Graphic Design Jobs

There are numerous different kinds of roles in the graphic design field. Common examples of positions include:

• a graphic designer – creates visual concepts for print and digital media;
• a brand designer – focuses on building consistent visual identities;
• a UX/UI designer – designs interfaces and user experiences for apps and websites;
• a motion graphics designer – specialises in animated graphics and video content;
• illustrator – creates custom artwork for books, adverts, and/or merchandise;
• a packaging designer – designs labels and packaging for a range of different client products;
• an art director – leads creative projects and teams in agencies or studios;
• web designer – designs website layouts and visuals;
• a DTP operator – prepares artwork for printing and production;
• and
• a freelance designer – offers a range of different design services independently, to multiple clients on a contractual basis.

Formal qualifications aren't always required, but are highly beneficial. Typical educational routes include:

• acquiring a diploma or degree in graphic design, visual communication, or multimedia design from an institution such as Vega School, AAA School of Advertising, University of Johannesburg, Cape Peninsula University of Technology, and Durban University of Technology;
• and
• taking a short course in Adobe Creative Suite, web design, or UX/UI design from providers such as the likes of Red & Yellow, Friends of Design, or online platforms like Coursera and Udemy.

Remember, however, that a strong portfolio often matters more than the qualification – because it showcases your ability and creativity to potential employers and/or clients.

Designers should be proficient in several key tools, which include the likes of:

• Adobe Creative Cloud, which encompasses Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, After Effects, and XD;
• Figma or Sketch, which both facilitate UX/UI and web design work;
• Canva, which aids quick, templated-related design work;
• CorelDRAW, which is used from time to time in signage and for print jobs;
• Procreate, a common tool used by illustrators working on iPads;
• and
• Blender or Cinema4D, which is great for 3D design and animation projects.

Salaries vary based on experience, location, and specialisation. However, approximate monthly earnings (as of 2025) are the following:

Note: designers in Cape Town and Johannesburg often earn more due to demand and the higher cost of living in these bigger cities. Read more, here.

Job opportunities are available across a range of different platforms. These include:

• your favourite job portal;
• freelancing sites, such as Upwork, Fiverr, Freelancer, and DesignCrowd;
• recruitment agencies, such as Ad Talent, Recruit Digital, and Creative Crew;
• company websites, because many corporates and media agencies list their vacancies directly on their own domains;
• and
• networking events and meetups, such as Behance portfolio reviews, design expos, and AIGA SA events.

Spark your graphic design inspiration by watching a selection of the following:

• Helvetica (2007) – a documentary exploring the history and influence of the Helvetica typeface;
• Objectified (2009) – which examines the role of design in everyday objects and the creative process behind them;
• Art & Copy (2009) – a film about the world of advertising, showcasing iconic campaigns and the creative minds behind them;
• Eames: The Architect and the Painter (2011) – a documentary about the influential design duo Charles and Ray Eames;
• Bauhaus: The Face of the 20th Century (1994) – which provides a look at the Bauhaus movement, and its impact on modern design;
• Exit Through the Gift Shop (2010) – a documentary exploring the world of street art, and the blurred lines between art and commerce;
• Finding Vivian Maier (2013) – about the mysterious street photographer Vivian Maier;
• Graphic Means: A History of Graphic Design Production (2017) – a documentary focused on the evolution of graphic design production techniques;
• and
• Abstract: The Art of Design (2017) – a Netflix series that takes viewers into the minds of artists and designers across a range of different and unique disciplines.

Alternatively, check out feature films such as:

• The Grand Budapest Hotel (2014), in which director Wes Anderson's visually stunning film, with meticulous set design and a strong emphasis on storytelling, is told predominantly through striking visual elements;
• Paterson (2016), a film that celebrates the beauty of everyday life and the creative spirit, through the eyes of a bus driver who writes poetry;
• Coco (2017), a Pixar film that explores themes of family, memory, and the power of art through vibrant visuals and music;
• Hugo (2011), a visually rich film that blends historical elements with fantasy, offering a unique perspective on storytelling and design;
• and
• The Grandmaster (2013), a visually striking film that showcases the beauty of martial arts choreography and storytelling, through cinematic visuals.

These films offer a wide range of perspectives on design, creativity, and visual storytelling – providing significant inspiration, over time, for your graphic design journey.

Graphic designers are in demand across many economic sectors and their industries, including the following:

• advertising and marketing – companies such as e.g. Joe Public;
• publishing and media – companies such as e.g. Pan Macmillan;
• e-commerce and retail – companies such as e.g. Takealot;
• education and e-learning – companies such as e.g. GetSmarter;
• financial services and insurance – companies such as e.g. Old Mutual;
• NGOs and government departments – companies such as e.g. Gift of the Givers Foundation;
• technology and software firms – companies such as e.g. Clutch;
• ">entertainment and events – companies such as e.g. Big Concerts;
• and
• packaging and manufacturing – companies such as e.g. Nampak.

For interest, see also marketing jobs, public relations jobs, and photographer jobs.

Yes, for sure. The rise of remote work and digital communication has boosted freelance opportunities. South African designers frequently serve both local and international clients, on a remote basis. Freelancing suits many designers, as it offers flexibility and can be highly lucrative – especially when they specialise in high-demand areas, such as logo and brand identity design; web and app UI design; social media content creation; and explainer videos and motion graphics. However, it also comes with challenges that include an inconsistent income stream, the need to constantly self-market, and managing clients who are not always reasonable about their expectations.

Success in this field requires a mix of:

• creative talent and originality;
• strong technical skills in the use of design tools;
• a professional and up-to-date portfolio;
• an understanding of local markets and trends;
• enviable communication and presentation abilities;
• great time management and the ability to meet deadlines;
• and
• adaptability across both digital and print mediums.

Those who consistently upskill, stay current with the latest trends, and network effectively, tend to build successful design careers.

Six common challenges include:

• competition for jobs, especially at entry-level;
• clients undervaluing design work, and wanting more work for less compensation;
• scope creep in freelance projects (i.e. the requirement of working extra time without additional pay);
• late or non-payment from particular clients;
• limited opportunities in rural areas;
• and
• the need to constantly keep up with the rapidly changing technological world.

To overcome these challenges, many designers join professional networks, draw up cutting-edge contracts, and continuously refine their business and creative skills so that their clients are too impressed to nit-pick over rates and hourly wages.

You absolutely can! Many successful designers are self-taught, leveraging the likes of:

• online tutorials (e.g. via Udemy and YouTube, Skillshare, and Coursera);
• free or affordable software (e.g. via Canva, and GIMP);
• community feedback on platforms (such as Behance and Dribbble);
• and
• open-source projects that aid the building of experience.

The key is consistent learning and practice, because a polished portfolio and real-world experience often outweigh any formal, and rather theoretical, qualifications.

Trends influencing the local graphic design scene range from bold, Afrocentric aesthetics with local cultural motifs, sustainability-themed packaging designs, and motion graphics for social media and advertising, as well as UX/UI design for mobile-first websites and apps, remote work and international freelancing, together with AI-assisted design tools – such as Adobe Firefly and Canva AI.

What’s coming through in award-winning work right now is that clients are increasingly seeking designs that reflect South African identity, diversity, and innovation.

A brand that’s stood out in recent years, as regards their ability to merge South African design with hot, hot flavour, is Nando’s. Find out more about their winning recipe, here.

Always remember that your portfolio is your greatest asset. Five tips to build a great one are laid out below:

• include diverse projects: logos, social media, packaging, and layouts;
• showcase real and mock work: offer free designs to NGOs, or build fictitious brands to showcase your creative clout;
• use a wide range of platforms, such as Behance, Dribbble, or your own website;
• explain your design process: from brief, and concept, to execution, and outcome;
• and
• tailor it to the type of job or client you most desire.

Working at a top-tier agency can boost your career. Notable agencies include:

• Grid Worldwide – https://www.gridworldwide.com/;
• Accenture Song – https://www.accenture.com/us-en/about/accenture-song-index;
• Ogilvy South Africa – https://www.ogilvy.co.za/;
• Joe Public – https://www.joepublic.com/;
• VML South Africa – https://www.vml.com/south-africa;
• YW Capital – https://ywcap.co.za/;
• Nicework – https://www.nicework.in/;
• and
• Studio Muti – https://studiomuti.co.za/.

These agencies often work with top brands, and are able to offer the most desirable internships or graduate programmes in the industry.

Yes, they certainly are. Internships provide everything from real-world experience, mentorship and feedback, and portfolio-worthy projects, to networking opportunities and a foot in the door at top agencies/companies.

Many South African design schools include internships as part of the curriculum, and students are encouraged to take them seriously – as they often lead to top-notch full-time employment.

Several graphic design internships in South Africa stand out for their potential to offer valuable experience, and a strong foundation for a career in the field. Consider options such as that offered by Greenpop, a dynamic environmental NGO, and Tool Watch Co, which focuses on extremely high-end product design.

A common path is three to four years, in which you first gain a diploma or degree (two to three years of study, full or part time); and complete a few additional short courses, perhaps in the use of certain popular software of graphic designers, or a specific design method (six month to a year).

Thereafter, it’s time to do some freelance practice, in which you begin taking on small jobs and testing the waters as a freelancer or sole trader. Before long, you’ll be ready to decide if the flexibility of working for yourself suits you well, or whether you’d prefer a full-time job with a secure salary and perks, in the corporate world or at an agency.

Go easy on yourself, though: becoming highly skilled at graphic design takes many years of practice, feedback, and refinement.

There are many excellent options available to you, from universities and design schools, to online courses and colleges. A few prominent institutions include the University of Johannesburg (consider the BA Honours in Graphic Design); the Cape Peninsula University of Technology (consider a Diploma in Visual Communication Design); the Vega School of Brand Leadership (consider a BCom in Digital Marketing degree); and Inscape Education Group (Bachelor of Design Specialising in Graphic Design).

Additionally, institutions such as Oakfields College, CityVarsity, and Academy of Digital Arts also provide specialised graphic design programmes.

According to New Perspective Studio, the cost of studying graphic design can vary greatly depending on where you study, from a long-established university offering degrees in the subject up to Masters level, to an independent tertiary institution focused on short-term diplomas – but with much smaller class sizes.

A good idea of costs ranges from R33k to R53k per annum at a university; and R81k to R120k per year at an independent tertiary institutions; to R33k to R39k per annum at a university of technology or college.

To be eligible, you generally need to have taken a range of high-school subjects that include art, computer studies, business studies or environmental management systems (EMS), and physical science. Mathematics and English are, however, compulsory for those entering the graphic design field.

Yes, four key organisations have been created to support designers in their work. These are the Icograda-affiliated International Council of Design (with some local affiliations); the SABS Design Institute; the Creative Circle; and Graphic Design South Africa (GDSA).

These bodies help with networking, ethics, industry standards, and professional development in either an informal or a formal manner.

Be sure to set out clear guidelines in a contract for each project you take on, especially as regards rates, how many revisions you are prepared to do, and whether a deposit is payable before you get going.

Investigate the use of invoicing and project management tools to streamline your accounting and project work; and be sure to promote yourself regularly on social media and various freelance platforms (where it is also possible that you can load your CV, a portfolio of previous work, and more).

Graphic designers that go far in a freelance capacity tend to offer excellent client service, prefer to build long-term relationships rather than taking on a series of short-term gigs; and upskill on a regular basis so that they can specialise in graphic design aspects such as packaging, billboards, lengthy book or other documents, or short punchy interactive adverts.

According to Superside, the world’s top five graphic designers are:

• Jessica Walsh, of &Walsh, who is known for her fearless use of colour and a cutting-edge, surrealist aesthetic, as well as her activism and support of women and non-binary people in design;
• Jon Contino, a New York-based contemporary graphic designer with a unique style that combines historical design aesthetics, street art and hand-drawn lettering;
• Timothy Goodman, who combines typography with illustration in a vibrant style reminiscent of Keith Haring’s Pop Art masterpieces of the 1980s;
• Camille Anne Ferreol, whose ability to use her design skills to create warm, accessible yet modern brand identities has made her one of the top young and rising designers to watch;
• and
• Mike Perry, an Emmy Award-winning graphic designer, illustrator, and animator, known for his playful use of colour, and love for a brad combination of patterns, types and typography choices.

From an historic perspective, artist Antoni Gaudi is believed to have significantly influenced the field of graphic design – as a result of his architectural style that was deeply rooted in nature, and chracterised by flowing lines, organic forms, and an innovative use of materials. Go to www.gaudidesigner.com to find out more.

The table below indicates the key differences:

Because UX/UI design is more technical and interactive, it usually commands higher salaries than graphic design.

According to Digital Regenesys, the average UI/UX designer earns R767 380 per annum, versus the average graphic designer who earns just R264 000 per annum.

The outlook is positive but evolving. Demand is expected to rise as regards digital and mobile design, e-commerce branding, multimedia storytelling, UX/UI and web application-related design, and branding in Africa-focused markets. On another note, while automation and AI are expected to impact simpler design tasks in the very near future, designers who combine creativity, technology, and strategy are likely to remain in keen demand.

Graphic design in South Africa offers a rewarding and dynamic career path for those with creative passion, a strong work ethic, and a willingness to adapt. Whether you're aiming to work for a top agency, build your own freelance empire, or contribute to your local community through visual storytelling, the opportunities are vast.

By investing in your skills, keeping your portfolio fresh, and staying connected to both the local and the global design communities, you can carve out a successful and fulfilling design career right here in South Africa.