5 answers
Diana
Student
Provo, Utah
1
Question
Asked
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Graduating with degree in the arts?
Are there still jobs in the arts, specifically graphic design? #Spring25
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5 answers
Leah Hopkins
Graphic Design
4
Answers
Syracuse, Indiana
Updated
Leah’s Answer
Hi, Diana!
I recently graduated with a BA in graphic design, and yes, there are jobs out here. This being said, it is increasingly difficult to find any of those jobs without a sizeable amount of experience.
It's also important to consider that AI does pose a threat (as well as marketing professionals who think they can design even if they're not good at it) to the jobs of graphic designers. I think there will always be a need for us to a degree, but as stated in another comment, competition is extremely high, and I personally had to leave the state that I lived in to finally land a job three months after graduating. I'm someone that had six internships in my college career and graduated near the top of my class in college and still struggled to land that first job post-grad for a little while. This is not to discourage you; I merely warn you that from what I have seen in the Midwest at least, you have to be willing to relocate and work really hard at the beginning. All of the relaxed, remote freelance jobs are for highly seasoned professionals or those who can afford a very minimal income.
I love what I do, and graphic design is an awesome career choice for creatives who want to sustainably make a living have have a steadier income than fine artists. It is also crucial to attend a college with faculty who will support you through the internship and post-grad hiring process. That can make all the difference, since I've been told that landing that first job post-graduation in graphic design is the hardest. So, making sure you gain and maintain professional connections wherever you can will help you immensely.
Hope this helps!
I recently graduated with a BA in graphic design, and yes, there are jobs out here. This being said, it is increasingly difficult to find any of those jobs without a sizeable amount of experience.
It's also important to consider that AI does pose a threat (as well as marketing professionals who think they can design even if they're not good at it) to the jobs of graphic designers. I think there will always be a need for us to a degree, but as stated in another comment, competition is extremely high, and I personally had to leave the state that I lived in to finally land a job three months after graduating. I'm someone that had six internships in my college career and graduated near the top of my class in college and still struggled to land that first job post-grad for a little while. This is not to discourage you; I merely warn you that from what I have seen in the Midwest at least, you have to be willing to relocate and work really hard at the beginning. All of the relaxed, remote freelance jobs are for highly seasoned professionals or those who can afford a very minimal income.
I love what I do, and graphic design is an awesome career choice for creatives who want to sustainably make a living have have a steadier income than fine artists. It is also crucial to attend a college with faculty who will support you through the internship and post-grad hiring process. That can make all the difference, since I've been told that landing that first job post-graduation in graphic design is the hardest. So, making sure you gain and maintain professional connections wherever you can will help you immensely.
Hope this helps!
Laura Belge
Senior Graphic Designer
1
Answer
Columbia, South Carolina
Updated
Laura’s Answer
HI Diana,
Yes, there are still graphic design jobs available. If you're willing to continuously learn and have a kind of jack of all trades kind of skillset, then this is the right path. I'd suggest taking LinkedIn learning courses (usually free with your library card) and learning what interests you/can set you apart. I taught myself Premiere Pro and After Effects, which has helped me stand out as a designer. Yes, you also have to be willing/able to use some AI in your workflow or ideation. More and more companies are asking for it, and unfortunately, we just have to roll with it without letting it take over.
Also, when you're ready to apply do some research on ATS jobs scanners and ATS friendly resumes. Feel free to message me if you'd like some links!
Yes, there are still graphic design jobs available. If you're willing to continuously learn and have a kind of jack of all trades kind of skillset, then this is the right path. I'd suggest taking LinkedIn learning courses (usually free with your library card) and learning what interests you/can set you apart. I taught myself Premiere Pro and After Effects, which has helped me stand out as a designer. Yes, you also have to be willing/able to use some AI in your workflow or ideation. More and more companies are asking for it, and unfortunately, we just have to roll with it without letting it take over.
Also, when you're ready to apply do some research on ATS jobs scanners and ATS friendly resumes. Feel free to message me if you'd like some links!
Gishan Ali
26
Answers
Clifton, New Jersey
Updated
Gishan’s Answer
Hello Diana,
Yes there is many jobs in the arts field. As a graphic design grad myself, the work is everywhere, and designers are needed always. The only issue is the competition, very high and skill orientated. Not to worry with practice and experience, like internships, you should have a higher chance of landing a position. Always learn new skills and practice as much as possible. Hope this helps.
Best,
Gishan
Yes there is many jobs in the arts field. As a graphic design grad myself, the work is everywhere, and designers are needed always. The only issue is the competition, very high and skill orientated. Not to worry with practice and experience, like internships, you should have a higher chance of landing a position. Always learn new skills and practice as much as possible. Hope this helps.
Best,
Gishan
Updated
Ken’s Answer
Hi Diana,
As you know, graphic design span from logos, web, events, ad, commercials... and the areas graphic design can apply to any person who's starting their own business to the largest companies in the world. So yes, there will be jobs there somewhere for you. Figure out what area interests you. Is it going into big companies and work on big campaigns? Is it going into small non-profits that helps people? Is it focusing on event design? The options are endless.
What's important is to be nimble. This is an industry that changes a lot, so keep your eyes on the industry trend and flow with it, you'll never be out of jobs. Good luck!
As you know, graphic design span from logos, web, events, ad, commercials... and the areas graphic design can apply to any person who's starting their own business to the largest companies in the world. So yes, there will be jobs there somewhere for you. Figure out what area interests you. Is it going into big companies and work on big campaigns? Is it going into small non-profits that helps people? Is it focusing on event design? The options are endless.
What's important is to be nimble. This is an industry that changes a lot, so keep your eyes on the industry trend and flow with it, you'll never be out of jobs. Good luck!
Joe Lopez
creative director
5
Answers
Alameda, California
Updated
Joe’s Answer
There will always be jobs available for graphic designers. The stronger your portfolio the greater your options will be. If you are between jobs, please do not get discouraged. Use your free time to keep improving your work or doing new spec projects. Never be idle. The more you design the better you will get. Use this time to increase the variety of subject matters and design styles in your book.