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Graphic Designer - Personal requirements

Kaihoahoa Whakairoiro

Skills & knowledge

Graphic designers need to have:

knowledge of art materials and techniques
the ability to use colour and design effectively
expertise in printing and production methods
knowledge of advertising and marketing, and how people think and react to visual images
awareness of current market trends
artistic ability, including good sketching, drawing and painting skills
excellent written and oral communication skills
computer skills, including the ability to use computed-aided design (CAD) software
the ability to interpret clients' ideas and turn them into a suitable image format
good problem-solving skills
time management skills.

Lauren Robertson sketching a design

Lauren Robertson talking to a colleague and pointing at a design.

Lauren Robertson and a colleague discussing a design

Personal Qualities

Graphic designers need to be:

motivated
creative
accurate, with an eye for detail
able to accept criticism
able to work well under pressure
open to learning new skills.

"You need to be able to communicate effectively. I think it's really crucial to be able to get inside someone else's head to find out their way of thinking, so you can tailor your designs much better."

Jason O'Hara - Graphic Designer

Physical Requirements

Graphic designers need to have good hand-eye co-ordination and normal colour vision. Graphic designers spend a lot of time using computers, so it is important they know how to avoid Occupational Overuse Syndrome (OOS).

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Updated September 2009

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