A bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design: Branding and Identity prepares you for careers focused on helping organizations create a strong, unique voice to share their message and products. Graduates from this program are employed in a variety of fields and positions, with the following among the most popular jobs.
Graphic Designer
Graphic designers are key to communicating ideas and products to an audience through visual design. At every step of the design process, they ensure that visual elements meet the company’s needs and are cohesive down to the smallest details. There are many tools that graphic designers use, both through computer software and by hand.
Other responsibilities include:
- Making revisions based on client or director feedback
- Presenting design concepts
- Designing logos, websites, ad campaigns, and more
- Reviewing designs closely for errors
Brand Identity Designer
Brand identity designers create cohesive brand identities for companies. Design elements often include color palettes, font choices, taglines, and logos. Companies can hire designers for a long-term rebrand, a seasonal change, or a social media campaign. The work these professionals do ensures that companies and their products and services will be recognized and remembered.
Other responsibilities include:
- Working with creative teams
- Creating websites and apps
- Being proficient in design apps like Adobe
- Developing/following a company style guide
Marketing Designer
As a subset of graphic design, marketing designers focus on creating advertising content. They understand both marketing and design principles that help attract customers, increase brand awareness, and drive sales. Advertisements can vary by campaign, business, and medium, so marketing designers often draw on their creativity and versatility to appeal to specific audiences.
Other responsibilities include:
- Collaborating with marketing managers
- Following company brand guidelines
- Creating designs for both physical and digital ad campaigns
- Working with copywriters and other teams
Packaging Designer
A packaging designer balances functionality and creativity to design packaging for companies. Designs should reflect the brand identity of the company and attract its target audience, as well as be made sustainably and functionally. Packaging designers understand the market and their competition, and use this knowledge to create eye-catching, informative, and functional packaging.
Other responsibilities include:
- Collaborating with sales and graphic design teams
- Testing packaging functionality
- Revising designs as necessary
- Using design software, including 3D modeling
Social Media Designer/Specialist
Social media designers are in charge of the social media accounts of their employers. Their job involves creating content that is eye-catching, communicates the brand’s message, and encourages audience engagement. Content can include videos, graphics, photos, text, and more. Another large part of the job is engaging with comments and other audience responses.
Other responsibilities include:
- Adapting designs for multiple platforms and screen sizes
- Monitoring trends and platform updates
- Creating design templates
- Understanding performance metrics and analytics
Art Director
Art directors are creative leaders who are responsible for and guide visual style for a variety of projects, such as movies and television, magazines, and digital media. While they might occasionally create designs themselves, art directors typically oversee the work of other artists and stick to looking at the big picture of a project.
Other responsibilities include:
- Reviewing and approving designs
- Talking with clients to determine the direction of a project
- Brainstorming creative concepts
- Determining which design elements to use
Conclusion
The demand for strong visual communication continues to grow, making graphic design an exciting and versatile career path. A bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design: Branding and Identity equips you with the technical skills, creative thinking, and strategic approach needed to pursue opportunities in branding, marketing, digital media, packaging, and beyond. Whether you dream of working for a creative agency, an established company, or building your own freelance business, this degree can help you turn your passion for design into a meaningful career.
Sources
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Graphic Designers
Adobe: The Complete Guide to Brand Identity Design
IED: Packaging Designer: Who They Are, What They Do and How to Become One
Adobe: Everything You Need to Know about Package Design
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Social Media Specialist
Medium: What is a Social Media Designer?
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Art Directors