Graphic Designer Science & Engineering Professionals
SaveWhat Does a Graphic Designer Do?
Graphic designers create text and images to communicate ideas. They make visual concepts by hand or using computer software, intended for publishing in paper or online media such as advertisements, websites, and magazines.
Resource recommendations may include affiliate links. Learn more
Where Do I Start?
Graphic Design
The techniques to create a visual representation of ideas and messages.
Sign up to trackReady to go deeper? Pick up to 3 skills to focus on from the list below.
These are common skills for this role. Real-world experience matters more than ticking every box — use this as a guide, not a checklist.
Skills You Need to Become a Graphic Designer
Essential Skills
Essential Skills
-
EssentialGraphic Design knowledge
The techniques to create a visual representation of ideas and messages.
Recommended Books
2 books -
EssentialDesktop Publishing knowledge
The creation of documents using page layout skills on a computer. Desktop publishing software can generate layouts and produce typographic quality text and images.
Recommended Books
1 book -
EssentialCopyright Legislation knowledge
Legislation describing the protection of the rights of original authors over their work, and how others can use it.
Recommended Books
1 book -
EssentialAdapt To Type Of Media skill
Adapt to different types of media such as television, movies, commercials, and others. Adapt work to type of media, scale of production, budget, genres within type of media, and others.
Course recommendations coming soon.
-
EssentialDesign Graphics skill
Apply a variety of visual techniques in order to design graphic material. Combine graphical elements to communicate concepts and ideas.
Course recommendations coming soon.
-
EssentialDesign Prototypes skill
Design prototypes of products or components of products by applying design and engineering principles.
Course recommendations coming soon.
-
EssentialDevelop Creative Ideas skill
Developing new artistic concepts and creative ideas.
Course recommendations coming soon.
-
EssentialFinish Project Within Budget skill
Course recommendations coming soon.
-
EssentialFollow A Brief skill
Interpret and meet requirements and expectations, as discussed and agreed upon with the customers.
Course recommendations coming soon.
-
EssentialIdentify Customer's Needs skill
Use appropriate questions and active listening in order to identify customer expectations, desires and requirements according to product and services.
Course recommendations coming soon.
-
EssentialPerform Market Research skill
Gather, assess and represent data about target market and customers in order to facilitate strategic development and feasibility studies. Identify market trends.
Course recommendations coming soon.
-
EssentialTranslate Requirement Concepts Into Visual Design skill
Develop visual design from given specifications and requirements, based on the analysis of the scope and target audience. Create a visual representation of ideas such as logos, website graphics, digital …
Course recommendations coming soon.
-
EssentialConvert Scribbles Into Virtual Sketches skill
Use software to convert the roughly drawn representation of a design into a two-dimensional geometrical sketch that they can further develop to obtain the final concept.
Course recommendations coming soon.
-
EssentialRespect Publication Formats skill
Submit text material for printing purposes. Always respect the required and expected publication formats.
Course recommendations coming soon.
-
EssentialUse Creative Suite Software skill
Use a creative software suite such as ''Adobe'' to aid in graphic designing.
Course recommendations coming soon.
Optional Skills (5 of 35 displayed)
-
OptionalAdobe Photoshop knowledge
The computer program Adobe Photoshop is a graphical ICT tool which enables digital editing and composition of graphics to generate both 2D raster or 2D vector graphics. It is developed …
No book recommendations available yet.
-
OptionalGimp (Graphics Editor Software) knowledge
The computer program GIMP is a graphical ICT tool which enables digital editing and composition of graphics to generate both 2D raster or 2D vector graphics. It is developed by …
No book recommendations available yet.
-
OptionalSketchbook Pro knowledge
The computer program SketchBook Pro is a graphical ICT tool which enables digital editing and composition of graphics to generate both 2D raster or 2D vector graphics. It is developed …
-
OptionalAdobe Illustrator knowledge
The computer program Adobe Illustrator CC is a graphical ICT tool which enables digital editing and composition of graphics to generate both 2D raster or 2D vector graphics. It is …
No book recommendations available yet.
-
OptionalMicrosoft Visio knowledge
The computer program Microsoft Visio is a graphical ICT tool which enables digital editing and composition of graphics to generate both 2D raster or 2D vector graphics. It is developed …
Recommended Books
1 book -
OptionalSynfig knowledge
The computer program Synfig is a graphical ICT tool which enables digital editing and composition of graphics to generate both 2D raster or 2D vector graphics. It is developed by …
Recommended Books
1 book -
Optional3d Modelling knowledge
The process of developing a mathematical representation of any three-dimensional surface of an object via specialised software. The product is called a 3D model. It can be displayed as a …
No book recommendations available yet.
-
Optional3d Lighting knowledge
The arrangement or digital effect which simulates lighting in a 3D environment.
No book recommendations available yet.
-
OptionalAdvertising Techniques knowledge
The communication strategies intended to persuade or encourage an audience, and the different media which are used to achieve this goal.
Recommended Books
3 books -
OptionalMotion Graphics knowledge
The techniques and software for creating the illusion of motion such as keyframing, Adobe After Effects, and Nuke.
Recommended Books
2 books -
OptionalAesthetics knowledge
Set of principles based on which something is appealing and beautiful.
No book recommendations available yet.
-
OptionalDigital Compositing knowledge
The process and software for digitally assembling multiple images to make one, final image.
No book recommendations available yet.
-
OptionalGraphics Editor Software knowledge
The field of graphical ICT tools which enable digital editing and composition of graphics, such as GIMP, Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Illustrator, to develop both 2D raster or 2D vector …
No book recommendations available yet.
-
OptionalPhotography knowledge
Art and practice of creating aesthetically appealing images by recording light or electromagnetic radiation.
No book recommendations available yet.
-
OptionalPublishing Industry knowledge
Key stakeholders in the publishing industry. Acquisition, marketing and distribution of newspapers, books, magazines and other informative works, including electronic media.
No book recommendations available yet.
-
OptionalApply 3d Imaging Techniques skill
Implement a variety of techniques such as digital sculpting, curve modelling and 3D scanning to create, edit, preserve and use 3D images, such as point clouds, 3D vector graphic and …
Course recommendations coming soon.
-
OptionalApply Desktop Publishing Techniques skill
Apply desktop publishing techniques and software to create page layouts and typographic quality text.
Course recommendations coming soon.
-
OptionalDevelop Animations skill
Design and develop visual animations using creativity and computer skills. Make objects or characters appear lifelike by manipulating light, colour, texture, shadow, and transparency, or manipulating static images to give …
Course recommendations coming soon.
-
OptionalDraw Design Sketches skill
Create rough pictures to assist in creating and communicating design concepts.
Course recommendations coming soon.
-
OptionalEdit Digital Moving Images skill
Use specialised software to edit video images for use in an artistic production.
Course recommendations coming soon.
-
OptionalEdit Negatives skill
Use different software products and techniques to process photographic negatives and adapt the images to the desired specifications.
Course recommendations coming soon.
-
OptionalEdit Photographs skill
Resize, enhance and retouche photographs, using airbrushing, editing software and other techniques.
Course recommendations coming soon.
-
OptionalManage Contracts skill
Negotiate the terms, conditions, costs and other specifications of a contract while making sure they comply with legal requirements and are legally enforceable. Oversee the execution of the contract, agree …
Course recommendations coming soon.
-
OptionalOperate 3d Computer Graphics Software skill
Use graphical ICT tools, such as Autodesk Maya, Blender which enable digital editing, modelling, rendering and composition of graphics. These tools are based in mathematical representation of three-dimensional objects.
Course recommendations coming soon.
-
OptionalUse Cad Software skill
Use computer-aided design (CAD) systems to assist in the creation, modification, analysis, or optimisation of a design.
Course recommendations coming soon.
-
OptionalUse Digital Illustration Techniques skill
Create drawings using digital illustration programmes and techniques.
Course recommendations coming soon.
-
OptionalBrainstorm Ideas skill
Pitch your ideas and concepts to fellow members of the creative team in order to come up with alternatives, solutions and better versions.
Course recommendations coming soon.
-
OptionalCreate 3d Characters skill
Develop 3D models by transforming and digitising previously designed characters using specialised 3D tools.
Course recommendations coming soon.
-
OptionalCreate 3d Environments skill
Develop a computer-generated 3D representation of a setting such as simulated environment, where the users interact.
Course recommendations coming soon.
-
OptionalCreate Advertisements skill
Use your creativity to draft advertiments. Keep in mind the costumer's requirements, target audience, media and marketing objectives.
Course recommendations coming soon.
-
OptionalCreate Animated Narratives skill
Develop animated narrative sequences and story lines, using computer software and hand drawing techniques.
Course recommendations coming soon.
-
OptionalCreate Moving Images skill
Create and develop two-dimensional and three-dimensional images in motion and animations.
Course recommendations coming soon.
-
OptionalMeet Expectations Of Target Audience skill
Research the needs and expectations of the target audience to ensure the program's theme meets both.
Course recommendations coming soon.
-
OptionalUse Photographic Equipment skill
Use analogue or digital camera equipment, along with a variety of accessories such as tripods, filters and lenses.
Course recommendations coming soon.
-
OptionalUse Traditional Illustration Techniques skill
Create drawings using traditional illustration techniques such as watercolour, pen and ink, airbrush art, oil painting, pastels, wood engraving, and linoleum cuts.
Course recommendations coming soon.
