4 answers
Traevon
Student
Orangeburg, South Carolina
1
Question
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What careers similar to graphic design can I pursue?
I am a sophomore in high school and was initially pursuing a career in graphic design but I may not be satisfied with the salary of working solely on graphic design. What other careers similar to graphic design or requires graphic designing skills may better suit me that has higher salary on average? I've heard marketing or ux design may be better options
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4 answers
Gishan Ali
12
Answers
Clifton, New Jersey
Updated
Gishan’s Answer
There are many careers that are similar to Graphic Design. Graphic design is not just one career itself, it involves other sectors, like marketing. If you don't feel confident you may make it as a graphic designer, you can pursue similar roles, such as a social media content creator, or lets say a illustrator. Overall you just have to find the right career for yourself and never give up. Also do your research on design and see what it takes to succeed at it. All the best. Btw graphic designers make decent salary, just do your research, cause it varies from location.
Best,
Gishan
Best,
Gishan
Nissa Burkhalter
I specialize in bookkeeping, graphic design, and technical writing, leveraging my expertise to adapt across industries like construction and death care
6
Answers
Flat Rock, North Carolina
Updated
Nissa’s Answer
Graphic design skills serve as an excellent starting point for various creative careers. Whether it's web design, product development (for physical or digital products), or industrial design (creating physical objects like appliances or furniture), there's no shortage of options. For those drawn to storytelling, animation and motion graphics thrive in entertainment and advertising. On the strategic side, marketing design involves branding, advertising, and campaign strategy. Meanwhile, UI/UX design focuses on crafting user-friendly and visually engaging digital experiences.
It's worth noting that most people change career paths at least once in their lives. I personally spent over a decade as an office manager and bookkeeper for two businesses while simultaneously managing their marketing—from print to digital design. Eventually, I transitioned into a career in death care, seeking a role with deeper meaning rather than one tied to crunching numbers under pressure. The journey taught me that adapting and exploring new opportunities can lead to more fulfilling work. People evolve, and so do their aspirations.
It's worth noting that most people change career paths at least once in their lives. I personally spent over a decade as an office manager and bookkeeper for two businesses while simultaneously managing their marketing—from print to digital design. Eventually, I transitioned into a career in death care, seeking a role with deeper meaning rather than one tied to crunching numbers under pressure. The journey taught me that adapting and exploring new opportunities can lead to more fulfilling work. People evolve, and so do their aspirations.
Kim Matthews
Graphic Production Designer and Sculptor
62
Answers
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Updated
Kim’s Answer
Hi Traevon,
That's a great question. The work landscape for creative careers like graphic design is changing all the time. I'm not sure UI/UX is as lucrative as it used to be, and I don't think there are as many jobs as there were just a few years ago.
Salaries can vary quite a bit based on the client, company, or industry you're working for. I'd also think about your other skills and interests and how you might combine them with graphic design; think about yourself as a complete package and how you might pitch yourself to a prospective employer. But if you know how to solve problems, communicate effectively, and get along with people, those skills will serve you in any career you pursue.
As for marketing, I'm seeing the same mediocre wages for copywriting and design as in other areas, so I'm not sure if that's going to get you where you want to go. Also, marketing is its own culture that seems to self-select for extroverts; at least that's been my experience. You either love schmoozing or you don't.
As you can tell, there's a lot to think about. If you have tech or science skills--and particularly if you can write--you might consider technical illustration and writing for IT or some scientific discipline, or maybe architecture. Lately I'm also seeing a lot of companies looking for low-wage "unicorns" who can work in print, video, and digital, but I have no idea who these firms actually hire--if they hire at all. It's a weird time.
Whatever you choose, I strongly advise you to cast a broad net, stay flexible, and master the fundamentals.
Best to you.
That's a great question. The work landscape for creative careers like graphic design is changing all the time. I'm not sure UI/UX is as lucrative as it used to be, and I don't think there are as many jobs as there were just a few years ago.
Salaries can vary quite a bit based on the client, company, or industry you're working for. I'd also think about your other skills and interests and how you might combine them with graphic design; think about yourself as a complete package and how you might pitch yourself to a prospective employer. But if you know how to solve problems, communicate effectively, and get along with people, those skills will serve you in any career you pursue.
As for marketing, I'm seeing the same mediocre wages for copywriting and design as in other areas, so I'm not sure if that's going to get you where you want to go. Also, marketing is its own culture that seems to self-select for extroverts; at least that's been my experience. You either love schmoozing or you don't.
As you can tell, there's a lot to think about. If you have tech or science skills--and particularly if you can write--you might consider technical illustration and writing for IT or some scientific discipline, or maybe architecture. Lately I'm also seeing a lot of companies looking for low-wage "unicorns" who can work in print, video, and digital, but I have no idea who these firms actually hire--if they hire at all. It's a weird time.
Whatever you choose, I strongly advise you to cast a broad net, stay flexible, and master the fundamentals.
Best to you.
I appreciate this, thank you for the advice.
Traevon
You're so welcome. I hope you find something you love that makes a way for you!
Kim Matthews
Miracle Obere
Graphic Designer/Consultant
2
Answers
Port Harcourt, Rivers, Nigeria
Updated
Miracle’s Answer
If you enjoy graphic design but want to explore other creative paths, consider careers like UI/UX design, art direction, illustration, animation, branding, or marketing design. These fields often overlap but differ in focus—some are mo
re strategic, like creative direction, while others are hands-on, like illustration or motion graphics. You can also dive into product design, web development, packaging design, or even fashion design, especially since you’re already in the fashion industry. Digital art and NFT creation are newer, lucrative options if you’re into experimenting with cutting-edge trends. Ultimately, your graphic design skills provide a strong foundation, and branching out often just requires learning new tools or adapting your creativity to different mediums.
re strategic, like creative direction, while others are hands-on, like illustration or motion graphics. You can also dive into product design, web development, packaging design, or even fashion design, especially since you’re already in the fashion industry. Digital art and NFT creation are newer, lucrative options if you’re into experimenting with cutting-edge trends. Ultimately, your graphic design skills provide a strong foundation, and branching out often just requires learning new tools or adapting your creativity to different mediums.