Skip to main content

Design Graduate Career Profile

  1. Home
  2. Industry Profiles
  3. Design

Overview

The art and design industry is broad, covering everything from graphic design and product development to fine arts and digital media. While traditional paths in painting, sculpture, and antiques remain, modern art graduates are more likely to work in branding, digital design, or commercial arts. The industry includes sectors such as publishing, advertising, architecture, film, television, and product design, offering a variety of creative and technical career paths.

Design plays a vital role in shaping the world around us, from the layout of cities and interiors to the branding of companies and product packaging. Good design is not just about aesthetics—it’s about function, usability, and impact. Careers in design and the arts demand creative talent, technical skills, and commercial awareness, making them highly competitive yet rewarding fields.

Some key areas within art and design include:

  • Graphic Design – Creating visual branding, digital assets, and print media.
  • Industrial & Product Design – Developing functional and aesthetically pleasing consumer products.
  • Fashion & Textile Design – Designing clothing, fabrics, and accessories for mass production or haute couture.
  • Fine Arts & Creative Arts – Working as an independent artist, illustrator, or in museum and gallery roles.
  • Theatre & Set Design – Designing props, costumes, and stage environments for film, TV, and live performances.

A career in art and design can be highly diverse, requiring technical skills, an eye for detail, and strong creativity. Many professionals in this sector work freelance or self-employed, while others find employment in design agencies, museums, film production, and commercial brands.

Average Design Graduate Salary

Design Graduate Career Path

There are several career paths in art and design, depending on your skills and interests:

  • Graphic Design & Branding – Designing logos, digital content, and print materials for businesses and advertising agencies.
  • Industrial & Product Design – Creating innovative consumer products like electronics, furniture, and household goods.
  • Fashion & Textile Design – Designing clothing and accessories for luxury brands, high-street fashion, or independent labels.
  • Museum & Exhibition Design – Working on art installations, curation, and conservation in galleries and cultural spaces.
  • Theatre & Film Set Design – Developing props, stage sets, and visual effects for film, television, and live performances.

Major Employers in the design industry:

  • Advertising & branding agencies – WPP, Ogilvy, Saatchi & Saatchi, Pentagram.
  • Fashion & retail brands – Burberry, ASOS, Nike, Zara.
  • Museums & galleries – The Tate, Victoria & Albert Museum, The Design Museum.
  • Technology & entertainment companies – Apple, Netflix, Pixar, BBC.

Graduates typically start as Design Assistants, Junior Designers, or Art Technicians. Internships and freelance work are common entry points into the industry. Many professionals in art and design eventually specialise in a niche or transition into roles such as Creative Director, Art Director, or Lead Designer.

Some graduates opt for self-employment, setting up their own art studios, design consultancies, or online retail brands. Those in fine arts and crafts often exhibit their work, sell commissions, or take on teaching roles to supplement their income.

Here's what to expect in the design industry, understand these are circumstances you will come across being in the industry: 

  • Highly Competitive Industry – Jobs require strong portfolios, networking, and persistence.
  • Freelance & Self-Employment Opportunities – Many designers and artists work independently.
  • Diverse Specialisations – Opportunities range from advertising and product design to theatre and museum work.
  • Project-Based Work – Most roles involve short-term projects, deadlines, and client collaboration.

Explore graduate design jobs.

Qualifications and Skills Needed

What proportion of candidates as a percent we place into Design graduate careers and the typical qualities graduate employers look for.

GRB Placements for Design by Degree

Typical Candidate Attributes

While art and design careers are often portfolio-driven, a relevant degree can provide a competitive edge. Preferred degrees include:

  • Graphic Design, Illustration, Visual Arts – Ideal for branding, digital marketing, and publishing roles.
  • Product Design, Industrial Design, Architecture – Relevant for consumer product development and interior spaces.
  • Fashion Design, Textile Design – Essential for careers in fashion, pattern-making, and styling.
  • Fine Art, Art History, Museum Studies – Useful for roles in exhibitions, curation, and conservation.

Typical entry requirements:

  • 2:1 degree or higher in a related subject.
  • A strong portfolio showcasing creative work, technical ability, and unique style.
  • Internships, exhibitions, or freelance experience to demonstrate industry engagement.

Take a look at these essential skills to obtain whilst pursuing a career in design, ensure these buzzwords are on your CV which makes it searchable online: 

  • Creativity & Concept Development – Ability to generate unique ideas and visual concepts.
  • Technical Proficiency – Mastery of design software like Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign).
  • Attention to Detail – Ensuring high-quality execution across print, digital, and physical formats.
  • Commercial Awareness – Understanding trends, branding, and audience engagement.
  • Presentation & Communication Skills – Clearly conveying design ideas to clients, directors, and stakeholders.
  • Adaptability & Industry Awareness – Staying ahead of design trends, new media, and emerging technologies.

Professional training can also enhance career prospects. Many employers support:

  • CIM (Chartered Institute of Marketing) Certifications – For designers working in branding and marketing.
  • IDM (Institute of Data & Marketing) Courses – Specialising in advertising and digital content strategy.
  • Adobe & UX/UI Design Certifications – Essential for web design, digital media, and app development.

Application & Recruitment Process

Unlike structured graduate schemes, art and design careers rely heavily on portfolios and networking.

  1. Portfolio Submission & Online Presence – Strong digital portfolios (e.g. Behance, Dribbble, Instagram) showcasing personal projects.
  2. Internships & Freelance Work – Many graduates secure roles through industry connections or client projects.
  3. Interviews & Creative Tasks – Employers may set design challenges, mood boards, or client briefs to assess skills.
  4. Networking & Industry Events – Attending art exhibitions, creative fairs, and fashion weeks to connect with potential employers.

How to Improve Your Chances

  • Build a Strong Portfolio – Include a variety of creative projects, commercial work, and personal pieces.
  • Gain Practical Experience – Internships, freelance gigs, and collaborations with brands.
  • Stay Updated on Trends – Follow fashion, branding, and digital design trends.
  • Network with Industry Professionals – Attend design fairs, workshops, and creative meet-ups.

Sources for Further Information

The Textile Institute www.textileinstitute.org
The Design Council www.designcouncil.org.uk
Museums Association www.museumsassociation.org
Cultural Heritage National Training Organisation www.chnto.co.uk
Crafts Council www.craftscouncil.org.uk
The Chartered Society of Designers www.csd.org.uk