Career of the week: Graphic design

In today’s world, on mobile apps, product packets, posters, and social media- we see images and designs everywhere — But have you ever thought about who creates these?

Behind every eye-catching poster, Instagram post, or brand logo is a graphic designer — someone who uses creativity and computer tools to make ideas look great and easy to understand.

Graphic designers help companies communicate with people through visuals. It’s a career where art meets technology — and it's growing fast.

But what exactly do they do? And how can someone enter this field?

At its core, graphic design is visual communication. A graphic designer uses images, text, color, and layout to deliver messages clearly and creatively. Their work appears everywhere: billboards, election posters, restaurant menus, product labels, websites, textbooks, mobile apps, and more.

According to the Interaction Design Foundation, graphic design is about “solving problems and communicating ideas through typography, imagery, color, and form.” In simpler terms, it’s about making things look good and make sense.

Graphic designers can specialize in a range of areas:

• Branding – Creating logos, color palettes, and visual identity for companies

• Print Design – Designing posters, book covers, brochures, and packaging

• UI/UX Design – Designing the look and layout of apps and websites

• Social Media Content – Creating visuals for Instagram, YouTube, and other platforms

• Motion Graphics – Designing animated videos and advertisements

The Indian job market has seen a sharp rise in demand for digital designers. A 2023 article by India Today reports that graphic design is among the top 10 emerging creative careers, especially in cities like Jaipur, Ahmedabad, and Hyderabad, where design and tech start-ups are booming. Graphic designers tend to work at advertising companies, design studios and agencies. 

There is no single path to becoming a designer. Many professionals today are self-taught, while others go through formal education.

Academic Path:

• Bachelor’s in Design (B.Des) – Available at premier institutions like NID (National Institute of Design), UID Ahmedabad, or IIT Bombay (IDC School of Design).

• Diploma or Certificate Courses – Offered by institutions like Pearl Academy, Arena Animation, MAAC, and even through platforms like Coursera and Udemy.

Self-Learning Path:

Many students begin by exploring free design tools like Canva or Figma, watching YouTube tutorials (try “Learn Canva in Hindi”), and experimenting with small projects like event posters or Instagram templates.

Can students start this process?

Yes, if you have a smartphone or a basic laptop and internet connection, students can begin learning design from anywhere. 

Several graphic designers from Tier-3 towns now freelance for companies abroad, as seen in platforms like Fiverr or Upwork. A 2022 article in The Economic Times highlighted how digital platforms are "breaking geography barriers" for Indian freelancers, especially in creative industries.

Graphic design salaries in India vary:

Experience Level	Monthly Earnings (INR)
Beginner Freelancer	₹5,000 – ₹20,000
Entry-Level Designer	₹25,000 – ₹40,000
Mid-Level (3–5 years)	₹50,000+ or project-based
High-End Freelancers	₹1 lakh+ / month (project-wise)

How Can You Start Today?

1. Observe: Start noticing designs in your surroundings—on packaging, books, social media.

2. Experiment: Download a free app like Canva and try recreating a school poster or festival invitation.

3. Build: Save your designs. Ask friends or teachers for feedback. Over time, you’ll have a portfolio.

Learn: Follow free tutorials on YouTube or sign up for design challenges online