on the organisation and geographical location

Hours:

• Typically 9-5 Monday – Friday
• Overtime may be required at evenings and weekends to meet deadlines 

Environment:

• Typically based in an office or studio
• Travel may be required to meet with clients

Qualifications:

• Qualification are widely available from B-TEC to degree level
• Degree courses require five GCSE’s grades A-C including Art and Design and two A-Levels in an art related subject
• A portfolio of work is essential

Training:

• On-the-job training is based around industry specific computer software
• There are continued professional development courses offered by the Chartered Society of Designers

Opportunities:

• Jobs exist with agencies across the UK and with in-house design departments at large organisations
• Many Graphic Designers are self-employed working on a freelance basis
• Job opportunities with large agencies tend to exist within major cities

Links:

www.csd.org.uk  - Chartered Society of Designers

www.bima.co.uk - British Interactive Media Association (BIMA)
www.designnation.co.uk - Design Nation