How Does Graphic Design Compare To Other Careers?
Is a graphic design profession or side hustle right for you?
If you’re interested in learning graphic design as a professional or for a career, let’s be upfront about the pros and cons.
The main con is questionable pay. A design 9-5 is typically near the US median wage (currently around $50,000). Entry-level positions can be as low as $30,000. Striking out on your own is hit-or-miss and depends on your business acumen. Income as a hobbyist or freelancer is unreliable.
Payscale data for proof:
Projected job growth is low. It’s between -4% and +3% depending on source. Plus, the unemployment rate for designers is above-average (~10% vs the current 3.5%).
Surveys list designer job satisfaction somewhere between average and above-average. Not great, not terrible. Sometimes this is because corporate guidelines strangle creativity. It varies.
Fortunately, there are several advantages to pursuing design:
Graphic design is quick to pick up, especially for people who are already art-minded. You only need a few weeks to learn the basics if you’re dedicated. “Easy to learn, hard to master.”
Most design jobs can be done remotely. The money looks better if you find laid-back remote jobs and juggle 2-3 jobs at once. Or combine remote work with freelance.
Design applies to every industry and is always an in-demand skill.
Graphic design is highly complementary: it combines well with other business-related skills.
It’s better than minimum wage jobs. You’ll learn transferable skills and get higher pay.
Doesn’t require a degree or certificates (but they do help)
Design is a valuable skill that can be learned without much friction, and there’s no shortage of clients.
Dealing with recessions is iffy. On one hand, design is under-appreciated. “My nephew can do that in Microsoft Word, right?” On the other hand, business owners want any edge they can get over the competition. Superior brand positioning can increase conversion rates and other metrics. YMMV.
Low barriers to entry do create intense competition, so be warned. Especially with freelancing or remote work. Cons are similar to what I wrote about copywriting. You’ll compete with people around the world, including those who’ll do your job for half the price (or less). Many people try to DIY designs (even if they have no creativity) or use AI to save money/time. Thus, as a designer, “selling yourself” can be tough depending on how you go about it.
Many people also get into design because of passion. They’re often willing to settle for below-average pay if they can get their dream job. This drives down salary expectations. Most artists and aspiring artists are also allergic to money, and society doesn’t value art/beauty as much as it should. Before we get on a tangent though:
If money is your primary concern, you might want to look into other options. Don’t expect six figures from art. High-paying jobs include tech sales, investment banking, and cybersecurity.
Cybersecurity is one straightforward example. Study like a madman to get industry certifications (such as Security+ and Network+), then shotgun your resume to hiring managers in search of entry-level work. Cybersecurity is more of an in-demand field than graphic design and the pay is better. There are even free or nearly-free certification programs (Texas A&M, CCST, and (ISC)² CC as examples)
If you need money immediately, manual labor is likely fastest. Mow lawns, pressure wash houses, shovel snow, rake leaves, clean gutters, etc. People are rarely into this idea, yet if you’re low on options, you can get started in minutes or hours. Not weeks or months. Follow guys like BowTiedHandyman for more.
Personally, I don’t regret going into design. My current 9-5 is great. I’m paid well above average and have near-zero oversight. The job is relaxed enough for me to regularly write articles like this one. The field of design itself is enjoyable too. I like what I do, and know I have an impact, helping everyone from individuals to Fortune 100 companies.
It did, however, take me a while to break into graphic design. Art school is a scam. Compared to what I’ve learned in the real world, my bachelor’s degree is almost worthless. Only a handful of classes were worthwhile.
Now, with the internet, anyone can learn everything - at a fraction of the price. And that’s one goal here as Apollo. I’m going to share everything I know, because Colleges Are Zeros, and internet cartoons on Twitter can replace them.
Still thinking about graphic design? Let’s get started here:
This discusses the first steps, including tech requirements and likely costs.
Pick a niche. Learn its ins and outs. Aim for minimum viable competency, build a portfolio, and look for entry-level remote work.
In conclusion: “is graphic design right for me?” It depends.
Are you…
Interested in remote work that can scale?
A creative type of person or someone with an art background?
On a short-medium time scale for learning new skills?
Uninterested in college?
Not terribly concerned with the size of your paycheck as long as you can pay your bills?
Ambitious enough to learn a new skill set that can be used in different ways?
Disciplined enough to immerse yourself in self-study?
Able to run Photoshop?
Looking for a field where the robots can’t take over yet?
If yes to most of these, stay tuned.
This is a reader-supported publication. For further support of my work:
I sell physical artwork at ApolloGallery.org with more to come
You can hire me for graphic design work