Graphic design is simple, yet voluminous. It offers a wide range of career options, each with its own set of skills, job opportunities and salaries. In this article, we will discuss the top 8 types of graphic design careers or graphic design jobs in Nigeria that you can try.

Whether you’re a graphic design student who is just branching out, a graphic design freelancer, or a design professional looking to expand your skills, or get hired; this guide will help you explore the field of graphic design and find the right career path to follow.

Let’s start with one of the oldest types of graphic design.

8 Types of Graphic Design Careers to Explore

#1. Print & Publication Design

Print design involves creating artworks for physical printed materials. This includes business cards design, brochures, letterhead, flyers designs, posters, booklets, magazines, invitation cards, postcards, newspapers, book covers, layouts, menu design, album covers, apparels, stationery, lettering and character design and the list goes on.

A print designer uses typography, colour, layout, and imagery to create visually appealing and effective promotional designs.

Skills Required for Print Design

• Good communication skills
• Must have a strong eye for details
• Deep knowledge of typography, colour, and layout
• Must be good in Corel Draw, Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign
• Should be familiar with common print production processes

Job Opportunities for Print Designers

• Freelancing
• Design firms
• Printing companies
• Bespoke companies
• Advertising agencies
• Newspaper companies

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#2. Brand Identity Design

Branding and identity design is another graphic design career you can explore this year. It involves creating and maintaining a brand’s visual identity. This is done with the use of logos, icons, emblems, trademarks, typography, colour palettes, and any other elements involving visual appearance.

Branding is one of the most important parts of marketing and advertising. It helps a particular business or company to establish an identity value in the market and distinguish itself from its competitors.

Skills Required for Branding and Identity Design

• Pay attention to details
• Must keep up with industry trends
• Proficiency in popular Design software
• Ability to research and analyse target audiences
• Deed knowledge in typography, colour theory, and visual hierarchy

Job Opportunities for Branding and Identity Designers

• Freelancing
• Advertising firms
• Printing companies
• Bespoke companies
• Packaging companies
• Digital marketing agencies

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#3. Marketing And Advertising Design

Marketing and advertising design focus on company’s online and offline promotional campaigns.

A graphic designer specializing in advertising and marketing creates the following assets for pints and digital advertisements: social media graphics, infographic arts, banners design, signages, trade show booths, events and wedding design, marketing email templates, billboards, vehicle wraps, presentation decks, etc.

Read: How To Design Print and Install Billboards in Nigeria

#4. User Interface (UI) Design

User interface (UI) design is all about creating the visual and interactive elements of digital products. The main products are websites and apps.

Skills Required for UI Design

• Ability to make user-friendly designs
• Proficiency in HTML, CSS, and JavaScript
• Proficiency in Sketch, Figma, and Adobe XD
• Must work alongside front-end developers and product managers
• Must understand user behaviour (to certain colours, fonts, button sizes, etc)

Job Opportunities for UI Designers

• Game studios
• Commercial websites
• Tech and Fintech startups
• Digital marketing agencies
• Software development companies
• Can work alongside front-end developers on certain projects

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User Experience (UX) Design

While UI designers focus on visual appearance, UX designers focus more on the functionality and performance of digital products. A UX designer makes sure the designs on a website or mobile app are easy to use, engaging, and doesn’t frustrate the visitors or users.

Skills Required for UX Design

• Ability to make user-friendly elements
• Proficiency in HTML, CSS, and JavaScript
• Proficiency in Sketch, Figma, and Adobe XD
• Must understand user behaviour and psychology
• Should be able to conduct user research and gather feedback
• Ability to work alongside front-end developers and product managers

Job Opportunities for UX Designers

• Game studios
• Commercial websites
• Tech and Fintech startups
• Digital marketing agencies
• Software development companies
• Can work alongside front-end developers on certain projects

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#6. Web Graphics Design

Web design is one of the best graphic design careers to explore today. It involves creating the visual and functional elements of websites.

A web graphics designer must be able to make designs that are visually appealing and easy to navigate. He/she also makes sure the design elements don’t affect the website’s functionality, loading time and performance.

Skills Required for Web Graphics Design

• Fast online communication skills
• Professional usage of certain elements and principles of design
• Must know programming, HTML, CSS, and JavaScript
• Proficiency in Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator and other relevant design software
• Must be familiar with online collaboration tools like Slack, Microsoft Teams, Google Meet, Zoom, etc.

Job Opportunities for Web Graphics Designers

• Freelancing
• Tech startups
• Commercial websites
• Marketing Companies

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#7. Packaging Design

Yes, you guessed right. Packaging design is all about creating the visual and physical appearance of products packaging like food packets, delivery boxes, clothing tags, labels, CD Cover design, tote bags, and stickers.

These types of graphic designers are tasked with creating designs that are eye-catching, informative, and functional. Their designs must also resonate with the needs of the product and the target market.

Skills Required for Packaging Design

• Deep understanding of design principles
• Mastery of Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop and more
• Should know common printing materials and processes
• Should be able to work alongside product managers, printers and manufacturers

Job Opportunities for Packaging Designers

• Graphic Design agencies
• Consumer packaged goods (CPG) companies

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#8. Motion Graphics Design (and Animation)

Motion graphics design is a whole new world. It entails the creation of animated visual elements.

These visual elements are used in video production, display advertisements, and other live digital media. Motion graphics designers must be able to create designs that are engaging, visually appealing, and deliver the right message to the viewers or target audience.

Skills Required for Motion Graphics Design

• Proficiency in Adobe After Effects and Cinema 4D
• Deep knowledge of animation principles and techniques
• Deep understanding of composition, colour theory, and typography
• Should be able to work alongside video producers and other crew members

Job Opportunities for Motion Graphics Designers

• Game studios
• Local TV stations
• Animation studios
• Marketing and ad agencies
• Film and video production studios

The Bottom Line: Types of Graphic Design Careers to Explore

Graphic design is becoming an increasingly popular career choice for many people nowadays. However, the field is diverse, with endless opportunities to explore.

In this post, we have discussed the top 8 types of graphic design careers to explore in this new year. We also talked about the required skills, job descriptions and job opportunities.

Whether you are looking for highest paying jobs with a graphic design degree, we hope this guide will help you explore the field of graphic design and find the right career path for you.

iPrints is a professional printing, marketing and branding company in Lagos Nigeria. Contact us for further assistance.