A graphic designer is a professional who creates a piece of design using pictures and other images, words and animation. They create specifically for printed and electronic publication. They may create brochures or other advertising materials or design website pages. Other workers that fall under the umbrella of this profession are those who do typesetting, illustrations or who teach the subject in a college or trade school setting. The key goal of their work is to present content in a visually exciting and memorable way.

An education is necessary to become a graphic designer. Although not necessarily essential, a degree or certificate is almost always needed to secure a position. After becoming established, experience and the body of work become increasingly important. There are several educational routes one could take to pursue a career in the industry. Several degrees are awarded including the AAS, BA, BFA, MFA and the MPhil/PhD. The skill set needed is broad. Proficiency must be demonstrated in many computer and software applications. The Adobe family such as Photoshop and Creative Suite are a staple of the work. Designers should also have a working knowledge of XML, HTML and even web programming. When working in print, they should also be familiar with that process and be able to produce camera ready art.

Graphic designers need to have excellent visual problem solving skills. They must also be able to visually communicate an idea. This can involve a lot of research before a design is ever created. They should also have knowledge of how production works. Technology in that field is ever changing and can have an impact on the creative process. More and more often, designers are being asked to incorporate video or other moving images into their work. It is therefore important to have some basic to intermediate video production knowledge and experience.

The body of work is compiled into a portfolio which becomes the calling card when seeking work in the field. The portfolio is an evolutionary process. It changes often throughout a career to reflect the best and most impressive work created. It should contain a variety of work done in as many mediums as possible. In the past, work has been presented in a large black binder or mounted in some way to show potential clients. The usually procedure currently is to present a digitized portfolio. Anytime you design website pages, they should be preserved digitally for presentation. Actual printed work can be scanned for inclusion.