Do I need a design degree?

Not always. Many designers are self-taught or come from short courses. A strong portfolio, an understanding of design principles and the ability to work with feedback are often what employers check first.

Should I choose graphic design or UI/UX design?

Graphic design focuses more on visual communication and brand materials. UI/UX design focuses on how digital products work for users and often involves research and testing. Try small projects in both before you decide.

Should my CV be very creative?

Your portfolio is the place for creativity. Many applications pass through applicant tracking systems first, so a clear, well-structured CV with a link to your portfolio is usually the safer choice.

Career guide

How to become a graphic or UI/UX designer

Designers shape how information, products and brands look and feel. Graphic designers create visuals such as logos, social media posts and printed materials, while UI/UX designers plan how people move through apps and websites so they are easy and pleasant to use.

In design, your portfolio usually matters more than your certificates. Employers often want to see how you understand a problem, explore ideas, take feedback and arrive at a clear final result, not only polished images.

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What the work looks like

Clarifying the brief: who the audience is and what the design must achieve
Sketching ideas, wireframes or layout options
Creating final designs in professional design software
Presenting work, explaining choices and revising after feedback
Preparing files and specifications for printers or developers

First roles

Junior graphic designer
Junior UI/UX or product designer
Design assistant or design intern
Social media or marketing content designer

How to start

Learn the fundamentals: layout, typography, colour, visual hierarchy and accessibility.
Become comfortable with at least one industry-standard design tool.
Build three to five portfolio projects that show your process from brief to final result.
Check your knowledge with the graphic design test or the UI/UX design test.
Study design thinking so you can explain how you solve problems for users.
Pair your portfolio link with a clean, readable CV based on one of the CV templates.

Skills employers look for

Prove these with a free test, or read the guide for each one.

Graphic DesignFree test Guide
UI/UX DesignFree test Guide
Design ThinkingFree test Guide
CreativityFree test Guide
Video EditingFree test Guide
IdeationFree test Guide

Your CV for each market

Common questions

Do I need a design degree?: Not always. Many designers are self-taught or come from short courses. A strong portfolio, an understanding of design principles and the ability to work with feedback are often what employers check first.
Should I choose graphic design or UI/UX design?: Graphic design focuses more on visual communication and brand materials. UI/UX design focuses on how digital products work for users and often involves research and testing. Try small projects in both before you decide.
Should my CV be very creative?: Your portfolio is the place for creativity. Many applications pass through applicant tracking systems first, so a clear, well-structured CV with a link to your portfolio is usually the safer choice.